23 Fun Things to Do On The Amalfi Coast for Foodies
Are you looking for unique foodie things to do on the Amalfi Coast? Then this one’s for you!
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is every traveler’s dream.
The dazzling coastline conjures up alluring images of the Mediterranean glittering like a sea of diamonds, oversized lemons hanging from sun-drenched terraces, and tantalizing aromas of fresh seafood and citrus that hang in the air, all backdropped by the ever present azure blue Mediterranean sea.
An Amalfi coast vacation comes with the promise of glorious relaxation.
And while there are a ton of fun things to do on the Amalfi Coast, the real exploration for foodies lies in the region’s diverse cuisine. And when it comes to the Amalfi Coast, food and wine are the highlight of any activity.
From the array of fresh local seafood to earthy wines and delicious street food, each coastal village and town has a food specialty all their own.
So bring your appetite and a sense of adventure because you’re in for a gastronomic journey of a lifetime.
Here are 23 best things to do on the Amalfi Coast — food tours, local Italian foods to try, unique culinary experiences, best restaurants (and one must-visit local joint), and other fun things just for foodies!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
What’s in this Guide: Amalfi Coast for Foodies?
Where is the Amalfi Coast?
Amalfi Coast Food Tours
Wine Tours on the Amalfi Coast
Unique Food Experiences around the Amalfi Coast
Best Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast
Local Amalfi Coast food markets
Cooking classes on the Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast Food Festivals
Regional Amalfi Coast Food Dishes and Wine
Where is the Amalfi Coast?
If you’re wondering where exactly the Amalfi Coast is, it’s the stretch of coastline in southern Italy just south of Naples and the Bay of Naples.
The charming city of Sorrento sits on the southern end of the Bay of Naples looking north to the bustling capital city of the Campania region and Mount Vesuvius, the monstrous towering volcano that defines life in this part of Italy.
From the Sorrentine peninsula south to Salerno is the Amalfi Coast and the towns of Massa Lubrense, Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Atrani, Praiano, Minori, Salerno, and Paestum, with a few more tiny villages in between.
Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast: food tours
When it comes to the Amalfi Coast, things to do for food and wine lovers are never hard to find. Fancy a good Amalfi Coast food tour? Lucky for you, we have five great experiences to choose from!
Sorrento Farm Experience
If you’re in the market for a food tour in Sorrento, you’ll no doubt come across the Sorrento Farm Experience in your research.
On our first trip to the Amalfi Coast, I actually thought there was a real place called Sorrento Farm Experience, but it turns out it’s the ubiquitous name for a popular farm tour you can do in the area.
So we signed right up!
Unfortunately, our first tour was underwhelming. But on our second trip, our tour more than made up for the disappointment of our first.
To this day, this 4-hour culinary experience from Sorrento remains one of the best food tours we’ve ever taken in Italy!
You’ll travel to the Limoneto Storico 1894, a local farm with a long tradition of food production, and enjoy a walk through the olive and citrus groves tasting their top products, including homemade bread, lemonade, and extra virgin olive oil.
Then you’ll visit a pizzeria at the historic center of Schiazzano and try your hand at pizza making, Neapolitan style, followed by a visit to a local cheese factory where you taste provolone cheese — a Campania favorite — with salami and a glass of wine, and learn how special soft cheeses are made.
It’s a window into the secrets behind Campania’s Italian family recipes!
Add in dessert (something lemon-y perhaps?) with espresso, and a limoncello digestivo before returning to your original departure point in Sorrento.
You’ll cover a lot in this lengthy tour, but the time will fly by. It’s fun and interesting — a perfect deep dive into the food traditions of Sorrento and Naples in one afternoon,
An amazing adventure that'll have you hooked, this tour also includes a visit to a local cheese factory.
Olive oil tasting in Sorrento
Unique and exclusive, this Amalfi Coast olive oil tasting tour takes you through fifteen varieties of artisanal olive oils that are infused with everything from truffles and lemon to cinnamon, and more.
The tasting is followed by visits to centuries-old groves.
End your tour on a memorable note by sipping on homemade liqueurs and cream liqueurs, while munching on local delicacies.
As one of the most creative food tours in Amalfi Coast, Italy, it even provides you with insider information on the entire production process.
