Located around halfway between Amalfi and Positano, Conca dei Marini is a small village that still remains under the tourist radar. Therefore, it is an ideal base for those wishing to explore the Amalfi Coast at a leisurely pace or to relax at less-crowded beaches and its laid-back fishing village atmosphere. The village stretches out along a small bay, overlooked by the Saracen Tower, a watch tower built in 1563 for defensive purposes.

Conca dei Marini is known for beautiful white houses with flowers and terraced lemon groves. However, the main draw of this village is the Grotta dello Smeraldo or the Emerald Cave, a cave rich with stalactites and stalagmites. When we talk about food, Conca dei Marini is known for Sfogliatella Santa Rosa, a ricotta-filled pastry with candied cherries. Restaurants mostly serve seafood, and classic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and meat dishes. Prices are very reasonable and portions are good enough. Here are the best restaurants in Conca dei Marini:

(This article contains 5 restaurants in Conca dei Marini, which are best in our subjective opinion. The order of the restaurants is not related to the quality they offer. Every restaurant has its pros and cons, so choose the one based on your personal preferences.)

Le Bonta del Capo

Le Bonta del Capo is one of the best (if not the best) restaurants on the Amalfi Coast. It is located off the beaten path and away from the normal tourist stops, quite high up in the mountains. So, it is necessary to go there by car (parking lots there are free of charge) or to call the restaurant as they can offer a free shuttle from nearby hotels.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seats, but we recommend sitting on the outdoor terrace surrounded by verdant lemon groves because of the stunning 180-degree views of mountains and the sea. If you can, try to book a terrace table at sunset, it is one of the most beautiful memories you can get on the Amalfi Coast.

The food is really exceptional and it alone is worth a visit. You can expect delicious authentic Italian food with a long and intimidating menu. We recommend their homemade gnocchi and zucchini along with some seafood specialties like grilled octopus or the seam bream. There are also many vegetarian options and good pizzas as well. For dessert, great options are lemon cake, tiramisu, or homemade ice cream.

You can also get amazing cocktails or wines to complement your meal. Furthermore, all waiters and cooks are warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, accommodating, pay attention to details and their energies are contagious. For all that service and meals, any would expect to pay a fortune. But, this is not the case in Le Bonta del Capo.

Prices on the menu are not only reasonable for Italy, but also better compared to other average restaurants on the Amalfi Coast. Also, Le Bonta del Capo is open all year round, while many restaurants on the coast are open only through the season (April to September). Therefore, you can enjoy fabulous dishes at this restaurant whenever you visit this lovely part of Italy. Keep in mind that reservation is highly advisable, especially during the summer months.

Ristorante Il Refettorio

Ristorante Il Refettorio is a fine-dining Michelin-star restaurant located on the top-floor terrace of Hotel Monastero Santa Rosa. It is a place where you can try the original recipe of sfogliatella pastry, a shell-shaped, cream-filled pastry served every morning, which was created in the 17th century by the Monastero’s original residents, nuns cloaked in traditional white wool and black cap.

Therefore, if you want to try this popular trademark of Conca dei Marini, you should visit this exclusive restaurant in the morning. However, breakfast à la carte is yet another highlight, which offers you anything you might wish for, even out-classing buffet breakfasts served throughout Italy and in other most luxurious hotel brands in the world.

In Ristorante Il Refettorio, you have choices of eating inside their elegant dining room or on their covered terrace. We advise you to book your table ahead of time and ask for the terrace from where you can enjoy an amazing view. The restaurant is a bit pricey but you get what you pay for and it is so worth it. There are both tasting and a la carte menus. The tasting menu includes 7-course degustation and it is on the more expensive side. The food is really top-quality, starting with the various types of bread prepared by the chef, and all based on local products and traditions.

