Italy is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and the Amalfi Coast, with Salerno as its gateway, offers a delightful array of dishes that will tantalise your taste buds.

This guide will help you navigate the culinary landscape of this stunning region, ensuring you experience the best it has to offer.

Introduction to Amalfi Coast Cuisine

The cuisine of the Amalfi Coast is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. With an abundance of seafood, vibrant citrus fruits, and fragrant herbs, every meal here is a feast for the senses. The emphasis is on simplicity and flavour, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through.

Must-Try Dishes

1. Seafood Delights

Spaghetti alle Vongole

A classic dish of spaghetti with clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. It’s light, fragrant, and bursting with the flavours of the sea.

Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare

A local pasta variety served with a medley of fresh seafood, including mussels, clams, prawns, and calamari, in a rich tomato sauce.

2. Local Specialties

Ravioli alla Caprese

Stuffed with caciotta cheese and marjoram, these delicate ravioli are typically served with a fresh tomato and basil sauce.

Melanzane alla Parmigiana

Layers of aubergine, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce baked to perfection. This dish is a vegetarian delight that showcases the region’s produce.

3. Sweet Treats

Delizia al Limone

A lemon delight cake, made with the region’s famous lemons. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect end to any meal.

Sfogliatella

A shell-shaped pastry filled with a sweet ricotta and citrus peel mixture. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s a must-try.

4. Iconic Ingredients

Lemons

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, particularly the Sfusato Amalfitano variety. These lemons are larger, sweeter, and less acidic than typical lemons. They are used in everything from Limoncello (a zesty lemon liqueur) to desserts and savoury dishes.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil from the region is another staple. It’s used generously in cooking, dressings, and even as a dip for bread. The oil’s flavour is rich and slightly peppery, enhancing the taste of any dish.

Fresh Herbs

Basil, rosemary, and oregano grow abundantly here and are essential to many local recipes. Their fresh, aromatic qualities add depth to both simple and complex dishes.

5. Dining Experiences

Trattorias and Osterias

For a truly authentic experience, dine at local trattorias and osterias. These establishments are family-run and offer homemade dishes prepared with traditional recipes. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, making you feel like part of the family.

Coastal Restaurants

Enjoy seafood with a view at one of the many coastal restaurants. Freshly caught fish and shellfish are the stars of the menu, often prepared simply to let their natural flavours shine. Dining with the sound of the waves in the background adds to the unforgettable experience. Want a complete Michelin Star experience try Donal Fonso, you won’t be disappointed but you may need to remortgage your house to pay the bill.

6. Cooking Classes and Food Tours

To deepen your culinary adventure, consider taking a cooking class or joining a food tour. Learn how to make traditional dishes from local chefs or explore markets and food producers to understand the region’s food culture better.

8. Practical Tips

Timing

Italians typically eat lunch between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, and dinner from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Plan your meals accordingly.

Reservations

It’s a good idea to make reservations for dinner, especially in popular restaurants along the coast.

Language

While many in the tourism industry speak English, learning a few basic Italian phrases can enhance your dining experience.

Direct Flights to Salerno with Universal Air

Starting 25 July, we are offering direct flights to Salerno, twice a week departing every Monday and Thursday. The flight time from Malta to Salerno is approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Enjoy our consistent service throughout the year. Book your trip now and discover the variety Salerno has to offer with Universal Air.

How to Book Affordable Flights to Salerno

To get the best deals, we recommend booking directly through flyuniversalair.com. You can also download our mobile app or call our call centre on +356 212 55 212. Alternatively, you can book flight deals to Salerno directly through your preferred travel agent or call our travel partner FCM Travel on +356 2345 6789.

Conclusion

The cuisine of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast is a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. By exploring the local dishes, ingredients, and dining experiences, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this beautiful part of Italy. Buon viaggio e buon appetito! (Safe travels and enjoy your meal!)