Easter in Amalfi – is the best time of the year to be here according to our local Buzzhopper, Dominique Everard – an Australian who’s lived here for twenty years.   The weather, the famous Easter procession– (not to be mistaken for a  Ku Klux Klan gathering) and you must try the traditional Easter cake!   So if you’re head to Amalfi and want to avoid the (many) tourist traps  – all you need to know for eating and drinking is here!

 

 

Dominique Everard

“When Buzzhopper asked me for my favourite places in Amalfi sounded relatively straight forward, but in reality, proved  to be a rather difficult task.  The Amalfi Coast restaurants on the whole cater for tourists not locals, which can mean sloppy pasta, frozen fish, terrible local wine and a clichéd menu unless you are prepared to folk out.  We tend to eat at home, on the terrace  rather than wrestle tourists for a table, so (sorry readers)  it’s taken me quite a while to come up with my top Buzzhopper Amalfi tips…but they’re worth the wait!”

Start your day at Pansa – My local bar and pasticceria,  Pansa, has been serving up coffee and cakes since 1830. It is found snuggled into the side of Cathedral and I admit it to be has to be my most beloved spot.   I confessed to not being pazza for the local restaurants, but this bar can conjure up the most tender feelings in me.  Why?  Firstly because they have lovely white, crisp table clothes on the little tables, there are always fresh flowers and the service is impeccable! Time stands still as the world passes by.  No-one minds me wasting  hours occupying a table reading both the English and Italian newspapers while sipping away at a frothy cappuccinos and nibbling on their delicious biscuits.  Worth trying also are the pasticciottos.  A little pie-like cake filled with custard and wild cherries.  Often in the evening I am back again, usually with a group of family or friends for the  “aperitivo”.   A chilled  glass of prosecco, served with delicious olives, taralli biscuits and toasted almonds.  Just heaven on a warm summer’s evening!

Pasticceria Pansa – Amalfi | Buzzhopper

For a special occasions, we’ll  head to Marina Grande, which is right on the beach in Amalfi.  During the day it is a very smart beach club.  The owners Gianpaolo and Enzo Esposito have created a restaurant which offers creative modern Italian cuisine.  The menu is very seasonal and uses the best local produce. Needless to say also there are the best wines of the region.  It sophisticated, elegant  but with a laid back atmosphere  and  for a super romantic evening listening to the sea lap at shore during your diner you won’t be disappointed.  Of course all this  comes at a price.

Ristorante Marina Grande – Amalfi | Buzzhopper

Another favourite, close to home is the Le Arcate in Atrani.  It is a very casual trattoria on the waterfront.  Bring a light pullover as there is always a cool breeze which comes down through the valley  from Ravello.  The pizza is good and the linguine con scampi is excellent.  They serve a variety of grilled fresh fish with salad.  They also do a nice pasticcotto  for pud.    Not far from your table you will see the local fishermen and hungry cats prowl waiting for the catch. It is reasonably priced and very relaxing.

Le Arcate – Atrani, Amalfi coast | Buzzhopper

For us locals,  a restaurant has to be more than good if it requires getting the car out!  La Carcara, located in the village of Pogerola, which is up the mountain behind Amalfi  offers incredibly delicious local dishes.  Lucia’s  frittura mista, fried fish, squid, prawns and calamari is the best I have ever eaten!  The restaurant offers great food, but if the décor is important, maybe you should give it a miss.  I love the place and I just adore the fact that Lucia is so passionate about food.  The portions are enormous and if you don’t leave a clean plate, Lucia will look so disappointed and ask you if you didn’t like it!  La Carcara is also where the chef of Marina Grande likes to eat out,  so that says it all.

Ristorante La Carcara Di Baldino Rodolfo – | Buzzhopper

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Australian born Dominique has lived in Amalfi for the past 20 years and has taught English in  Italian Schools, organizing tours of London.  Now that her children are grownup she will be offering tours of Naples and the Amalfi Coast combining culture, history and gastronomy. Stayed tuned for more on Buzzhopper_