So, whether you want to celebrate an event or just a private romantic dinner, Ristorante Il Refettorio is an ideal place for you. They also serve amazing desserts, among which we recommend warm citrus cake with citrus cream and strawberries. They are so good that it is worth coming here only for desserts. This luxury restaurant is located a bit far from the center of Conca dei Marini, so you can reach it by car or by bus (bus stop Santa Rosa at the bus route from Amalfi to Agerola). Keep in mind that Ristorante Il Refettorio is open seasonally only, typically from April through October.

Calajanara

Calajanara is another great restaurant in Conca dei Marini with a picturesque setting and amazing views. It is located on the cliffside by the road, so you will have to get there by car. But, don’t worry, the restaurant has a free parking lot with enough spots. As soon as you get there, you will see an entrance and a steep staircase that leads down to terrace seats with panoramic sea views and indoor table seats. If you have mobility concerns there is also a lift.

Calajanara is a perfect place for dining as a couple or an evening with friends. It offers Italian classics like pizza, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. However, their incredible pasta and fantastic bread alone make this restaurant a must-visit for food lovers. Prices are a bit high, but still reasonable for Amalfi Coast restaurant. Keep in mind that Calajanara is usually closed during the winter months, with the working season ending around November.

La Piazza da Nino

If you are craving for delicious pizza with fresh toppings and fluffy crust, La Piazza da Nino is the place for you. It is a small, charming, family-owned restaurant located on the main street with a terrace that overlooks the sea. Furthermore, it is conveniently located next to the bus stop, so you won’t need a car to get there. Also, a free shuttle can be arranged to pick you up and drop off after the meal. In this lovely restaurant, all of the food is prepared by Nino and his wife. The pizza selection is great, and they will make you any pizza if they have the ingredients.

If you are not in the mood for pizza, there is also a simple menu with seafood, pasta, and lasagne. Their lasagne is really tasty and we warmly advise you to order it. Prices are quite reasonable, and overall, La Piazza da Nino is a great place for families, friends, and couples for a full stomach and a nice relaxed evening.

Keep in mind that this restaurant does get crowded later in the evening, so make reservations if you arrive after 7:00 PM. Fortunately, this is one of the restaurants that do not close after lunch, so if you come earlier, you can come and eat at your convenience. Also, it is open all year round, so you can enjoy warm hospitality and delicious Italian dishes whenever you are in Conca dei Marini.

Ristorante Risogrimento

Ristorante Risorgimento is a simple second-generation family-run restaurant that aims to give simple food with amazing tastes. It is located in a beautiful little spot tucked away on the beach and next to the sea, so you can expect to have extraordinary views when you eat there. Risorgimento is known as a seafood restaurant with a good choice of fresh fish and pasta dishes. The owner actually goes out fishing in the morning for fresh fish, and you can even watch the fishermen go for a catch while you eat your meal.

Therefore, this pretty restaurant is a perfect choice for those who love shrimps, clams, and mussels. For drink, we advise ordering the house white wine with fresh peaches. There are also a few desserts, among which we advise lemon cake and lemon gelato. If you have children, it is better to visit this place for lunch so they can use the beach whilst you relax and enjoy the views. Keep in mind that there are many stairs to get down to the restaurant, but you can also call the restaurant and get a free taxi by boat to Amalfi and return.

Where to find the best restaurants in Conca dei Marini?

Conca dei Marini is a small village, so you won’t find many restaurants there. However, restaurants in this lovely village are usually family-run, so you can expect high-quality local food with fresh ingredients. Those restaurants are spread across the village, but the distances between them are not too big, so you can actually reach almost all of them by foot.

Restaurants in Conca dei Marini mostly serve seafood and Italian classics like pizza and pasta. Prices are a bit lower than in other towns on the Amalfi Coast, and portions are quite generous. Drinks usually include local wines, prosecco, or some tasty cocktails. Most restaurants also have desserts which include lemon cakes, tiramisu, and ice cream.

Check out more articles about Conca dei Marini:

• Things to do in Conca dei Marini