15 traditional must-try foods on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Come with me to explore all the must-try foods on the Amalfi Coast, Italy! No matter where you travel in this country, Italy has a well-earned reputation for having one of the best cuisines in the world, and the Amalfi Coast is no exception.

Famous for its unique lemons, limoncello liqueur, local cheeses, long-standing fishing history, and centuries-old pastry traditions, the Amalfi Coast offers a delicious list of foods, drinks, and dishes you have to try during your travels.

We spent an entire summer exploring the towns along the coast, and tasting local food was a big part of the experience. In this blog post, you’ll find all the must-try foods on the Amalfi Coast with photos, descriptions, and locations where we tried them. Buon appetito!

1. Pasta al limone or Lemon pasta

Welcome to the Amalfi Coast, where it’s all about the “yellow gold” – lemons! They truly have everything lemon, so a lemon pasta comes as no surprise!

The creamy pasta al limone, or lemon pasta, is a must-try dish when visiting this part of Italy. After all, the lemon, specifically the local Sfusato Amalfitano lemon, has been cultivated here for hundreds and hundreds of years.

You will find lemon pasta in almost every single pasta restaurant.

We found this beautiful lemon pasta in Atrani, at Le Palme seaside restaurant. Although the dish is quite simple, it is incredibly rich in flavor with lemon juice, zest, butter, and cream or cheese creating a rich and tangy sauce.

You can’t visit the Amalfi Coast without trying one of the most popular traditional dishes of this region! And, no, it is not too sour! It had the best balance between sweet, salty, and sour. Go for it!

Location: Le Palme

2. Delizia al Limone or Lemon Delight

Did you know that the Amalfi Coast and the whole Sorrentine Peninsula (the peninsula where the Amalfi Coast is located) have their own dessert? Yes, let me introduce you to Delizia al Limone or Lemon Delight!

Delizia al Limone, or Lemon Delight, is a popular Amalfi Coast pastry made with Limoncello-soaked sponge cake and lemon cream. It’s incredibly light and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness and a little zing.

Trying this dessert must be on your Amalfi Coast bucket list!

Delizia al Limone is a staple dessert on many restaurant menus, but I have to mention two famous pastry shops known for this special treat: Pasticceria Sal De Riso in Minori and Pasticceria Pansa in Amalfi Town. They are both renowned, and we loved both of them.

If you are into unique cakes, you must stop by Pasticceria Sal De Riso in Minori. The pastry shop was created by one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs, Salvatore De Riso, who is actually a local and grew up in Minori. The shop is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Location: Pasticceria Sal De Riso – Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi

3. Lemon Sorbet in lemon

Everybody knows about the famous Italian gelatos. However, once you set foot on the Amalfi Coast, it suddenly becomes all about the lemons.

As you know, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its large lemons known as Sfusato Amalfitano — they are the color, the flavor, and the scent of the entire coast.

One of the best ways to enjoy them is by trying the iconic lemon sorbet served inside a real (hollowed-out) Amalfi lemon. You can find them in many stores and gelato shops all across the Amalfi Coast towns.

We tried this iconic sorbet in Amalfi Town, the heart of the Amalfi Coast. The sorbet was deliciously zesty and flavorful. The taste was perfectly balanced — sweet and citrusy flavors blending together. The perfect refreshment on a hot summer day!

This flavor is the essence of Amalfi! Not a cheap snack (around 7 to 10 EUR), but the experience is definitely worth it!

4. Sorrento’s famous dish – gnocchi alla sorrentina

In case you are staying in Sorrento (which is very likely!), there’s one dish you simply have to try: gnocchi alla sorrentina – Sorrento’s very own pasta dish (if you consider gnocchi pasta, haha!).

Sorrento-style gnocchi is a wonderful comfort dish – light but hearty at the same time. It consists of potato gnocchi (soft, pillowy dumplings), a tomato sauce made with tomatoes from the Sorrentine Peninsula, cheese, and a bit of fresh basil.

It’s a really simple dish – just like typical Mediterranean-style food – and you’ll find it on the menu at almost every Italian restaurant in Sorrento. But it will be harder to find outside Sorrento.

I tried this famous dish at La Cantinaccia del Popolo, an iconic Sorrento restaurant serving a mix of Italian dishes and traditional foods from the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrentine Peninsula.

I absolutely loved it, but the portion was so big, I couldn’t even finish it!

