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If you’ve been to Italy’s Amalfi Coast—or follow anyone who has—you’ll likely recognise the view from Le Sirenuse. Nestled in the comune of Positano, the deep red hotel cannot be missed, even in the sea of brightly coloured buildings that work together to create the world-famous montage. Le Sirenuse opened in 1951 when the Sersale family had the idea of turning their summer home into a hotel. Lucky for us, they did. The luxury hotel, with its 58-rooms, is now almost as well-known as the coastal town itself. Famous for its commitment to the arts, along with its fashion and homewares label Emporio Sirenuse, which is sold online and from a small boutique opposite the hotel’s entrance, Le Sirenuse has swiftly become a destination of its own.
One of the most popular holiday destinations on the Italian coastline, Positano is far from the sleepy seaside resort town it once was. Now, as we enter a new era of travel, rooms at luxury hotels like Le Sirenuse are just as hard to come by as a beach umbrella by the water’s edge once the temperature creeps above 30-degrees. Thankfully, a restaurant reservation can a little easier—and just as satisfying—to wrangle. Enter La Sponda, Le Sirenuse’s picture-perfect hotel restaurant.
Walking into La Sponda is like entering a movie set—one of proposals, epic European romances, and fairytale moments. Whether visiting at day or night, it’s the view that’s sure to make La Sponda one of the most memorable dining experiences of your life.
When I visit the restaurant, it’s a perfect Positano day with blue skies and a slight breeze, which I’m grateful for in the heat. It’s easy to see why window tables are the most desired in La Sponda and, as lunch progresses, I watch as couples are switched into these seats for dessert, as other groups finish their meals and leave—everyone wants their Positano photo moment and nothing could beat this backdrop. But even from my seat, set back from the restaurant’s edge, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most-desired spots to eat along the coast—and I haven’t even got to the food.
La Sponda touts itself as a culinary love letter to Naples, Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast, known for its fresh lemons and seafood. At the top of the menu is a seafood lover’s delight; a luscious section of raw seafood and marinated anchovies. I opt for the tuna tartare, along with a glass of champagne from the restaurants drinks cart to start.
Inside the dining area, just as interesting as seeing what people have worn to dine at La Sponda, is what they’ve ordered. I notice the couple beside my partner and I dining on a lobster pasta and decide we need to order the same, before I’ve even stopped to look at the menu. Listed alongside spaghetti vongole (my second choice) and eliche pasta alla Luciana, is the linguine with spicy lobster for two. Served on two plates, with half a lobster on each, just one bite in I know it will be my favourite meal on the Amalfi.
It’s almost hard to concentrate on a meal when facing a view so spectacular, but the team behind La Sponda have worked to make sure the food just as note-worthy as Positano itself. For dessert, it feels impossible to go past the tiramisu, which comes served in one of the hand-painted ceramic bowls Le Sirenuse is known for.
A meal at La Sponda whirrs by like a dream; one you’re hoping will repeat itself the following night. It’s rare to visit somewhere and realise it looks even better than the photos, but that’s the magic of Le Sirenuse. You really do have to see it to believe it.
La Sponda is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and you can reserve a table online now.