Wine Tours on the Amalfi Coast
Private Irpinia Wine Tour
If you’re looking for a relaxing tour out in the countryside, then this personalized Amalfi Coast wine tour with an expert sommelier private guide is just what you need.
Start from Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello and make your way to the Irpinia region, known for its prized wine. Or if you’re staying in Sorrento, this same tour can arrange to pick you up and leave from there!
Visit the Antico Castello Winery and the Sertura Vini d'Irpinia.
Stroll through the terraced vineyards and taste six different kinds of wine.
Indulge yourself and discover a new passion for winemaking. It's an experience you’ll cherish for years to come.
Things to Do: unique food experiences
Vesuvius & Vineyard
Vesuvius is undoubtedly one of Italy’s top attractions and a must-see for every tourist visiting the country.
Historic and awe-inspiring, the volcano is also the center of much of ancient Roman life.
The wine produced on the slopes of the volcano contains stories that date back centuries. Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, which translates to "Tears of Christ on Vesuvius" is just one example.
Said to have been born from Jesus Christ’s tears falling at the foot of Vesuvius, this wine and its blends are interesting and flavorful.
While the whites are bright and acidic, the reds are bold and fruity.
To get the full experience, consider taking this guided tour from Sorrento to the Vesuvius National Park.
Hike to the crater and soak in the spectacular view. Visit the local vineyards, eat a light lunch, and sample celebrated wines.
Ristorante Da Adolfo
Via Laurito, 40, 84017 Positano
It’s low-brow and unrefined and hardly one of the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, but this unassuming beach shack in Positano has been a must-visit since 1966 and is still one of the most unique food experiences you’ll have on the Amalfi Coast.
Plus, getting there is half the fun! From Spiaggia Grande in Positano, look for the small boat with the red fish dangling from the short mast, like a fish on a pole.
Hop on board and let it ferry you a few hundred yards around the rocks to the hidden cove and some of the freshest seafood in the region.
Not only is this place a departure from anything you’ll find in Positano, the combination of fresh seafood, a few cocktails and the shimmering afternoon sun on the water will absolutely captivate you — as the legend goes, you’ll be seduced by the Siren song!
Il Giardino di Vigliano
Via Partenope, 40, 80061 Massa Lubrense
If you love everything lemon, Il Giardino di Vigliano is the place for you!
Located in the hills of the Sorrentine peninsula a few km past the city of Sorrento, this amazing property has an agriturismo, a grove of hundreds of lemon trees, and decades of family tradition in making unique and organic lemon food products.
Can you think of a better way to taste the Amalfi Coast?
In addition to supplying the ubiquitous Sorrento lemons to other companies on the island of Capri from which they produce the delicious limoncello liqueur, they also produce their own limoncello and a host of other organic food products at their farm in Massa Lubrense.
From organic jams made from lemons and oranges, limoncello cream, mozzarella and fresh lemon cheeses, and Penisola Sorrentina, PDO extra virgin olive oil with Sorrento IGP lemons — the experience is one you’ll never forget.
You can schedule a guided tour of their citrus grove which includes a demonstration of how they make their Limoncello Sorrentino.
At the end of each tour, you’ll enjoy a small tasting of freshly picked lemons and oranges and some of their other typical products.
Best Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast
https://www.italyfoodies.com/blog/best-cities-in-italy-for-food
Don Alfonso 1890
Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, Corso Sant'Agata, 11/13, 80061, Massa Lubrense
One of the very best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast is tucked inland from one of Italy’s best food cities in the region. Just a short car ride uphill from Sorrento, Don Alfonso 1890 is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Inside, the restaurant’s soothing shades of pale lilac and pink pop with accents of orange and yellow, and set the tone for what’s to come from the kitchen which highlights the Mediterranean even more.
The food here is an innovative take on traditional flavors. Some must-tries include the duck breast accented with hints of cinnamon, smoked Mediterranean yellowtail, and deep-fried lobster in a sweet and sour sauce.
Awarded two Michelin stars and a green star for sustainability, this is a stop you have to make!
Lo Scoglio
Piazza Delle Sirene, 15, 80061 Massa Lubrense
Founded in 1958 in the seaside village of Marina del Cantone, Lo Scoglio is an ode to the sea.
