A busy and welcoming restaurant near the Amalfi waterfront serving fresh local pasta and seafood at fair prices. The scialatielli pasta made with local sfusato lemon is a specialty, and the outdoor terrace is perfect for people-watching.
La Taverna di Masaniello is a lively, welcoming mid-range restaurant near the Amalfi waterfront that serves the classic dishes of the Campanian coast at prices well below the town's fine dining establishments. Named after the legendary 17th-century Neapolitan revolutionary Masaniello (Tomaso Aniello), the restaurant has a convivial atmosphere, a busy outdoor terrace suited to people-watching on the main thoroughfare, and a kitchen focused on the kind of honest, ingredient-driven cooking that the region does best. The scialatielli pasta — the thick hand-cut noodle unique to the Amalfi Coast — is made in-house and served with a changing selection of sauces that reflect whatever seafood arrived that morning. The version with prawns (gamberi) and local cherry tomatoes is a reliable standout. Totani e patate (flying squid braised with potatoes) is another kitchen staple and a perfect example of the coast's cucina di mare. The outdoor terrace is busy during peak season and the indoor dining room fills quickly; the service is efficient and direct without being fussy. For visitors to Amalfi wanting good regional food without the formality or expense of the town's more celebrated restaurants, La Taverna di Masaniello offers excellent value and a more relaxed, less formal experience than the hotel dining rooms nearby.
Signature dishes
- Scialatielli con Gamberi — €18
- Totani e Patate — €15
Good to know
- Known for
- Fresh handmade pasta with local seafood
- Hours
- 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location
Largo Luigi Calamaro 1, 84011 Amalfi SA
40.6345, 14.6029 View on map
Highlights
- Handmade scialatielli pasta unique to the Amalfi Coast, served with daily-changing seafood sauces
- Outdoor terrace on the main Amalfi waterfront street — ideal for people-watching at lunch or dinner
- Totani e patate (braised flying squid with potatoes) is a hearty coastal classic prepared well
- Mid-range pricing makes this the most accessible quality dining option in Amalfi town centre
- Bustling, friendly atmosphere — a contrast to the formal hotel dining rooms nearby
Tips for visiting
- The terrace fills quickly in summer — arrive at opening or ask specifically for terrace reservations
- Lunch is slightly less expensive and less crowded than dinner; a good choice for a relaxed midday meal
- The scialatielli changes daily with the catch — ask which version the kitchen recommends that day
- Amalfi is small and the restaurant is easily found near the main waterfront square
Accessibility
The restaurant is on Largo Luigi Calamaro near the Amalfi seafront, accessible from the main waterfront area on foot. Amalfi has many steps throughout the town but the waterfront area is relatively flat. The terrace is at street level; the interior may have some steps. Contact the restaurant in advance to confirm access.
Frequently asked questions
What is scialatielli?
Scialatielli is a pasta shape native to the Amalfi Coast: thick, irregular hand-cut noodles made with flour, egg, basil, and local cheese. Unlike dried pasta, it is always freshly prepared and appears on virtually every Amalfi Coast menu.
Is La Taverna di Masaniello suitable for families?
Yes. The relaxed atmosphere, simple seafood dishes, and mid-range pricing make it a good choice for families with children. The outdoor terrace also provides more flexibility for young diners.
Does the restaurant take reservations?
Reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner during summer, when Amalfi is at its busiest. Walk-ins are possible at lunch on quieter days.
Who was Masaniello?
Masaniello (Tomaso Aniello, 1620–1647) was a Neapolitan fisherman who led a popular revolt against Spanish Habsburg taxation in 1647. He became a folk hero in Campania and his name appears across the region in restaurants, streets, and cultural references.