Where to eat in Sorrento and the surrounding area: the best restaurants

Sorrento is a popular seaside destination, but its cuisine deserves a separate visit. From gnocchi alla sorrentina (sorrento-style pasta) , fresh fish caught in the gulf, vegetables from Vesuvius, and the exquisite DOP buffalo mozzarella from Campania , you can eat well almost everywhere here. In this guide, you'll find the most highly rated restaurants in Sorrento and the surrounding area, selected through verified reviews on TripAdvisor , Google , Gambero Rosso , and the 2026 Michelin Guide.

Each restaurant has its pros and cons, a summary of reviews, and practical advice. From the micro-seasonal nature of Sorrento PGI lemons to the seafood dishes of the dawn season, from a Michelin-starred restaurant to a local trattoria. And if you'd like to chat with the chef, book well in advance: tables are scarce in Sorrento during the summer months.

Don Alfonso 1890 — Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi ★

About 3 km inland from Sorrento, Sant'Agata dei Due Golfi hides one of the temples of Italian cuisine: the Don Alfonso 1890 Restaurant , a Michelin star in the 2026 Guide (the two stars it has earned for years are historic). Chef Ernesto Iaccarino and the Iaccarino family oversee every detail, from the cellar (over 25 bottles) to the service.

The dishes: the asparagus appetizer (the restaurant's signature dish), the black risotto with Caserta eels, and the Don Alfonso-style mixed fried fish. Each course is made with locally sourced ingredients: vegetables from Orta Nova, meats from Avellino, and fish from the Gulf. The wine pairing includes rare labels from Taborum , an ancient Campanian wine recently rediscovered.

Pros: An absolute gastronomic experience, impeccable wine cellar, world-class service. Cons: High-end (tastings from €150 per person without champagne), reservations required months in advance, no traditional à la carte menu (only set menus).

Reviews: TripAdvisor 4,7/5 from over 1.200 reviews. "One of the best dinners of my life," "Deluxe is the best way to describe their style." Some recent reviewers note that the Standard menu (€75, four courses) can be too short for hungry guests; the Luxury menu (€180, eight courses) is the real show. Address: Corso Sant'Agata, 11/13, 80061 Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi (NA). Tel: +39 081 878 0026.

The Hole — Sorrento center ★

In the historic heart of Sorrento, nestled in an 18th-century frescoed cellar, Il Buco is the most photographed restaurant in town—not only for its setting, but also for its cuisine. A Michelin star in the 2026 Guide was awarded to Riccardo Sposito , a Palermo-born chef who reimagines Southern Italian tradition with contemporary techniques.

The dishes: Tagliolini with lemon (after the cult-classic homage to my grandmother), Ravioli with red burrata from Andria and Piennolo cherry tomatoes, and Cacio e pepe revisited with aged pecorino from Puglia. The portions are small, thoughtful, almost sculptural. Please note: the menu changes seasonally.

Pros: Enchanting location (monastic cellar), creative chef, pre-dinner cocktail bar in the alley. Cons: Book weeks in advance, small portions (it's a gourmet experience), noisy atmosphere due to the close proximity of the tables.

Reviews: TripAdvisor 4,5/5, Google 4,6. "The lemon tagliolini alone is worth the trip," "Creative cuisine that respects the land of origin." Price: set menu around €80-90 per person, cover charge included. Address: 2ª rampa Marina Piccola, 5 (Piazza S. Antonino), 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 878 2354. Closed on Wednesdays.

Bosquet Terrace — Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

At the top of the steps in Piazza Tasso , the terrace of the Excelsior Vittoria (a five-star hotel opened in 1881) hosts another culinary temple: the cuisine of Antonino Montefusco , a Michelin star in the 2026 Guide. Three tasting menus of 7 to 10 courses, with prices between €115 and €220 per person, all accompanied by a view that no one can match in any other restaurant in the Mediterranean.

The dishes: Sacro (7 courses, €115) begins with a seafood appetizer and progresses to a meat main course with Aglianico wine sauce; Profano (10 courses, €180) adds raw fish and dessert; Divino is the pinnacle (10 courses + Champagne, €220). Each dish is presented like a small painting. The interior is elegant, while the outdoor dining area is a must-see at sunset.

