Eolo Restaurant

Eolo Restaurant is located in one of the most picturesque corners of the Amalfi coast, protected by the steep promontory that, from the solitary and austere Ziro Tower, stretches dramatically out into the sea. Furnished in a sober and elegant style and decorated with typical ceramics from Vietri sul Mare, Eolo Restaurant has a large lounge and a romantic terrace overlooking the sea, which gives magical and timeless atmospheres at sunset. The cuisine reinterprets dishes of the typical Amalfi and Mediterranean tradition in a modern key, with attention to the freshness and genuineness of the ingredients.

Marina Grande

Marina Grande began life as a seaside bar in 1918 and then moved to its current location on Spiaggia Grande in 1935 overlooking the wonderful expanse of water enclosing the historical center of Amalfi. Waves break just near the covered terrace, which you can gaze at while you taste the best of the local cuisine.  This is a very popular spot, so reservations are highly suggested to avoid any long waits.

Trattoria Da Gemma

Trattoria Da Gemma in Amalfi, Italy, is accessible via a back alley across from the square that houses the stunning Duomo, off the main street of Corso. This old restaurant stems from a deep routed tradition in Mediterranean cuisine with new innovative reinventions of those various dishes.  There is a small interior dining room, as well as an outside terrace that can be covered with a retractable awning.

Casa Mele

Once in Positano, you don’t have to walk far before coming upon an impressive floor-to-ceiling glass front where, carved into a concrete slab of a counter were three welcoming letters: B A R. An additional glance brought into view a life-size sculpture of a pig with an enticing graphic logo incorporating a house, spoon, fork and apple. This is the entrance to Casa Mele. The design of the ultra modern kitchen projects the warmth and hospitality of Chef Raffaelle Mandara’s residence where many over the years have dined and enjoyed festive meals.

Al Gusto

On this Saturday, Keith and I took a private boat tour to the island of Capri.  The ride took about 45 minutes from Positano, and we stopped at a few grottos along the way and were able to swim in the clear blue water.  Then, we were dropped off at the marina and had a few hours to explore the island ourselves before returning back to the main land.  We took the funicular up the mountain and had lunch at Al Gusto.

La Sponda

La Sponda is one star Michelin in Positano, Italy that is lit, at dinner, by 400 candles that create an unforgettable atmosphere. The cuisine is based on local, fresh ingredients and is inspired by the Mediterranean tradition. The restaurant is located within Le Sireneuse Hotel, the idyllic Positano hotel owned and run by the Sersale family since 1951 with windows that overlook the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta and the harbor of the Amalfi coast.

Porto A Marina

After a full morning exploring Pompeii, we decided to head south towards the coast.  We stopped at Sorrento, a small fishing port city, for lunch.  We walked along the marina and ate at Porta A Marina, which had outdoor seating with an impeccable view.  The ambience was so charming too, with fishnets strewn about, colorful fishing boats, and the deep blue sea.

Il Bacco del Gusto

For our first dinner in Naples, Italy we had originally planned on dining at another highly rated restaurant. However, we did not make reservations ahead of time, and so we were turned away.  Disappointed and hungry, we walked back towards our hotel and along the way saw another modern restaurant called Il Bacco del Gusto, and luckily were able to get a table there.

Panificio Michelangelo Bobb

Keith and I flew to Naples, Italy for vacation, and immediately after landing, we picked up a rental car and headed straight to Panificio Michelangelo Bobb.  This local pizza place had decent reviews online and was noted for it's authentic baked thick crust pizza.  We had high expectations, and despite our jet lag were ready to devour some delicious pizza.

Sushi Taro

Sushi Taro underwent a makeover in late 2008 when Chef Nobu Yamazaki wanted to "change the direction of Japanese cooking in this city". Located upstairs from a CVS store, Sushi Taro is notably the finest source of sushi in Washington with an alluring setting in which to admire it. The only restaurant to offer Kaiseki, "a traditional dining experience that combines the elegance of Japan's ancient courtly cuisine with the simplicity of Buddhist temple fare", Sushi Taro is a hidden gem and deserves credit as one of DC's finest restaurants. Closest Metro is Dupont Circle.

Zaytinya

Zaytinya us a trendy, fun, Mediterranean mezzes (small dishes – like tapas) restaurant. Great service and the price is fairly decent ranging from $7-11 a plate. Plan to order 5 - 6 plates per couple. Mostly serve Greek and other Mediterranean wines along with trendy overpriced cocktails that use Turkish fruits like apricot, pear, and pomegranate. They also have a patio for summer dining. I have sat inside, in various sections of the large restaurant; each decorated with modern contemporary décor as well as outside on the patio. Even the bathrooms are modern with “floating” faucets and extra private toilet stalls. Closest Metro is Gallery Place.

Ketchung!

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In this advanced food era is it possible to invent a new condiment? Ketchung! laughs at this silly question and goes for it with their new spin on sweet and sour sauce.  Created by husband and wife team, Helen and David, the name evokes a mix between ketchup and the Korean fermented chili paste gochujang, but the flavor is more mild than I expected.