From perfectly paced tasting menus to pasta that tastes like Praiano itself, these are the dining experiences and travel tips I keep coming back to.
My tiers are personal reflections, not numbered rankings or judgments of a restaurant's objective worth. What matters to me is the interplay of chef identity, extraordinary cooking, hospitality, storytelling, and a sense of place.
Some restaurants are remembered for the food. Others for the view. Un Piano nel Cielo somehow mastered both.
Seven courses, approximately €280 including wine, extraordinary pasta, a deeply personal moment with Chef Leopoldo Elefante, and sunset over the Mediterranean. I left knowing I'd return.
Read the full review and view my photographs →
A tiny pizza, two unforgettable pasta dishes, and a sunset over the Bay of Naples.
Seven courses and a bottle of Campanian Fiano, approximately €430, impeccable service, and whimsical sweets celebrating Naples. An evening I would recommend, even as I save my next splurge for new experiences.
Read the full review and view my photographs →
Beautiful coastal views, wonderful pasta, and a service team whose warmth stayed with me.
A €190 tasting menu, a €20 glass of wine, and approximately €150 in round trip transport from Praiano. The setting and hospitality made this a Bejeweled evening even if the travel cost means I am unlikely to return.
Read the full review and view my photographs →
Three visits. One unforgettable plate of homemade truffle pasta. And a restaurant that made me feel at home in Praiano.
A short, steep walk from my hotel led to spectacular terrace views, warm hospitality, a wonderful chocolate tart, and exceptional value. My pasta, dessert, and glass of wine came to approximately €43.
Read the full review and view my photographs →Naples isn't a city that tries to impress you with polished perfection, and that's part of its charm. It's energetic, chaotic in the best way, and full of history, art, football and food.
My travel take: Spend a day discovering Naples, then use it as a wonderful jumping off point for the Amalfi Coast. If your budget is already stretched by the coast, enjoy the pizza and the city without feeling you need another expensive tasting menu.
For a special splurge in Naples, read my George Restaurant review →
Spectacular views are only part of the experience. Make time to explore the coastline, bring your appetite, and if you are deciding where to stay, I would seriously consider Praiano as your base.
Compared with Positano, Praiano felt calmer, less touristy and more affordable to me, even in peak season. It still made it easy to reach plenty of the Amalfi Coast by bus, but it felt more relaxed and livable at the end of each day.
I stayed at Hotel Il Pino and would happily recommend it. My balcony overlooked the Amalfi Coast, the staff was wonderful, and they could help arrange excursions, which made the whole stay feel even easier.
My travel take: If you want the Amalfi Coast beauty without feeling swallowed by Positano prices and crowds, Praiano is a wonderful compromise. And if you stay at Hotel Il Pino, let the staff help take some of the planning off your plate.