Amalfi Coast Food & Drink: A Delicious Top 5
The Amalfi Coast, with its jaw-dropping views and sun-kissed towns, that actually offers, too, an incredible treat for your taste buds. You see, the region is known for its amazing seafood, fresh produce, plus, naturally, that very own zest lemon. But that selection can be really tricky if you’re only in town for a few days. So, let me guide you through some food and drinks you simply can’t miss.
1. Sfogliatella: A Shell-Shaped Slice of Heaven
Sfogliatella, that’s a shell-shaped pastry, is just a quintessential Neapolitan treat that you’ll find all over the Amalfi Coast. The name, seemingly, comes from the word “sfoglia,” which refers, in a way, to its flaky, layered dough, that’s pretty similar to those layers you see in phyllo dough. Inside that shell is, surprisingly, a mixture of ricotta cheese, candied citrus, and a hint of vanilla or cinnamon. As a matter of fact, the result? That’s a crispy, slightly chewy pastry with that sweet, creamy filling that is just incredibly satisfying. You should taste sfogliatella for a Neapolitan slice of heaven.
A fun tidbit is that Sfogliatella actually has a couple of different variations. The “riccia” version, so to speak, features that crispy, layered shell. Yet the “frolla” version has this smoother, shortbread-like crust. Both, truly, are delicious, so trying both will give a clearer idea of what you actually prefer. That said, the best time to enjoy that sfogliatella? Apparently, it’s fresh from that oven, when that shell is extra crispy, and that filling is still warm and gooey.
Where to Find It
- Sal De Riso (Minori): A super place to begin your culinary adventure on the Amalfi Coast, serving that famous treat since the 1950s.
- Pasticceria Andrea Pansa (Amalfi): Just in the very heart of Amalfi, this historic pastry shop makes amazing sfogliatella.
2. Limoncello: Sunshine in a Glass
You literally can’t talk about the Amalfi Coast without mentioning Limoncello! That zesty liqueur is a local staple. Plus, it’s a refreshing reminder of those sun-drenched lemon groves that cover the hillsides. Basically, Limoncello is created using lemon zest steeped in alcohol. You may then combine it with water and sugar. That, it’s almost, what gives that drink its bright citrus flavor, followed with this smooth, slightly sweet finish. The best limoncello seems to come from Sorrento lemons. It’s seemingly a protected variety known for that intense aroma and thick skin rich in oils.
People frequently enjoy Limoncello chilled, in these small ceramic glasses, usually after a meal as a digestivo. It’s just believed to aid digestion. It just makes it an amazing ending to that delicious Italian feast. You could actually also use it in cocktails or drizzled over ice cream or fruit salad for that touch of lemon goodness. Very similar to grappa being very Italian and a cultural icon for Italy’s drink culture.
Where to Find It
- Limoncello di Capri: Limoncello di Capri uses only lemons from the island of Capri, it really captures the amazing Amalfi flavors.
- Any local restaurant: I mean, that most restaurants along that coast offer their own homemade Limoncello, so that it’s usually very to sample a few different varieties.
3. Spaghetti alle Vongole: A Taste of the Sea
That’s another dish you can’t miss, that’s Spaghetti alle Vongole, simply means spaghetti with clams. Arguably, that dish is incredibly popular all along the Italian coastline, but it does feel particularly special eaten with a view of that Tyrrhenian Sea. Actually, the dish features spaghetti tossed with fresh clams. It is, very, generally flavored with garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and a sprinkle of parsley. Basically, the key to any incredible Spaghetti alle Vongole is using only those very fresh clams. Plus cooking it just perfectly so they don’t get tough. When cooked with perfection, the clams release this salty, briny liquid. It is rather creating this flavorful sauce that coats that spaghetti.
That super simple preparation highlights that natural flavor of the seafood, that is, indeed, making this light but extremely satisfying dish. I want to say that some versions might actually include white wine, so that adds an extra layer of complexity to the sauce. Yet very simple variations stick to only the fresh, quality ingredients that really shine through. The spaghetti Alle Vongole truly tastes amazing.
Where to Find It
- Ristorante Max (Positano): Ristorante Max is in a super scenic location and has rave reviews for amazing seafood.
- Lo Guarracino (Positano): Another excellent spot in Positano, so you enjoy your spaghetti with views of that Li Galli islands.
4. Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare: A Local Pasta Delight
Moving on from just spaghetti, the coast does offer you scialatielli. So you’re actually up for trying another local pasta, then be sure to seek out Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare. Scialatielli is that thick, handmade pasta, a little bit like linguine, but somewhat shorter and wider. Often, anyway, it’s served with a mix of seafood. It includes mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari in some type of light tomato sauce or just with olive oil and garlic. Arguably, that pasta shape, actually, works really very well for holding onto the seafood and capturing every single bit of that flavor. Very fresh seafood is, naturally, super important to making that dish amazing. Plus authentic Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare.
Most versions include only olive oil, garlic, and parsley. But just a touch of tomato can bring that added richness. A dash of chili flakes can even provide that subtle kick, that goes great along with the seafood. Anyway, a great example is when you get quality pasta with delicious tasty sea flavours.
Where to Find It
- Da Vincenzo (Positano): That’s a family-run place that provides both amazing ambiance, and great dishes.
- Marina Grande restaurants (Amalfi): I mean, a lot of restaurants along the Amalfi waterfront specialize in scialatielli.
5. Delizie al Limone: A Lemon Lover’s Dream
Oh, are you fond of lemon flavor? So, Delizie al Limone just might be your kind of cake. And yes, its lemon-flavored treats. More or less, that’s this sponge cake dome, soaked in Limoncello syrup. To say nothing of that lemon cream filling, covered in a luscious lemon glaze. The Delizie al Limone makes a lemon lovers dream. That cake is light, it’s airy, with that blast of lemon in literally every bite. To be honest, the sweetness balances that acidity just perfectly.
That cake looks particularly beautiful. Apparently, those rounded shapes are just so cute and appealing. Plus the lemon glaze is always vibrant and glistening. To say nothing of, that treats looks like a little sun in pastry form. It definitely captures the vibe on that Amalfi Coast. I guess this super popular dessert often shows up in bakeries, plus restaurants all through the region, so you’ll find Delizie al Limone along the coastline. Plus other Italian lemon dishes are very famous in Italian food culture.
Where to Find It
- Sal De Riso (Minori): Back in Minori again, because their Delizie al Limone is out of this world!
- Pasticceria Andrea Pansa (Amalfi): Always count on them in order to give those pastry masterpieces, this bakery crafts this incredible version.