Pros: Unbeatable views, refined menu, award-winning wine cellar. Cons: High prices, somewhat formal atmosphere for those seeking the warm simplicity of a trattoria, elevated location accessible only on foot or by shuttle from the hotel.

Reviews: Tripadvisor 4,7/5 (580 reviews), TheFork 9,8/10. "Best restaurant in the world" (one reviewer). "The terrace alone is worth the price, but the food is also excellent." Address: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Piazza Tasso, 34, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 877 7111. Open for dinner by reservation, closed for lunch on Mondays.

The Phoenix — Sorrento center

For those seeking a more authentic, traditional experience, La Fenice is a solid choice in the heart of Sorrento. This historic restaurant serves seafood and authentic Neapolitan pizza, with a family atmosphere that has remained intact over the years—despite mixed reviews for its regular summer menu.

Dishes include a mixed antipasto of cured meats and cheeses from Campania, spaghetti with sea urchins, fried stuffed gnocchi, and a Margherita pizza deemed "authentic, thick yet tender." The seafood menu features the signature dish of the day made with fresh ingredients, while the pizza section is also popular with guests of the Hotel Victoria.

Pros: Central and convenient location, generous portions, well-stocked mid-range wine list. Cons: Summer set menu not always up to par, long waits on weekends, some dishes may seem "overdone" for those seeking a home-style experience.

Reviews: Restaurant Guru 4,0/5 (2.557 reviews), TripAdvisor positive on the appetizers and pizza. "The staff is friendly and helpful, the dishes are beautifully presented." Average price: €30-45 per person. Address: Via degli Aranci, 11, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 878 1652.

O'Parrucchiano La Favorita — Sorrento center

Founded in 1868 by Antonino Ercolano, O'Parrucchiano La Favorita is the oldest restaurant in Sorrento, recognized as one of Italy's Historic Establishments: a maze of rooms and verandas among the lemon trees where cannelloni were born , the specialty that alone is worth the visit.

The dishes: baked cannelloni (the original recipe), gnocchi alla sorrentina, fish from the gulf and the great classics of Sorrento cuisine, to be enjoyed in the famous lemon house which lights up in the evening.

Pros: Unique history and atmosphere, lemon garden, solid traditional cuisine. Cons: Very touristy and crowded in high season, medium-high prices for the location.

Reviews: Over 7.000 reviews on TripAdvisor and Travellers' Choice. "The most magical place in Sorrento, the cannelloni are the history of the city." Price: From €35 per person. Address: Corso Italia, 71, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 878 1321 (phone reservations from 9:30 am to 18:00 pm).

'O Canonico 1898 — Piazza Tasso

Overlooking Piazza Tasso since 1898, 'O Canonico is another Sorrento restaurant institution, managed by the Terminiello family and listed as one of the Locali Storici d'Italia (Historic Places of Italy). Refined, yet not gourmet, cuisine is served, with careful attention to food and wine pairings.

The dishes: elegantly revisited Campanian tradition, a well-stocked wine cellar, and the famous "Fridays at the Canonico" themed evenings, much loved by the locals.

Pros: Central location, elegant atmosphere, high-quality food and wine experience. Cons: Medium-high prices (from €55 per person without wine), historic dining room crowded on summer evenings.

Reviews: A must-visit for locals and those seeking the most authentic Sorrento experience; reservations recommended. Address: Piazza Tasso, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 878 3277.

Inn Bufalito — Sorrento center

A hidden corner in the labyrinth of alleys: behind Corso Italia, amidst narrow stairways and windows lined with potted geraniums, Inn Bufalito has in just a few years become a go-to spot for those seeking DOP buffalo mozzarella in all its forms. The philosophy is simple: take an exceptional product and don't ruin it.

The dishes: DOP buffalo mozzarella (forty different types, each season to choose from), pressed shrimp with buffalo cream, buffalo risotto, and parmigiana with buffalo mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes. Homemade bread and artisanal limoncello from the peninsula round out the meal perfectly.

Pros: Total focus on buffalo mozzarella (very rare), intimate and welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, excellent value. Cons: Hard to find without a reservation, noisy atmosphere due to the cramped space, limited menu for those who don't like dairy products.