The menu at this renowned family-owned restaurant offers local Campanian cuisine made with produce from the sea and is very conscious and sustainable.
It's no wonder that it's also a famous celebrity haunt. Even Stanley Tucci couldn’t get enough!
Start with some platters of vegetables (you heard that right!) followed by more platters of seafood, an ideal way to go.
Then order the eggplant balls in tomato sauce and delicate sea urchins which are sure to take your meal to the next level.
For families near and far, this is the best weekend spot and you’ll almost always find it full of people. Be sure to plan a pitstop here.
Le Trabe
Via Capo di Fiume, 4, 84047 Capaccio, Paestum
This restaurant is a bit outside the Amalfi Coast tourist path, but foodies are in for an amazing experience if they make the trip.
Located at Paestum, the Michelin one-star Le Trabe prides itself on sustainable consumption and holds a green star for the same. Their clever innovation on traditional local foods makes Le Trabe a one-of-a-kind food experience.
You have to sample the basil sauce and buffalo mozzarella ice cream, a creative take on local flavors found on its extensive tasting menu.
There’s even a separate kids menu if you’re traveling with the family.
Donna Rosa
Via Gradoni, 97/99, 84017 Montepertuso
Arguably one of the best places for dinner on the Amalfi Coast, this restaurant in the hills above Positano is a tourist favorite.
Don't forget to book a table in advance because it's always popular.
Expect a variety of seafood and southern Italian dishes - sea bass and truffle pasta, mussels, Tagliolini, and more.
Even restaurateur Jamie Oliver gives these his nod of approval!
With food that's simply to die for and an intimate setting for dining with loved ones, this is a true example of the many delicious wonders of the coast.
La Tagliata
Via Tagliata, 32B, 84017 Positano
Spread over three terraces overlooking luscious vegetable gardens, the first striking detail about La Tagliata is its unbelievable view over Positano and the Mediterranean beyond — all you see around you is blue!
On arrival, guests are served welcome drinks and hors d'oeuvres as you take in the panoramic view of Positano.
Following this, you’re led up to the second terrace where you can dine outdoors.
The third terrace leads to a spectacular cellar and has options for both indoor and outdoor seating. On select days, live music is also a part of the fun.
The food here is completely organic and homemade, with a display of amazing produce.
It’s also easy on the wallet.
Must-tries include fresh pasta, hearty desserts, and bruschetta.
Amalfi Coast food markets
Amalfi Street Market
The Amalfi Street Market is a great example of the vibrant local markets in the Amalfi Coast.
Held every Wednesday morning at the port, this informal street market showcases colorful produce, clothing, and household items. You’ll find everything from olives and cheeses to crockery, cutlery, and slippers!
Tourists are a welcome sight and the blend of locals and tourists are what makes this place a mini melting pot in itself.
We highly recommend an enjoyable stroll while you take in the heady aromas of local lemons, produce, and street food available.
La Pignasecca
One of the oldest food markets in Naples, La Pignasecca is filled with colorful displays of fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables.
From fries and sweets to accessories and CDs, the bustling Spanish Quarters area is a delightful local meeting place and tourist site.
Along with exploring regional dishes and swanky little items, you will also enjoy taking a walk through the little streets flanked by stalls and visiting the pristine churches nearby.
A visit here is one of the most fun a foodie can have in Napoli!
Cooking classes on the Amalfi Coast
Chez Barone Cooking School
Via Nastro Verde, Via Montecorbo, 15, 80067 Sorrento
How much fun would it be to try a cooking class on the Amalfi Coast! This fun family-run cooking class is located in the beautiful Villa del Barone in Sorrento and specializes in teaching students classic Sorrento and Neapolitan dishes.
Spend a fun evening becoming acquainted with the family’s customs and traditions and then enjoying the crisp coastal air as you walk through their vegetable garden.
You’ll make and eat delicious Ravioli Caprese and Tiramisu.
Wash it down with homemade limoncello, and pick up a few tricks for cooking the "Chez Barone" way. It’s definitely an experience that's worth your while!
Amalfi Coast food festivals
Sagra del Limone
Summer on the Amalfi Coast brings with it celebrations of the coast’s beloved lemon, and the Sagra del Limone, also known as the Lemon Festival, is a highlight of Massa Lubrense and the perfect summertime food festival.