Location: La Cantinaccia del Popolo

5. Cuoppo di Mare

Okay, time for something salty. There are many snacks in Italian cuisine, but there is one snack that rules them all, especially when referring to the Amalfi Coast area, and that is Cuoppo di Mare – one of my favorite foods on the Amalfi Coast!

Cuoppo di mare is an incredibly beloved street food in southern Italy, but it is especially popular in Naples and along the Amalfi Coast. Many fish stores and restaurants sell them along the coastline.

The snack consists of a paper cone (cuoppo) filled with a mix of freshly fried seafood that is lightly battered and fried until golden and crispy.

Listen to me — I am in no shape or form a lover of seafood, but traveling is all about trying and eating new things, so I had to try this cone of local goodness. Honestly, it changed my life, haha!

Ever since that first cuoppo, I have had three more. A regular Cuoppo di Mare consists of deep-fried squid rings, anchovies, baby octopus, fish balls, and bigger chunks of white fish, all fried in a flavorful batter.

Now I know – everything tastes better when it’s deep-fried! If you really don’t like seafood, they normally have combos for meat lovers too! Below, you can find locations where we got our cuoppos, but, as I said, you’ll find them in many towns along the coast.

Location: Pescheria CICA – Cuoppo d’Amalfi – Andrea’S Di Antonella Miccio

6. Sfogliatella Santa Rosa

Sfogliatella Santa Rosa is a traditional local pastry that originated right here on the Amalfi Coast. Today, it is one of the most popular pastries in the area!

Often referred to as the “lobster tail pastry” because of its layered, shell-like appearance, the sfogliatella was first created in the 17th century at the Santa Rosa da Lima Monastery in Conca dei Marini, one of the charming seaside villages along the coast.

You’ll find this pastry in just about every pastry shop across the Amalfi Coast (or at least you should!). I’ve tried it more times than I can count — seriously, I’ve lost track, haha!

There are a few varieties, like the classic sfogliatella riccia (without toppings), or the Santa Rosa version, which is a local specialty here on the Amalfi Coast. It is topped with cream and a cherry — my personal favorite!

Although you can find sfogliatella almost everywhere, one place really stood out: Bar Santa Rosa in Conca dei Marini (the village where the pastry was born!).

There was just something special about theirs — the flavor was more balanced, the filling creamier than any I’ve had before. I’d gladly go back just to have another one of their sfogliatellas!

But, as I said, you can get it everywhere on the Amalfi Coast.

Location: Bar Santa Rosa

7. Scialatielli and Scialatielli ai frutti di mare

Okay, as you know, there are many different pasta dishes in Italy. And then there are also many different types of pastas (like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli). And the Amalfi Coast has its own type of pasta – Scialatielli! And you have to try it!

I know, don’t even try to pronounce that name, just point in the menu for your waiter!

Scialatielli pasta is one of the must-try foods on the Amalfi Coast. It is a short, thick, hand-cut pasta (think: very fat spaghetti) that originated in the town of Amalfi.

You will find this “very fat spaghetti” very often on restaurant menus on the Amalfi Coast. As it is with many types of pasta, you can eat it in different ways – with meat, seafood, vegetables, etc.

Also, you’ll find this pasta in basically every souvenir shop and gourmet shop across the towns on the Amalfi Coast. And I could not resist – I bought a package to take home and cooked homemade meals with lemon scialatielli pasta.

We also tried many types of scialatielli dishes at restaurants (like beef ragu Scialatielli), but with Amalfi being a former maritime republic, you have to try it with seafood.

And here it is, the one special Amalfi Coast pasta dish – Scialatielli ai frutti di mare.

Scialatielli ai frutti di mare is one of the most iconic foods on the Amalfi Coast. Frutti di mare means “fruit of the sea,” so this pasta comes with a mix of seafood like shrimp, calamari, mussels, and more. I’m no fan of seafood, but I had to try it, and it turned out to be quite nice!

The pasta had a good bite, the sauce was flavorful, and the seafood was seafood. I did leave a few of the creatures untouched though, haha! If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll like it for sure. If not, then better look at other scialatielli pasta dishes on the menu!

8. Limoncello, the famous lemon liqueur

Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur, especially famous along the Amalfi Coast and the whole peninsula. If there is one thing you must taste while traveling along the coast, then limoncello is definitely high up on the list!

Limoncello was created by the monks who used it for medicinal purposes, but later people started making it at home (and still do!), and mostly used it to help with digestion after meals.

