Salerno Mare e Luci

Situated in the picturesque historic centre of Salerno, this is one of the city’s best restaurants. The dining room here is almost minimalist in style, yet thanks to the soft lighting and beautiful background music it has a pleasing atmosphere; in fine weather, tables are set out in a charming inner courtyard. The cuisine is Mediterranean and contemporary, with a selection of light and creative meat, fish and vegetable dishes featuring on the menu.

The name of this restaurant between the historic centre and the seafront refers to the main item on its menu, which is dedicated almost exclusively to fish (fresh and not farmed). Fish and shellfish are displayed in a glass cabinet and aquarium respectively, both of which are situated to the rear of the long, narrow dining room near the open-view kitchen. Classic fish dishes full of flavour (served raw, baked, cooked in salt, in water or grilled) are to the fore here.

Elegant and refined, this top-quality restaurant is the perfect choice for special occasions. Vietri ceramics, an open-view kitchen, fish on display and a successful mix of traditional and modern decor all combine to create an atmospheric setting in the dining room. As the restaurant’s name suggests, this is a good option for anyone who enjoys delicious classic fish and seafood dishes (mostly from Campania).

Separated from a street in the centre of Salerno by an inner courtyard, this restaurant is a peaceful oasis with comfortable chairs arranged on a modern veranda (which opens almost completely in summer) and in an equally elegant dining room. The cuisine is imaginative and appealing, with excellent fish and seafood served in modern, interesting recipes. The menu also includes a delicious selection of raw dishes.

Once you’ve passed through Vietri heading towards the Amalfi Coast, you come to the Giardini del Fuenti perched on a cliff sloping towards the sea. This hotel complex boasts a beach, terraced garden and the Riva Restaurant, which is open at lunchtime only and which also hosts various food and wine events. In a spacious dining room with large windows overlooking the beautiful bay, chef Michele De Blasio serves modern, elaborate and minimalist-style dishes based on reinterpretations of classic specialities from Campania, all showcased on two tasting menus and an à la carte. We particularly enjoy

Overlooking a piazza surrounded by picturesque arcades in the historic centre (a walk around this district is highly recommended), this restaurant run by the Rispoli family continues to uphold its fine-dining traditions. Although a few meat dishes feature on the menu, it is its fish options (mainly traditional, such as tuna with mussels and escabeche-style aubergine) and occasionally imaginative desserts, such as the cheesecake with toffee and raspberry, that are the main attraction here.