Best Haute cuisine Restaurants in the Medieval Village in Italy

At first, it’s the view that fells you. Positano’s jaunty stack of houses and its iridescent church dome are so close you feel you could reach out and touch them. No wonder so many marriage proposals have been made here over the years. In the evening, the soft glow helps, cast by hundreds of suspended candles that take an hour to light in the evening and almost as long to extinguish. But musicians Franco and Andrea have to shoulder their share of the blame too, for making things so romantic. Their lilting guitar and mandolin melodies have melted many a heart. Any chef will tell you that stunning backdrops like this are a challenge. But for La Sponda’s executive chef Gennaro Russo, that view, that music, and what’s on the plate aren’t that different. All three are the result of centuries of patient symbiosis between man and the natural world. In a simple plate of pasta al pomodoro, a branzino grilled to perfection, or a Neapolitan babà dessert so light and fluffy you can cut it with the side of a fork lie stories of viscounts and peasants, fishermen, and princes, but also stories of rivers, forests and volcanoes, dry-stone wall terraces and patiently tilled kitchen gardens.

If you are looking for a restaurant with a panoramic view in Campiglia Marittima, the Castello restaurant is for you. Ideal for a romantic dinner, a business dinner or to celebrate a big event with the people closest to you. Inspired by the seasons and the products of our land, the Castello Bonaria restaurant offers clearly Tuscan dishes, enriched by more modern culinary techniques. High quality and innovation with a touch of tradition are the unique and particular characteristics of our cuisine. A wine list with the most prestigious local, national and international labels will make your culinary experience sublime. A gastronomic offer that ranges from the finest cuts of meat such as Florentine to the stronger taste of game or traditional first courses, right up to fish from the nearby coasts. A journey into the excellence of Tuscan cuisine and Val di Cornia accompanied by the fine wines of our Monte Solaio estates, born from an ancient land rich in minerals which gives life to a quality wine, tasty, juicy and well defined in colors and in the typical flavors of this corner of Tuscany. To complete and enrich the cellar, there is also a careful selection of local and national labels.

Tucked away in the serene town of Orta San Giulio, overlooking the mystical waters of Lake Orta, Ristorante Villa Crespi is not just a dining establishment; it is a destination, an experience, a journey into the heart of Italian haute cuisine. Housed within the enchanting Villa Crespi, a Moorish-style architectural gem built in the 19th century, the restaurant beckons gourmands worldwide. Stepping inside, guests are immediately transported to luxury and elegance. Glistening chandeliers, intricately carved woodwork, and plush furnishings pay homage to the villa's storied past, while the attentive staff offers a modern touch of impeccable service. At the helm of this culinary temple is Chef Antonino Cannavacciulo. Chef Antonino, a celebrated figure in the world of gastronomy, has masterfully crafted a menu that marries his southern Italian roots with Piemonte's rich flavours and traditions. Each dish is a symphony of textures, colours, and tastes—showcasing his deep respect for ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients are the stars of his creations. Think delicate agnolotti filled with a burst of Piemontese cheese, drizzled with a fragrant truffle sauce, or a perfectly seared seabass, its crispy skin juxtaposed against a bed of saffron-infused risotto. And, of course, his signature desserts, which are as much a visual delight as they are a treat for the palate.