Though there are other more perfect sandy beaches in the world, it’s really not hard to imagine why Positano is one of my most favorite destinations in Italy.
In my heart, I know that none could quite possibly make me gasp more than the beauty that has astounded me at first glance. Even if I traveled all over the world, there is unquestionably only one Cliffside coastal village that is Positano.
Menu Details
Appetizers
Calamari Parmigiana and Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Seafood Pasta
Risotto alla Pescatore and Scialatielli ai Frutti Mare
Dessert
Delizia al Limone with Italian Cappuccino
I can’t remember how many times I’ve watched my favorite films and reveled in the fanciful nostalgia that comes in the idea of visiting the Amalfi Coast. It has been such a tradition for my husband and I to take a peaceful, sunset stroll right before dinner whenever we travel. We couldn’t help but feel incredibly thrilled this evening, as we knew that we were about to embark on a special dinner from an iconic establishment that looked the same as it was, on what seems like another time, 50 years ago.
Pupetto Café, generation after generation, stood the test of time and continues to welcome guests all over the world right here in their lovely beach-front property. Truly, my Positano dreaming won’t be complete until I’ve experienced a time-honored place such as theirs that has been flourishing in this quaint coastal town for decades.
“Pupetto Café, generation after generation, stood the test of time and continues to welcome guests all over the world right here in their lovely beach-front property.”
In the beginning of our dinner, we were served their invigorating house wine with fresh peaches, a local favorite. We’re so happy that this delicious combination is so common here. It was so sweet and refreshing! A wonderful conversation drink, I must say.
Before we knew it, our first appetizer came called the Calamari Parmigiana with mixed vegetables. It was very crisp and soft and the delightful fillings in the calamari were so wonderful. With the vegetables perfectly cooked, they tasted fresh which complemented the dish impeccably. The Parmesan also highlights the tomato and meat quite well.
The second appetizer we sampled was a Zucchini Flower stuffed with Ricotta and Anchovies in Pomodorini sauce. This is a deep fried zucchini dish that we found incredibly gratifying.
While enjoying the beachfront view, we couldn’t help but feel enthusiastic and excited to sample the seafood pasta on the menu. The first was the Risotto alla Pescatore that had featured a generous amount of the freshest of fish, clams, shrimp, octopus, and tomatoes. The seafood flavor was very rich and the dish it came in was quite hot, which I am thankful for as it kept the pasta from cooling down too quickly in this cool, glorious, open-air beach environment.
The next pasta was the homemade Scialatielli ai Frutti Mare. This particular homemade pasta has quite the thick texture and feels just as heavy. Some restaurants feature this kind of healthier, less cholesterol pasta as it is specifically made without eggs. Naturally, the dish tasted remarkable and truly enjoyable.
Before our lovely night ended, we decided to sample a nice, classic, conversational dish… pizza! We decided to extend our pleasure of sampling more of their local ingredients by having their famous Positano pizza. The Positano pizza features mozzarella and ricotta cheese from the region with cherry tomatoes from Mount Vesuvius and a hint of Amalfi lemon and mint. Now, I must say I have never had a combination like this. The mozzarella and ricotta stood out quite a bit where its texture was a welcome surprise and certainly made it different, one that you could only get from this region.
We spent some time relaxing at the wonderful waterfront atmosphere of the Pupetto Café. Eventually, we felt like concluding our evening with a lemon delight, another Delizie al Limone, which was confirmed by our server as the traditional cake of Positano. Having a wonderful balance between tarty and sweet, Delizie al Limone is officially one of my favorite sweet pastries in Italy.
“The Positano pizza features mozzarella and ricotta cheese from the region with cherry tomatoes from Mount Vesuvius and a hint of Amalfi lemon and mint.”
It was amazingly entertaining to have spoken in person with two direct family members of Pupetto: Fabio and Gabriella. They conversed with so much recollection of which they shared that this emblematic place has actually been running for over 70 years now. They lovingly recalled how they grew up as kids looking forward to playing with the families that regularly visit their restaurant and their iconic hotel located up the steps from Pupetto Café.
I do believe that Pupetto Café, together with its hotel, is without a doubt an institution that is part of the history and charm of captivating Positano. Through food, wine and conversations, it is the perfect place to unwind and relish in the beauty of the gift of life. Perched atop the stunning Spiaggia del Fornillo, the welcoming atmosphere that Pupetto Café provides will certainly make you feel at home here.
Thanks to Hotel Ristorante Pupetto | Via Fornillo, 37, 84017 Positano SA, Italy | +39 089 875087