You might notice that some of the restaurants across the peninsula will serve it to you after your meal (right before paying). I am not into strong drinks, but I had to try it. Luckily, you’re not meant to drink a lot – only a small shot!

Did it help with my digestion? I have no idea, haha!

Wherever you travel in this part of Italy, you will see bottles of limoncello EVERYWHERE. And I really mean it. It is one of the most popular souvenirs to bring home from your travels along the Amalfi Coast. Luckily, they sell small bottles that fit into hand luggage as well!

We decided to take it to the next level and came to visit a small limoncello factory right in the heart of Amalfi town. I was really interested to find out how the limoncello was made, especially the traditional way of making it.

If you are wondering the same, the best place to go for anything related to limoncello is the Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi shop and factory in Amalfi town.

It is a small, family-run limoncello factory and shop where you can join guided limoncello tours (this is the exact one we did!) and find out everything about this iconic drink.

We got to see how it was made, how the lemons were peeled, how they marinated in massive glass jars for two weeks, and we got to taste different kinds of liqueur — including mango, strawberry, and even pistachio!

They also sell everything made from lemons: soap, cosmetics, sweets, and more. Their factory shop is a little paradise for anyone looking to buy a local souvenir to bring home. They even gave us the traditional limoncello recipe, haha!

We ended up buying small limoncello bottles for our family back home. You only need to drink a tiny amount, so it’ll last a while. I absolutely loved this tour — it was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town!

Location: Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi – Guided tour with limoncello tasting (the one we did)

9. Limoncello Spritz

Move over, Aperol Spritz, here on the Amalfi Coast, it’s all about Limoncello Spritz!

I ordered a limoncello spritz drink when we were having lunch at Le Arcate seaside restaurant in Atrani (look at that view!), and quickly fell in love!

Limoncello Spritz is the perfect daytime cocktail, and it tastes like having an Italian summer in a glass. The cocktail is light and citrusy, combining the zesty sweetness of limoncello, bubbly Prosecco, a bit of soda water, ice, and a slice of lemon.

I can’t think of a more perfect drink to have while touring the Amalfi Coast! I liked it very much!

10. Granita al Limone or Lemon Granita

Rumor has it you’re probably visiting the Amalfi Coast during the sunny season. It’s probably quite hot, you’re likely a bit tired, maybe even jet-lagged. I get it. But the Amalfi Coast has the perfect cure for all of that: lemon granita.

Who knew that lemon juice, sugar, and water could work wonders?

It must be those special Sfusato Amalfitano lemons, because it’s true — this refreshing, icy, slushy dessert is the perfect remedy for travel-related troubles like heat, fatigue, or jet lag.

Lemon granita actually originated in Sicily, but thanks to the Amalfi Coast’s abundance of the famous Sfusato Amalfitano lemons (known for their intense aroma and flavorful juice), it has long become a part of the region’s culinary identity.

You’ll find this delicious slushie in bars, cafés, beach clubs, and even street carts along the roads of the Amalfi Coast.

I had my favorite lemon granitas at Café Mirante in the village of Praiano (they’re actually known for their amazing granitas), and also at a home café we stumbled upon along the Path of the Lemons hike. One of the local lemon farms had opened its own little café, so cool!

Location: Cafe Mirante – Agricola Ruocco’s – Sentiero dei Limoni

11. Neapolitan pizza with local cheeses

Everybody knows that the Neapolitan pizzas are the most famous pizzas in the world, right? After all, pizzas were born right here, in Naples, Italy.

This means that trying different Neapolitan pizzas while visiting this part of Italy is a must. However, every locality in Italy adds its own twist to pizzas, including the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

The Sorrentine Peninsula, where the Amalfi Coast is located, is known to produce different local ingredients. One of the most well-known products is Provolone del Monaco cheese, which comes from a village in the mountains of the Sorrento Peninsula.

If you are looking for a local variation of the Neapolitan pizza while visiting the Amalfi Coast, just check the ingredients. We saw pizzas with this provolone cheese many times during our travels along the coast.

Another popular cheese to try when visiting this part of Italy is mozzarella di bufala cheese, often called “the queen of Mediterranean cuisine”.

The unique cheese is made of fresh, whole milk from Italian Mediterranean buffalo. We actually saw them grazing not too far from Salerno during our trip to the Paestum archaeological site! They use this cheese on pizzas, inside sandwiches, and even in salads!

