Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Sorrento, Italy

We were in Sorrento this year in February - while alot of restaurants were closed there was still lots to do (and no crowds!) Weather was cooler than normal due to La Nina - warmest was approximately 10 degrees celsius (low 50s) but sunny. Suggest you search the site for hotel suggestions - I've copied a recent posting regarding restaurants. Re driving down Amalfi coast versus bus? We drove it - the time of year really makes a big difference (not many big tour buses and really just local traffic - frankly the drive from Sorrento to the Autoroute is much worse due to large tranports). So if you're planning on having a car anyway, I'd drive. Have a lovely holiday! Here's some restaurant suggestions from a recent posting: Positano/Sorrento Hotel/Restaurants Author: Stuart Larsen ([email protected]) Date: 9/11/1999, 9:46 pm ET Message: Does anybody know what the Imperial Hotel Tramontano in Sorrento is like. Also, recommendations for very good restaurants in Sorrento and Positano? Thanks, Stuart Larsen Author: Deepa Sobti ([email protected]) Date: 9/11/1999, 9:54 pm ET Message: There are three restaurants we enjyed eating at very much, one is Chez black near the beach and another one just above it. Another one right above the main beach area, on the way walking towards La Fenice Hotel, a small family run simple place but great food. In SOrrento we discoverd a gem of a restaurant, but I don't remember the name. We just walked into the small lanes from the main intersection of town. It was about 10 minutes inside..I will try and find the name. Have fun. It is a great area and the food and wine are divine. Author: elizabeth ([email protected]) Date: 9/12/1999, 9:25 am ET Message: Suggest you search the site as there have been many postings on this areas - try "Sorrento" "Amalfi" "Positano". Here's a couple of restaurant suggestions: Quattro Passi in Marina de Cantone (a pretty beach town approximately 15 km from Sorrento). Wonderful seafood menu and the owner (Antonio) is a charming host. Also Taverna del Capital in the same town (Michelin One Star) Don Alfonso is Sant'Agata (about 8km from Sorrento) - one of only 3 Michelin 3 stars in Italy - expensive (lunch with wine was $200US) but worth the splurge - family owned and a very warm welcome. We didn't have a chance to try them, but Caruso and La Fenice (both in Sorrento) were well recommended by Antonio and other locals. DEFINITELY go to Cumpa Cosima in Ravello and order the lasagna - who knew it could be such a light dish? We also ate at Chez Black in Positano and enjoyed it - two other suggestions (but expensive) are Covo de Saracen and Sirensue (my spelling is a little shaky on the last two) Have a great time! Author: Lola ([email protected]) Date: 9/19/1999, 11:45 pm ET Message: The Imperial Hotel Tramontano was once a great hotel and has a superb location, but the lobby is a tacky pink and the rooms are so-so. Great gardens and view and history. Mixed review. Lots of tour groups. In Sorrento, try Caruso, or Z'Antonio--ask your hotel--many great restaurants. In Positano try Donna Rosa up the hill in Montepertuso. Hear that Fodor's is coming out with a new guidebook on just on that area in early 2000. Author: Dona ([email protected]) Date: 9/20/1999, 9:50 am ET Message: In addition to Chez Black, Buca di Bacco and La Cambusa in Positano,I really enjoyed Da Vincenza - not on the beach but well worth the walk in the hills. I wouldn't necessarily recommend Le Sireneuse for dinner - but you should go for a drink - the view and hotel are beautiful. Author: Myer K ([email protected]) Date: 9/20/1999, 10:49 am ET Message: Returning from a day trip to Capri(I can't over describe the beauty of Capri and the disappointment and waste of time of the Blue Grotto. Don't waste you time. Walk the island. Great sites and views) we decided to walk up the winding street rather than take whatever form of transportation or walk the steps from the marina to the town. Near the top, about 3 minutes from the main square of town we saw what looked like some sort of restaurant structure. We wen in and stayed for coffee. It had an outdoor deck (100 tables) and a stand for a small orchestra (3-4 piece). Also an indoor room on the other side of the orchestra for that type of weather. We decided to book for dinner since it was out aniversary. We got there at about 8:00. I asked why only about 20 tables had settings. We were told there were for dinner the remainder for drinks. We still didn't realize. We don't drink so take prices accordingly. We shared an aperizer, some mineral water, each had a main course entree and share a great ice cream (gelato) dessert. The bill came to about 67,000 lire. That's about $37. US. Unbelievable. Now the rest of the evening. By 9:PM the entire place was full. A band began to play in both Italian and English (with accent). People began to dance. We stayed until after midnight. Picture this. We had a table up against the rail. Look down over the rail down a cliff to the Marina. Look to the left through some palm trees and watch the sun set. I kept taking photographs of this as every few minutes the view appeared better. By looking slightly to the left and outward we had a view of the bay and on the other side in the distance Mount Vesuvius. ### The Foreigner's Club ###. We stayed at a Hotel in Sorrento directly on the side of the main square. Villa di Sorrento. App $125. US including breakfast, tac, service. Not fancy, 3 star. Clean, air, hair dryer, elevator, etc. Great location. Since there is unfinished business in this area (we spent 3 days and will need a few more) I will definitely stay there again. Author: Barbara ([email protected]) Date: 9/20/1999, 12:28 pm ET Message: An enthusiastic second vote for Da Vincenzo in Positano and Cumpa' Cosimo in Ravello. At Da Vincenzo, it is fun to just follow the owner's recommendation and let them feed you, but if you like mussels, this is the place to have them. Not unusual for the owner, a colorful character, to burst into song. Another one is Positano is IL Mulino, hidden down a pair of steps near the center of town. A simple place, I've had the BEST linguine with clams of my life (twice). As to Cumpa' Cosimo, well, there is just no place quite like it. Netta will feed you like an affectionate grandmother and you will feel well taken care of. My favorite dish there is the platter of seven homemade pastas, one more heavenly than the other. Like your grandmother, she will pout if you don't have dessert. Restaurant is back a side walkway and through a beaded curtain. Buon Appetito and Buon Viaggio.