BEST DINING PLACE IN ITALY IN SUMMER 2024
Yacht Itineraries
Italy boasts a wealth of incredible dining experiences, but the perfect spot for you this summer depends on the kind of magic you seek. Do you dream of breathtaking ocean views and the freshest seafood? Perhaps a touch of romance under the Italian sky is your desire? Or maybe a taste of tradition or an unforgettable al fresco meal is calling your name.
Whichever culinary adventure you crave, Italy has something special waiting for you. Here are a few highly-rated options, each offering a unique taste of summer in Italy. It was truly very difficult to make a selection, but we have decided to give you only the essence of the top places most appreciated by our customers.
Buon appetito! A Culinary Cruise Through Italy's Coastline
Your yachting holiday along the stunning Italian coastline deserves a culinary adventure to match. From Michelin-starred marvels to hidden gems, here's a taste of the best restaurants to tantalize your palate as you set sail.
LIGURIA
La Terrazza - Portofino
Puny - Portofino
Puny in Portofino is a beloved restaurant that has been a staple in this picturesque harbor town for decades. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and traditional Ligurian cuisine, Puny offers a truly authentic dining experience. The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, all prepared with the freshest local ingredients.
Curiosity: Puny is renowned for its simple yet delicious dishes like the famous "Trenette al Pesto" and "Insalata di Polpo" (octopus salad). The restaurant's terrace provides stunning views of the harbor, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxing meal with friends. Over the years, Puny has attracted a host of celebrities, including the likes of George Clooney and Madonna, further cementing its status as a must-visit dining destination in Portofino.
Miky - Monterosso
Miky in Monterosso is a family-run restaurant that has been serving authentic Ligurian cuisine for over 45 years. The menu features fresh seafood and regional specialties, prepared with love and tradition.
Curiosity: The restaurant's wine cellar is housed in an old WWII bunker, adding a touch of history to your dining experience.
TUSCANY
Pinchiorri - Florence
Located in the heart of Florence, Enoteca Pinchiorri is a renowned Michelin three-star restaurant. Known for its elegant ambiance and innovative cuisine, it offers an unforgettable dining experience with a focus on exquisite wine pairings. The dining rooms are small, cozy, romantic, and meticulously maintained, providing an intimate and charming atmosphere.
Curiosity: They also have a renowned and evocative wine cellar with an extensive collection of fine wines. As an extra experience before dinner, guests can enjoy an aperitif with Champagne and appetizers from the Chef, guided by a Sommelier. This unique experience includes a tour of the wine cellar, where the Sommelier shares stories and anecdotes about the wines and the restaurant, enriching the overall dining experience.
Lorenzo- Forte dei Marmi
(credits to LIDO VANNUCCHI for the picture above)
Lorenzo in Forte dei Marmi is a celebrated culinary destination, famed for its sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional seafood dishes. The restaurant combines tradition with creativity, offering a truly refined gastronomic journey. Lorenzo has been awarded one Michelin star.
Curiosity: Lorenzo's chef, Lorenzo Viani, is known for his dedication to sourcing the freshest seafood daily, often visiting local fish markets himself.
Il Pellicano - Porto Ercole
Il Pellicano offers a breathtaking view of the Tuscan coast from its cliffside location in Porto Ercole. The one star Michelin restaurant is renowned for its sophisticated menu, which highlights the finest local ingredients and culinary expertise.
Curiosity: Il Pellicano's glamorous history includes hosting celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Charlie Chaplin.
LAZIO
Acqua Pazza - Ponza
Acqua Pazza in Ponza is acclaimed for its signature dish, Acqua Pazza - a light and flavorful broth simmered with the freshest local fish. Dine on the waterfront terrace and soak in the stunning island scenery as you savor this cherished Ponza tradition.
Curiosity: The restaurant’s name and signature dish, "Acqua Pazza" (Crazy Water), reflect a traditional cooking method used by local fishermen to prepare their catch right on their boats.
CAMPANIA
Quattro Passi - Nerano
Set on the Amalfi Coast, Quattro Passi in Nerano is known for its picturesque seaside views and impeccable cuisine. The Michelin three-star restaurant specializes in seafood and regional dishes, presented with a creative flair.
Curiosity: The restaurant's name, "Quattro Passi" (Four Steps), refers to its proximity to the famous Path of the Gods hiking trail.