Reviews: TheFork 9,5/10, Tripadvisor 4,4/5. "Everything was truly exceptional, from the appetizers to the main courses: incredibly fresh ingredients, intense flavors." "A true hidden gem, a breath of fresh air after the tourist traps." Price: €25-40 per person. Address: Vico I Fuoro, 21, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 365 6975.

Zi Ntonio — Sorrento center

The Esposito family, a multi-generational culinary history, and a restaurant that's a walking museum of Campania: wooden tables, barrels, historic photos, and aromas that fill the air from the doorway. Zi Ntonio is the name of the founding chef, now passed on to his sons, but the vision remains: regional cuisine made with respect and quantity.

Dishes: Tagliatelle with venison ragù (a recipe from the Irpinia mountains), ricotta and zucchini flower ravioli, swordfish tartare (freshly prepared), grilled T-bone steak, and eggplant parmigiana, known by many as "the best parmigiana in Naples." The dessert menu includes classic tortacaprese and Romanian baba.

Pros: Generous portions, fair prices for the value, friendly staff eager to explain each dish. Cons: Multiple dining areas inside, sometimes confusing for solo diners, long waits on weekends, even for those with reservations, and some recent reviews report service delays when the restaurant is busy.

Reviews: Tripadvisor 4,5/5 (over 1.100 reviews), Google 4,6. "Generous portions, reasonable prices, super friendly staff." "The fillet is tender and succulent, the angel hair with ragù is perfect." Price: €35-50 per person. Address: Via Luigi de Maio, 11, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 878 1623.

Saracen Tower — Seiano (Vico Equense) ★★

Far from the tourist crowds of the city center, in Seiano, a hamlet of Vico Equense , Gennaro Esposito 's Torre del Saracino is considered one of the absolute temples of Neapolitan cuisine: two Michelin stars and international recognition that extends far beyond the Amalfi Coast. The building is an ancient Saracen tower overlooking the Gulf of Salerno.

Dishes: Seafood salad with bran (typical Campania croquettes), Luciana-style octopus with potatoes and Nocellara olives, local pork ragù with cavatelli, and Tortano Irpino (a savory pie filled with eggs, cured meats, and cheeses) as the main course. The menu is structured into themed menus (fish, meat, garden) with 7 to 9 courses.

Pros: Innovative cuisine rooted in tradition, unique historic location, visionary chef, exemplary wine pairing. Cons: Distance from Sorrento (about 20 minutes by car), premium price (tastings €120-180), monthly reservations required.

Reviews: Tripadvisor 4,8/5. "A truly unique experience. Here we are at the pinnacle of Italian and European cuisine." "Chef Gennaro Esposito: a guarantee of experience, class, and a great deal of humility." Address: Via Marconi, 28/30, 80040 Seiano (NA). Tel: +39 081 805 4044. Open for dinner only Thursday through Saturday.

The People's Cantinaccia — Sorrento Center

"Cantinaccia" is a bit of a no-frills, "del Popolo" even less so. But anyone who enters this trattoria in the heart of Sorrento's historic center is sure to return immediately because the cuisine is authentic and unfussy. A restaurant that focuses on carefully prepared Campanian classics—perfect gnocchi alla sorrentina, pasta with Neapolitan ragù, and carefully ordered fried seafood.

Dishes: Spaghetti with Cetara anchovy sauce, Spianata with marinated anchovies, Calamarata with walnuts and basil pesto, and a light mixed fried fish platter. Simple yet effective desserts include fried custard, cannoli, and a warm filled sfogliatella.

Pros: Sincere, unpretentious cuisine, generous portions, affordable prices (€25-35), lively, informal atmosphere. Cons: Limited menu, small venue (reservations recommended), mostly open for dinner.

Reviews: Sluurpy 4,4/5, recommended by over 160 users. "Authentic dishes, fair prices, fast service." Price: €25-35. Address: Vico III Rota Bernardino, 3, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Telephone: +39 081 877 1948.

The small square of Marina d'Equa — Vico Equense

Located in the seaside village of Marina d'Equa, in Vico Equense, La Piazzetta has been a go-to spot for fresh gulf fish for decades: raw fish, linguine with clams, mussels, and grilled fish, with pizza on evening opening days. A local favorite, just minutes from Sorrento.

