The Most Beautiful Seafront Restaurants in Italy to Plan a Trip Around
There was a time when food was just part of the holiday.
Now, it is the holiday.
From candlelit dinners overlooking the Amalfi Coast to barefoot lunches on Tuscan beaches, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on what’s on the plate — and the view that comes with it.
According to new insights from Citalia, 42% of travellers now prioritise food and drink when selecting where to go, with fine dining ranking as the most sought-after experience. And it’s easy to see why. Few things connect you to a place quite like its cuisine.
Across Italy’s coastline, restaurants are no longer just places to eat — they’re destinations in their own right.
Here are seven of the most spectacular seafront restaurants in Italy, where the setting is just as unforgettable as the menu — plus exactly where to stay nearby to turn dinner into something far more immersive.
1. La Sponda, Positano — Dining by Candlelight on the Amalfi Coast
Few restaurants capture the romance of the Amalfi Coast quite like La Sponda.
By night, the dining room glows under the light of hundreds of candles, creating an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. On the plate? Elevated Mediterranean classics, including lobster spaghetti sourced from nearby waters.
It’s the kind of place where dinner becomes an experience — best timed with sunset, when the coastline is bathed in golden light.
Stay nearby at Palazzo Murat, right in the heart of Positano, so you can linger long after dessert without thinking about the journey home.
2. Le Dune, Sardinia — Effortless Beachside Dining
On Sardinia’s south coast, Le Dune offers a more relaxed, sun-soaked take on coastal dining.
Here, the focus is simple: fresh seafood, local ingredients, and uninterrupted views across Campana Beach. Think bottarga-topped pasta, grilled fish and long lunches that stretch into late afternoon.
Pair it with a stay at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, where white sand beaches and refined comfort meet.
3. Ristorante Sarri, Liguria — A Celebration of the Catch of the Day
For those who plan their trips around food, Ristorante Sarri is worth the journey.
Led by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Sarri, the menu is shaped daily by what’s freshly caught — from sea bass tartare to delicate seafood crudo finished with Ligurian olive oil.
Stay at Royal Hotel Sanremo and spend your days exploring pastel coastal towns before settling in for a dinner that celebrates the region’s simplicity and flavour.
4. Lo Scoglio, Amalfi Coast — A Legendary Family Favourite
Perched above the sea in Nerano, Lo Scoglio has been serving guests since 1958 — and remains one of the Amalfi Coast’s most beloved dining spots.
Its signature dish, spaghetti alla Nerano, has become iconic, thanks in part to its appearance on Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.
This is best experienced slowly — over a long lunch that turns into early evening.
Stay at Hotel Marincanto for sweeping coastal views and easy access to the region’s highlights.
5. La Pineta, Tuscany — Michelin Dining, Barefoot on the Sand
At La Pineta, the experience is beautifully understated.
You’ll dine with your feet in the sand, but the food is anything but casual. Michelin-starred dishes highlight the best of Tuscan produce — from octopus with plums to seafood pasta brightened with lemon and herbs.
Stay at Augustus Hotel and Resort for a refined coastal retreat that balances beachside ease with quiet luxury.
6. Grotta Palazzese, Puglia — Italy’s Most Dramatic Dining Room
Few restaurants in the world can rival Grotta Palazzese for setting.
Built into a limestone cave above the Adriatic Sea, it’s as theatrical as it is unforgettable. The menu — crafted by chef Martino Ruggieri — showcases the best of southern Italian seafood.
Arrive before sunset for the full effect, then retreat inland to Il Melograno, a peaceful masseria surrounded by olive groves.
7. Da Gemma, Amalfi — A Taste of Tradition
For something more rooted in history, Da Gemma offers a glimpse into Amalfi’s culinary past.
Open since 1872, it serves classic Campanian dishes just steps from the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea. Expect linguine alle vongole, citrus desserts and a warm, timeless atmosphere.
Stay at Hotel Marina Riviera, where sea views and a rooftop pool complete the experience.
Why Food-Led Travel Is Only Getting Bigger
From TikTok’s #dinnerwithaview trend to the rise in searches for Italian food culture, it’s clear that travel is becoming more experiential — and more personal.
It’s no longer just about where you go, but how it feels to be there.
And in Italy, where every meal tells a story, that experience often begins at the table.
So if you’re planning your next escape, you might want to start with a reservation — and build the trip around it.
From recipes to travel tips, Ravish Magazine is your UK lifestyle magazine for living well.
