From the moment we pulled into the port in Positano and I spotted a boat with a little red sign, I knew I was going to love Da Adolfo.
You see, the only way to reach Da Adolfo, which is nestled on a private beach, is by boat.
The view of Positano as you pull away is gorgeous, and it is easy to become lost in the scenery in the 5 minute ride.
Almost too soon, you pull up to simple dock and pebbly beach.
Da Adolfo is part beach club, and part restaurant.
Most people go for the food, but by our second trip, we had learned better and also booked our lettini (beach chairs) ahead of time.
At just €8 for the day, Da Adolfo has some of the most affordable beachside loungers in Positano. Add a €5 umbrella, dump your towel to mark your spot, and wade into the clear cool sea.
But really? Obviously, you go for the food.
On our first visit I spotted a plate that read “Da Natalie” instead of “Da Adolfo.”
I nearly lost my mind.
“Ma, perchè??” I kept asking the waiters, who had NO IDEA why there was a plate named after Natalie, but dutifully pulled it from the pile for me.
We started, as you should, will mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves.
“Can I eat the leaf?” I asked the waiter.
“You can try!” he laughed.
So, no. Don’t try to eat the leaves, but do order the dish because the melted cheese is imparted with a slightly citrusy flavor that I can’t stop thinking about.
What to order next?
The daily menu, written on a chalkboard, is fish heavy. The beachside setting is perfect for seafood, and if you are in the mood, don’t pass up a full fish grilled fresh to order.
Having indulged a bit in a seafood dinner, we honed in on the pasta.
Jimmy went with the classic vongole (clams) and liked it so much that he only allowed me one tiny bite. Al dente and the right amount of sauce, he declared.
I was too intrigued to pass up the house special – a kind of pesto made with almonds, friggitelli (mild green peppers), and cheese.
Smoky, salty, perfection.
And to drink? Well, white wine with peaches, naturally.
They humored our three-hour lunch session in which we ordered a second pitcher to toast our incredible luck at having found such a perfect Amalfi Coast restaurant.
However, when I tried to insist that I wanted to buy the “Da Natalie” plate, I think they thought it was the white wine and peaches talking.
But I really wanted that plate…
Jimmy and I loved Da Adolfo so much that we went back to celebrate our anniversary. Knowing that Da Adolfo is just one train, one ferry ride, and a little red fish topped boat away is going to get dangerous.
Go. Go and toast your good fortune.
Da Adolfo
Via Laurito, 40,
Positano, Italy
Reservations required: +39 089 875022
Lunch from 1 pm on.
We have celebrated many a wedding anniversary and birthday lounging and eating and drinking white wine and peaches at Da Adolfo!
I don’t know that we will be able to celebrate anywhere else!
Dio mio, I need to eat that mozzarella.
Yes, yes you do.
We all do.
SO GOOD!
Mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves? I’m losing my mind, that sounds SO damn good and green pepper pesto? Holy moly!
Also, happy anniversary! 🙂
Yes. Yes. Yes! All of it! Plus, whole grilled fresh fiiiiish.
And thank you 🙂
Loved this post, Natalie! Makes me want to go back like NOW. I want to eat every single thing you photographed. Time to start planning our next trip!
Thanks, Meagan! I can’t wait to go back!!
I love Positano, delicious food!!!
Kisses, Paola.
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Such a gorgeous town!
Hi! How do you reserve a sun bed? Is it through the restaurant?
Hi Gabriella – yes indeed! They keep all the notes in one reservation book.
Hi,
Do you know if Da Adolfo is open in November?
Hi Allen – I emailed them to ask but have not heard back. You might want to give them a quick call because calling is the only way to make a reservation.
Is that part of the Treville Beach Club? Will definitely stop there on my next trip to Italia.
Does the boat over only run at specific times or will they tell you what boat to take when you make a reservation? Also, is this an all-day affair or is there a specific time of day you’d recommend?
If we’ll be there in mid August, how far in advance would you recommend making reservations? Thanks!!
A month, if possible!
Are there any other recommended clubs in positano?