Focused on the oval Massese lemon, "femminiello", the festival guarantees its guests an enticing time trying citrusy dishes, limoncello, and much more.
A lemon-scented walk will take you through quaint street corners filled with delicious street food and snacks waiting to be tasted.
With live music and festivities, you’ll witness the entire population come alive, and how!
Regional Amalfi Coast food dishes and wine
If you haven’t guessed by now, Amalfi Coast food is full of flavor but it’s surprisingly light! You’ll find lots of dishes with varying combinations of fresh seafood and pasta flavored with tangy tomato, citrus, and fresh basil! Here are some popular dishes to try!
Regional Food Dishes
Pesce All'acqua Pazza
Literally called "Fish in Crazy Water", this is a common regional dish that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Featuring a simple preparation of the fresh catch of the day (usually branzino) with tomatoes, olive oil, herbs, and white wine, this simple meal is juicy and tender enough to just melt in your mouth.
The dish's interesting name is most likely derived from its sauce that is created by mixing the herbed tomatoes with the fish water.
It’s a simple peasant fish stew that’s best enjoyed mopped up by slices of fresh baked bread.
Pasta Al Limone
Lemons are at the heart of Amalfi cuisine, which is why this dish is an Amalfi classic.
Made with a mix of lemons, fresh pasta, and seafood, it goes great paired with a light liquor of your choice.
Saucy and filling, you'll find it easily available at any local eatery.
It’s incredibly light and doesn’t weigh you down, leaving ample room for dessert on your perfect day out.
Spaghetti Alle Vongole
Spaghetti with clams is an Italian dish that is available in a number of places in the country but is the most delicious in and around the coast.
Help yourself to a plateful at a local eatery and pair it with white wine.
Ask for vongole verace (local clams) or lupin clams instead of the usual manilla, as these sweeter clams bring a new depth to the flavor profile of the dish.
The quality of the clams speaks for itself and the dish comes together in one bowl of saucy, summery goodness.
Babá Rhum
Babá is a specialty dessert of Campania but it can also be found in other parts of Italy these days. The tempting treat is essentially a soft and sweet sponge soaked in rum.
Its origins lie in India and Persia, and later in France, but you’ll find it everywhere on the Amalfi Coast.
This dessert comes with a topping of whipped cream and is perfect for ending your meal or enjoying it as a quick snack.
Regional Street Foods
Panuozzo
Made with pizza dough and stuffed with eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese, panuozzo is very similar to the everyday sandwich.
It is hearty and delicious, and you can have it on the go or at leisure. Pick from different fillings including the pancetta, prosciutto, champignon mushrooms, and more at the vendor nearest to you.
Cuppetiello Di Pesce
Wonderfully crispy and light calamari, anchovies, and paranza garnished with a spritz of lime make this a quintessential summer snack on the Amalfi Coast.
You can enjoy cuppetiello di Pesce as street food on the beach alongside a glass of beer for the ultimate relaxing coastal experience on your next vacation.
Regional Wines to Try
Falerno del Massico
One of Campania’s most popular wines, the Falerno del Massico is fragrant and has high tannins.
While most of the ancient Falerno wines were white and consumed by the Roman army, nowadays you’ll also find reds made from the Aglianico grape.
Pair it with light seafood, or even heavier meats or cheese board.
Cantina Di Solopaca Falanghina
Cantina Di Solopaca Falanghina is made from the Falanghina, a white grape that produces some of the coast’s most prized wines.
Much like the rest, this wine is dry, zesty, and nutty. You’ll find undertones of honey, peach, and almond in this blend, as well as an aromatic floral feel.
Pair a glass with clams, scallops, or prawns seasoned with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon.
You’re sure to love it!
***
From the historic Amalfi with its picturesque churches and the luxe playgound of Positano, to the cheese, chestnuts, and figs of Salerno, beautiful sights and scrumptious food in Amalfi Coast, Italy are plentiful!
Make sure to visit the historic city centers, walk along narrow streets, and immerse yourself in the happy marriage of food and culture.
A holiday here is unlike any other, and this is one destination that you’ll come back to again and again!