Lo Scoglio - Positano
Lo Scoglio, located in the enchanting Positano, is a hidden gem celebrated for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood and authentic Italian flavors. The serene seaside setting adds to the restaurant's allure.
Curiosity: Lo Scoglio's vegetables come from the owners' family garden, ensuring the freshest ingredients.
Villa Verde - Capri
Villa Verde in Capri is known for its charming ambiance and exceptional food. The restaurant offers a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, set against the backdrop of Capri's natural beauty.
Curiosity: Villa Verde is a favorite among celebrities, with past guests including Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
La Terrazza di Lucullo - Anacapri
Perched on a cliff in Anacapri, La Terrazza di Lucullo provides panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The restaurant offers a sophisticated menu, highlighting the best of Neapolitan cuisine with a modern twist.
Curiosity: The restaurant is named after the Roman general Lucullus, famous for his lavish feasts.
APULIA
Da Tuccino - Polignano
Da Tuccino in Polignano a Mare is a seafood lover's paradise, offering the freshest catch in a stunning coastal setting. The restaurant is renowned for its simplicity and authenticity, focusing on the true flavors of the sea.
Curiosity: The restaurant features a unique dining area carved into the coastal cliff, providing an extraordinary dining experience.
Il Cortiletto - Speziale Fasano
Il Cortiletto in Speziale Fasano offers a charming courtyard dining experience, with a menu that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Puglia. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and delicious, rustic dishes.
Curiosity: The restaurant is set in a traditional Puglian farmhouse, complete with original stone walls and antique furnishings.
Le Stanzie - Supersano
Le Stanzie in Supersano is a unique dining destination, set in a historic masseria (farmhouse). The restaurant offers a true taste of Salento, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Curiosity: Le Stanzie operates in a 17th-century farmhouse that was once a convent, preserving much of its historical charm.
SARDINIA
Fuoco Sacro - San Pantaleo
Fuoco Sacro in San Pantaleo combines breathtaking views with exceptional cuisine. The restaurant offers a menu that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, cooked to perfection over an open flame.
Curiosity: The restaurant's name, "Fuoco Sacro" (Sacred Fire), reflects its dedication to the ancient art of fire-cooking.
Musciora - Alghero
Musciora in Alghero is known for its creative approach to Sardinian cuisine. The restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional dishes, using the finest local ingredients to create a unique and memorable dining experience.
Curiosity: Musciora is located in the historic center of Alghero, allowing guests to dine amidst ancient Catalan architecture.
Luigi Pomata - Cagliari
Luigi Pomata in Cagliari is celebrated for its innovative seafood dishes and contemporary style. The restaurant blends traditional Sardinian flavors with modern culinary techniques, resulting in an unforgettable dining experience.
Curiosity: Chef Luigi Pomata is known as the "King of Tuna" due to his expertise in preparing this versatile fish.
SICILY
Otto Geleng - Taormina
Otto Geleng in Taormina evokes a traditional 'salotto buono'—a refined, familial dining space that channels innate sophistication. The Michelin-starred menu by Executive Chef Roberto Toro is a culinary riff on Mediterranean fare, showcasing creativity at its highest expression.
Curiosity: The exquisite, hand-stitched linens recall the traditional ‘corredo’ of a Sicilian bride, adding a touch of local heritage to the elegant setting.
I Pupi - Bagheria
I Pupi in Bagheria, led by owner-chef Tony Lo Coco, offers an imaginative and personalized take on Sicilian cuisine. The Michelin-starred restaurant prides itself on using the best local ingredients, working with top cheesemakers, fishermen, farmers, and breeders.
Curiosity: Despite its minimalist and modern decor, the restaurant exudes warmth and elegance, largely due to the welcoming presence of Tony's wife, Laura, who manages the dining room.
Don Camillo - Siracusa
Don Camillo in Siracusa blends Sicilian elements with ingredients from elsewhere, creating "new traditions" that characterize Chef Guarneri's work. The restaurant embraces a wide range of ingredients, integrating them with courage and balance to envision new dishes.
Curiosity: The menu at Don Camillo reflects a dynamic interplay of local and international flavors, making it a unique culinary destination in Siracusa.
For any type of reservation or special occasion, you can rely on the concierge service provided by Nautica Assistance to ensure a seamless and unforgettable dining experience.