Dishes: Raw fisherman's ham with tuna tartar, sea bream carpaccio and citrus fruits, Linguine with clams, Swordfish alla ghiotta, Mixed grilled fish of the day. Desserts include classic tiramisu and Caprese cake.

Pros: Sea view, catch of the day, excellent for groups and special occasions. Cons: Location far from Sorrento's city center (but convenient if you're staying in Vico Equense); reservations are recommended during high season.

Reviews: 8,0/10 out of over 890 aggregated reviews (Gastroranking). "Fresh, tasty fish, friendly service." Price: €30-50 per person. Address: Via Marina D'Aequa, 5, 80069 Vico Equense (NA). Tel: +39 081 802 8564. Open daily from April to September.

Sant'Anna Beach — Marina Grande

On a pier suspended over the water in Marina Grande, Ristorante Bagni Sant'Anna is a unique experience: you can dine on seafood overlooking the sea, directly from the pier where the fishing boats dock. A restaurant connected to the historic beach resort, it has a relaxed and authentic maritime atmosphere.

Dishes: Plaice and fresh shellfish from the pier, mixed fried fish, spaghetti with clams, octopus salad with potatoes. House specialty: Agromonte oysters served raw with Sorrento lemon.

Pros: Unique location, seafood right off the dock, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for sunset. Cons: Access only on foot, a short walk from the parking lot, service sometimes slow when summer crowds are high, limited amenities (more of a beach club than a formal restaurant).

Reviews: Tripadvisor 4,2/5. "Oysters and seafood with a view of the bay, priceless." Price: €30-45. Address: Via Marina Grande, 104, 80067 Sorrento (NA). Tel: +39 081 807 4178.

Other guides in the series: Amalfi Coast PGI Lemon · Cetara Anchovy Colatura · Amalfi Coast Villages · Amalfi Coast Beaches · Amalfi Coast Fish

About this area: Limoncello Sorrento PGI · Typical products on the peninsula · Villages on the Sorrento peninsula · Beaches on the Sorrento peninsula · Farm holidays on the peninsula

Also: Buffalo Mozzarella Capaccio-Paestum · Path of the Gods

FAQ — Where to eat in Sorrento

When is the best time to eat well in Sorrento?

Year-round, but June and September offer the perfect compromise: fresh fish year-round, but without the summer crowds that make some restaurants rush. Sorrento PGI lemons are harvested from October to May, so lemon-based pasta dishes and desserts will be at their most flavorful during that period. The Piennolo PDO cherry tomato peaks in summer and autumn.

How to book a Michelin-starred restaurant in Sorrento?

Don Alfonso 1890 and Il Buco require reservations weeks, often months, in advance via phone or email. For Terrazza Bosquet , simply call the Excelsior Vittoria reception. For all other restaurants listed, book at least 3-5 days in advance during high season (July-August). Torre del Saracino accepts reservations up to a month in advance.

What budget should I expect for a dinner in Sorrento?

From €25-35 per person in traditional trattorias (Inn Bufalito, La Cantinaccia del Popolo, La Fenice) to €80-120 in Michelin-starred restaurants (Il Buco), up to €150-220 for more sophisticated tasting menus (Don Alfonso Luxury, Terrazza Bosquet Divino). The average price for a good dinner in Sorrento is €40-60 per person.

What should you absolutely order?

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potatoes, tomato, basil, fior di latte), mixed fried fish (lightly fried), DOP buffalo mozzarella with Piennolo cherry tomatoes, black eel risotto (a Don Alfonso specialty), and lemon tagliolini (Il Buco's signature dish). Finish with a glass of Falanghina del Vesuvio or Lacryma Christi bianco.

Can I eat fresh fish at affordable prices?

Yes, avoiding the tables in the square and heading to the side streets of the center (Via Cammallo, Via Santa Chiara, Vicolo Lungo). Inn Bufalito and La Cantinaccia del Popolo are two of the most affordable options with the highest quality. La Piazzetta di Marina d'Equa in Vico Equense has excellent seafood dishes for around €35.