Nerano: Amalfi Coast’s Culinary Secret
When you think of the Amalfi Coast, your mind probably jumps straight to Positano’s pastel cascade or Amalfi’s grand cathedral. But tucked away just around the bend is Nerano — a tiny fishing village with some of the biggest culinary bragging rights in Italy. You will never want to leave this paradise on the hills of a stunner seaside cove.
Our group of eight — family and friends, followed in the footsteps of Stanley Tucci himself. We found Lo Scoglio, one of Nerano’s most legendary restaurants; by watching Tucci's series " Searching for Italy."
But Nerano isn’t just about one restaurant. It’s about the whole experience: sipping espresso with your toes in the sand, zucchini pasta with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and ending the day with wine tasting in a villa garden that feels like Italy distilled into a single glass.
Here’s my guide to eating (and sipping) your way through Nerano!
Coffee at Marina del Cantone
Every great Italian adventure starts with coffee. Down at Marina del Cantone, the main beach of Nerano, there’s a little café that stole our hearts from day one. Smooth espresso and decadent chocolate croissants await you by the sea!
We grabbed a table right on the beach, watching the calmness of the sea ebb and flow. This lil coffee shop is defintely where you want to spend your morning! It was a short 15 minute walk from our BNB perched above this scenic cove.
Lo Scoglio:Stanley Tucci’s Nerano Discovery
Now, onto the star of the show: Lo Scoglio da Tommaso, perched right on the water at Marina del Cantone. If you watched Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, you’ve already seen him rave about their famous Spaghetti alla Nerano — the creamy, zucchini-loaded pasta that put this village on the foodie map.
We had a table on the terrace overlooking the Tyranean Sea with a stunner sunset view. The staff were wonderful and ther restaurant had a warm vibe and beautiful ambiance.
The zucchini spaghetti is the star of the show, a few in the group tried it. They said it's worth every bit of the hype: velvety, cheesy, indulgent and light at the same time. I opted for traditional red sauce spaghetti and it was to die for! Dining here is an experience for the books!
Villarena Winery: Wine, Views and Villa Life
Villarena Relais & Winery is soulful experience. Tucked into the hillside above the marina, this family-owned winery feels like stepping into a postcard: stone walls, sun-soaked terraces, and gardens bursting with lemons, herbs and grapevines.
We spent an afternoon tasting wines that perfectly captured the region: crisp whites, bold reds, and limoncello distilled down to the last drop-absolutely fabulous! The cheese and salami charcuterie board and zuchini spaghetti were beyond yummy!
What made it unforgettable wasn’t just the wine; it was sipping under a pergola, the sea glittering in the distance, surrounded by friends and family. It’s the kind of experience that makes you say, “I’ll just move here and work in the vineyard.” HA!
Don't leave Nerano without a trip to this amazing winery! In addition to wine tours, Villarena offers accommodations and activites in the area.
Why Nerano Should Be on Your Food Map
What makes Nerano special isn’t just the food and wine — though those are worth the trip. It’s the way everything comes together: the warmth of the people, and the feeling of experiencing something authentically Italian; away from the crowds of its more famous neighbors.
Nerano is "la dolce vita" for sure! This small town is a reminder that eating well isn’t just about food — it’s about place, people and lasting memories.
Practical Tips for Eating in Nerano
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Reservations: Book Lo Scoglio well in advance, especially in summer. Tucci isn’t the only one who knows about it.
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Timing: Try Villarena in the late afternoon for golden-hour magic.
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Travel Tip: Nerano is small but hilly — wear comfortable shoes if you’re heading up to the winery. We had to walk down a steep trail, glad I had my tennies!
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What to Order: At Lo Scoglio, don’t miss the Spaghetti alla Nerano. At Villarena, ask for a tasting flight — it’s the best way to sample their range.
Final Thoughts
Nerano may not have the name recognition of Positano or Amalfi, that’s why its a hidden gem. It’s a place where you can savor world-class cuisine, sip local wines and watch the sun sink into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For me, it was about more than just checking restaurants off a list. It was about the moments: sharing pasta with friends, toasting with wine and sipping coffee by the beach. That’s the real flavor of Nerano.
...And that's a wrap for Nerano Italy hidden gem of Campania! Next up will be the Island of Capri. Stay tuned we have more outstanding adventures to share from the AMALFI COAST!
