Food is no longer just part of the holiday experience—it’s increasingly the reason people travel. According to insights from Italian travel specialists Citalia, more than two in five travellers (42%) say food and drink is the most important factor when choosing a destination.
From Michelin-starred fine dining to seaside seafood feasts, culinary experiences are shaping travel itineraries across Europe. Activities like fine dining (28%) and wine tasting or vineyard tours (27%) rank among the most appealing for travellers seeking deeper connections with the places they visit.
The growing appetite for gastronomy-led travel is reflected online too. Searches for “Italian food culture” have exceeded 5,000 in the past three months, while the hashtag #dinnerwithaview has amassed thousands of videos showcasing golden-hour meals by the sea.
With its spectacular coastline and world-renowned cuisine, Italy is perfectly placed to deliver unforgettable culinary escapes. From long lunches along the Amalfi Coast to seafood feasts on the Liguria Riviera and sunset aperitivi in Sicily, the country offers endless opportunities for travellers who want to eat well while exploring.
Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, has highlighted seven coastal restaurants worth travelling for—each chosen for both its cuisine and unforgettable setting.
La Sponda – Positano
Located in the heart of Positano, the Michelin-starred La Sponda is the kind of destination dining experience travellers plan an entire trip around.
Illuminated by hundreds of candles every evening, the restaurant combines breathtaking atmosphere with elevated Mediterranean cuisine. One standout dish is spaghetti with lobster sourced from the nearby Li Galli Islands.
The restaurant has also earned admiration from culinary icons such as Massimo Bottura for its seamless blend of flavour and setting.
Heather Green recommends arriving for dinner at sunset to enjoy the golden light over the Amalfi coastline. Visitors can spend the afternoon exploring Positano before settling in for a relaxed evening of exceptional food.
Where to stay: Palazzo Murat.
Le Dune – South Coast of Sardinia
On the southern shores of Sardinia, the beachside restaurant Le Dune blends laid-back beach club energy with refined island cuisine.
The menu celebrates Sardinian flavours with dishes like seafood spaghetti and bottarga-topped pasta, best enjoyed with uninterrupted views across Campana Beach.
Visitors can spend the day exploring the historic Chia Tower or the ancient archaeological site of Nora Archaeological Site before heading back to the coast for sunset drinks.
Where to stay: Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia.
Ristorante Sarri – Liguria
Food lovers travelling to the Italian Riviera should consider a visit to Ristorante Sarri, a Michelin-starred destination led by chef Andrea Sarri.
Located along Liguria’s Imperia Coast, the restaurant is celebrated for seafood dishes that showcase the region’s fresh ingredients. Expect delicacies like sea bass tartare, fish carpaccio and seasonal pasta inspired by the day’s catch.
Travellers can spend their days exploring Porto Maurizio or strolling along the scenic Riviera before enjoying an evening tasting menu.
Where to stay: Royal Hotel Sanremo.
Ristorante Lo Scoglio – Amalfi Coast
Founded in 1958, Ristorante Lo Scoglio is a third-generation family restaurant perched above the sea in Marina del Cantone.
It’s best known for its signature dish—Spaghetti alla Nerano, a rich pasta made with fried zucchini and Provolone del Monaco. The dish was famously highlighted by Stanley Tucci in the TV series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.
A leisurely lunch that stretches into the afternoon is the ideal way to experience the restaurant after a morning swim or coastal walk.
Where to stay: Hotel Marincanto.
La Pineta – Tuscany
Dining barefoot on the sand while enjoying Michelin-starred cuisine might sound impossible—but that’s exactly what you’ll find at La Pineta.
Run by the Messina family, the restaurant champions Tuscan produce with inventive dishes such as octopus with peas, plums and almonds or spaghettini with mussels, mint and lemon.
Located in Marina di Bibbona, it’s an ideal lunch stop after a morning cycling through coastal pine forests or exploring nearby vineyards in Bolgheri.
Where to stay: Augustus Hotel and Resort.
Grotta Palazzese – Puglia
Few restaurants in the world can rival the dramatic setting of Grotta Palazzese.
Suspended inside a limestone cave above the Adriatic Sea, the restaurant dates back to 18th-century banquets. Today it’s led by Apulian-born chef Martino Ruggieri, who crafts tasting menus focused on regional seafood.
Visitors can explore the old town of Polignano a Mare or relax at the picturesque Lama Monachile before arriving for dinner just before sunset.
Where to stay: Il Melograno.
Da Gemma – Amalfi Coast
A staple of Amalfi since 1872, Da Gemma blends history with classic seafood-driven Campanian cuisine.
Located just steps from the famous Amalfi Cathedral, the restaurant is renowned for dishes like linguine alle vongole and lemon-inspired desserts.
After lunch, travellers can explore the fascinating Amalfi Paper Museum, housed in a 13th-century paper mill.
Where to stay: Hotel Marina Riviera.
Planning a Food-Focused Italian Escape
From candlelit dining rooms and barefoot beach restaurants to caves overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Italy’s coastline offers unforgettable culinary experiences.
Travellers interested in building their itinerary around exceptional dining can explore tailor-made coastal tours through Citalia. You can start planning a gastronomic getaway via their official page here: https://www.citalia.com/holiday-types/italy-escorted-tours/
