While in Sorrento, I made a point of having dinner at Donna Sofia – Sophia Loren’s restaurant. The Amalfi Coast is challenging to drive – narrow cliff roads, lots of twists and turns, and tourist traffic all combine to make driving a little daunting. So, the shuttle that Donna Sofia will send to bring you to the restaurant and then to return you home again is a welcome amenity. The restaurant is surrounded by a luxurious garden that adds to the spot’s feeling of seclusion. Once inside, there is an elegant and very feminine portrait of the famed Sophia Loren set against various backgrounds throughout the main dining
room. The portrait captures the relaxed sophistication of the restaurant. If you go, make sure you are hungry. Friends of mine took me there, and we found ourselves laughing at the amount of food that kept coming to our table – I think that falls under the category of “be careful what you wish for.” When you go, make sure to try the Finocchietto, a liqueur made from fennel that is surprisingly light and absolutely clear in color.

After Sorrento, I visited nearby Positano, where I stopped by Le Sirenuse to say hello to my friends there, including the wonderful owner Antonio Sersale. It is one of the best places to stay in the region, with unbelievable attention to detail. The hotel’s restaurant La Sponda is magnificent in the evening, when over 400 candles illuminate it. If you go in daylight hours, you can sit on their beautiful terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Day or night, La Sponda is wonderful – but there is something unforgettable about the candlelight. The hotel itself is a favorite of mine as well, but wherever you stay along the Amalfi Coast, make time for a visit to La Sponda one evening.

Next, I made my way to Ravello, where I visited the newly named Palazzo Avino. Those familiar with the area will know that the Palazzo Avino was the Palazzo Sasso for many years – since its opening in 1997. The beautiful 12th Century villa turned hotel sits on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. As part of the renovation, the owners have added touches of modern art and changed the name to reflect their own. I am anxious to see what other changes they have planned for the famed hotel. While there, I was able to meet with the front office manager, Antonio Ferrara, who was terrific and incredibly helpful. I look forward to following the continued success of the hotel. On another note, Palazzo Avino is just a short walk away from Pascal Ceramics, an absolute must for anyone visiting Ravello.