Most visitors quickly learn that in Ravello there are pricey restaurants, and then there are pricier restaurants. You didn't think those views would come cheaply, did you? But eating in Ravello doesn't always have to break the bank. One of my favorite restaurants is Cumpa Cosimo.
Cumpa Cosimo sits in the middle of town, and while it doesn't share some of the spectacular coastal views that other Ravello restaurants offer, it makes up for in comfort and delicious home-style cooking.
The restaurant was opened in 1929 by a local affectionately called Cumpa (godfather) Cosimo and his wife Cumma (godmother) Chiara. Today, their daughter, Netta Battone, runs the place, serving generous portions of regional foods including homemade pastas, a mix of grilled fish, roasted lamb, fresh local artichokes, asparagus and more. Don't let this simple trattoria fool you into thinking it's where the simple folk come to eat. Oh no! There's proof from the photos on the walls that even the rich and famous come here in search of good food and the inevitable kisses on the cheek from Netta herself.
(P.S. To merit the coveted kisses from Netta, you only have to express your delight in her cooking!)
Dining with a view is a must at least once in Ravello, even if you have to pay a little more for it. To get an awesome meal with an incredible view and not totally blow the budget, I head for Ristorante da Salvatore. With two garden terraces overlooking the Amalfi Coast, the alfresco dining in warmer months is magnificent. But even if the weather doesn't cooperate, the views from the dining room are equally superb.
Da Salvatore serves traditional Mediterranean dishes with really delicious homemade bread. It's not an overly fussy place, but refined enough for a special evening out.
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