Best culinary experiences in the Amalfi Coast!

Earlier this season, we had the joy of discovering one of our new favorite experiences, an intimate, immersive cooking evening set above the main beach in Positano. With just 12 guests, this is not your average cooking class, it’s an unforgettable night of storytelling, incredible food, and connection, led by a charismatic local chef in his private 12th-century villa.

From the moment you arrive, you feel the soul of the place. The chef, born in England and raised in Positano, comes from a long line of local fishermen and grew up surrounded by food, family, and tradition. His passion for sustainable, clean, and honest cooking shines through every dish and every word. After years working around the world, he returned “home” to share his love of food, and it shows.

The evening begins with a glass of prosecco and warm introductions, not just from the team, but also among guests. “Positano” Mariangela and the chef know each other from their childhood days on the beach and start to engaging in friendly banter, and immediately the atmosphere is full of warmth and familiarity. As we gather around the kitchen island, the chef introduces the fresh produce for the evening, each meal is entirely seasonal and ever-changing based on what’s best that day.

On our visit, we started with a beautiful whole fish caught that morning. Together, we chose how to prepare it, some sashimi to start, followed by fillets cooked in a light fish stock with clams, tomatoes, and herbs. The chef walked us through filleting techniques and how to use the entire fish, a powerful nod to his commitment to sustainability.

Appetizers were a celebration of local produce and tradition: cured meats, cheeses (the soft blue cheese scooped out of wheel was unforgettable), fresh dripping mozzarella, and even a tasting of white and black truffle oil. With our plates and a glass of wine in hand, we moved to the terrace overlooking Positano’s main beach, soaking in the view and the conversation.

Midway through the night, we descended into the chef’s private wine cellar, one of the largest in southern Italy, with over 9,500 bottles perfectly stored. With help from his sommelier, we each selected a wine based on our preferences, we both opted for a light and fruity red and then were challenged to try something new, that we both enjoyed immensely. We would share the variety of wine that we upscaled too, but frankly can’t remember as we were having too much fun tasting wines. It was educational, yet not intimidating, and individually tailored to our own palettes, unlike a traditional wine tasting at a winery.

We returned upstairs to prepare the lasagne, the chefs secret recipe that had Mariangela and I reminiscing about our Nonnas’ cooking. While the lasagne was in the oven, we shared the baked fish course, mingling and swapping travel stories with other guests. Naturally, we ended up offering local tips and recommendations to help them make the most of their remaining days. We’re often asked for the best places to eat, and we’re always more than happy to share our favourites and help secure the perfect table.

The main course was the perfect finale, and while I wished I’d skipped lunch earlier that day, to make more room, every bite was worth it. The evening ended with a surprise birthday cake for one of the guests celebrating a milestone birthday, shared joyfully among new friends with a toast to life’s special moments.

We left with full hearts, full bellies, and a few new connections that felt like old friends. This experience is more than a meal, it was a celebration of food, culture, and community in one of the most magical settings on the Amalfi Coast.

Check out the video of our night together with our new friends.

As the chef says:
“My wish to be able to welcome you in a setting where you will be able to enjoy real food, prepared with care, love and passion, because anything less would be a complete negation of the all the hard work that it took to create the amazing ingredients that I use in my kitchen.”

If you’re a food lover looking for Amalfi Coast food tours, this authentic experience is intimate, educational, entertaining, and incredibly special, we can’t recommend this evening highly enough.

We also have a selection of various wine tasting tours on the Amalfi Coast that our guests enjoy, make sure you ask to add one to your bespoke vacation itinerary when you book your travel chat with us.

If you’re traveling with young children or looking for a shorter, more casual cooking class, like learning to make fresh pasta or pizza, we also offer those options. One of the things we do best at Amalfi Coast Escapes is matching the right experience to the right guests. Whether you’re here to dive deep into the food scene or just want a taste, we’ll make sure it’s the perfect fit.

Interested in a bespoke Amalfi Coast vacation?
Tell us about your trip, we’d love to create a custom itinerary filled with Amalfi Coast hidden gems and unforgettable experiences, hand-picked just for you.