12. Ndunderi, the unique pasta dish from Minori

You have probably heard about the mesmerizing coastal village of Minori. Yes, the one where you walk the popular Path of the Lemons. But did you also know that Minori is often referred to as the City of Taste?

That’s for a good reason. This little village has its own traditional pasta dish called “ndunderi”. With its origins dating back to ancient Roman times, it is considered one of the oldest types of pasta in Italy. Definitely one of the must-try foods on the Amalfi Coast!

If you know gnocchi, then you’ll have an idea what ndunderi is because ndunderi is basically gnocchi but made of ricotta cheese (not potatoes like gnocchi). Ndunderi are also rolled into small and oval shapes, similar to gnocchi.

Ndunderi in Minori is typically served with tomato sauce and local cherry tomatoes. They are like soft, creamy dumplings. If you crave something vegetarian, simple, and light, then ndunderi is a great option!

We tried this dish when we were visiting Minori and actually quite enjoyed it! Although Ndunderi is often associated with both sister towns, Minori and Maiori, it originated in Minori.

However, you are very likely to find it on the menu in both towns. I saw this dish in Ristorante Giardiniello in Minori and in Ristorante Pineta 1903 in Maiori. Both are great places worth checking out!

13. Sospiri al Limone di Maiori

But, hey, Maiori also has something of their own!

Sospiri al Limone di Maiori translates as Lemon Sighs of Maiori are small spongy pastries filled with tangy lemon cream and covered with a rich, sweet glaze of icing sugar.

These unique lemon pastries come from this town and are a must-try food when visiting Maiori!

You can find these iconic pastries at Pasticceria Trieste, a small historic pastry shop that dates back to the 1950s. Sospiri are beloved local treats here in Maiori — and of course, they’re made with the famous Amalfi lemons.

Trying this iconic pastry is one of the top things to do in Maiori. We visited this tiny pastry shop in the morning, but they didn’t have the sospiri yet, so we came back later and luckily got a couple for takeaway. Definitely try your luck if you’re in the town!

We then went to Palazzo Mezzacapo Gardens, sat down on a bench, and tried the sospiri. I love how these pastries have a perfect balance of sweet and sour. They are moist, rich in flavor, and I really enjoyed them!

Location: Pasticceria Trieste

14. Colatura di Alici and anchovies in Cetara

Colatura di Alici is the pride and joy of Cetara, a small fishing village on the Amalfi Coast. The locals here have been making this anchovy-based fish sauce for centuries, which is a tradition that continues to this day.

The recipe dates back to the Middle Ages and is believed to have originated with the monks who lived along the Amalfi Coast. It’s closely related to garum, the ancient Roman fermented fish sauce.

Today, you can find Colatura di Alici in many gourmet shops around Cetara. Or, like we did, you can stop by a local pasta restaurant and order a traditional dish made with Colatura di Alici sauce.

I’m not sure if it was meant to be that way, but for us, the pasta was very salty.

However, Cetara is all about anchovies! Beyond the salty (and rather pricey) Colatura di Alici, you can find a variety of anchovy-based products, and local restaurants offer plenty of dishes featuring this popular fish.

For us, anchovy bruschetta, lightly battered fried anchovies, and pasta with pesto made from Colatura di Alici were more than enough to fully immerse ourselves in the local culinary traditions. If you love fish, don’t skip Cetara during your travels!

15. Pasticciotto atranese, local pastry in Atrani

Pasticciotto is a pastry that is traditionally associated with another region in Southern Italy – Puglia – however, when we were visiting the charming Atrani, a local convinced me that they have their own version here, and it is considered their very own traditional pastry in Atrani.

Wherever you travel, trying local food is a must, so I knew I had to try this unique pastry!

Probably the best place to go to get a pasticciotto in Atrani is Caffè Vittoria, right in the main square. They open early, and we were more than happy to go there for our breakfast coffee, juice, and, of course, these pastries.

Pasticciotto atranese is a shortcrust pastry richly filled with Amalfi lemon cream and sour cherry filling. However, besides the traditional version, there are other variations available, like pistachio or chocolate filling.

We could not resist and got two cappuccinos and 3 or 4 different Pasticciotto atranese pastries. If you ask me, the traditional pastry with lemon cream and sour cherries is the best of all! I liked it more than I thought I would! I thought it might be dry, but it definitely wasn’t!

Location: Caffè Vittoria