La Preferita — Restaurant in Amalfi

I never really take time to write reviews and I can't remember the exact year we were at this restaurant, but what we experienced was truly amazing. I would think it has been at least 10 years ago, but our experience there was just incredible. My wife and I and our two cousins had a very unusual experience. We had experienced an attempted mugging just outside Pompeii and arrived at our hotel, the Miramalfi quite late, shaken, and starving. Basically figuring we would not find a restaurant still open and serving, it was suggested by the Miramalfi to try the restaurant La Preferita across the street. When we got there they had actually already closed, but we met the owner at the door and explained why we were trying to get something to eat so late. We were so surprised that he said he would take care of us. He brought us upstairs and seated us and asked what we would like to eat. The night was extraordinary. We were the only ones there and it was so late. I believe he actually had to reopen the kitchen. Not only was the food delicious, but while we ate, we were musically entertained by the owner and other members of his family while we looked out at the magnificent coastline. I am currently 74, and I will never forget one of the most extraordinary moments in my life. I have never experienced a more incredible night. Delicious food, incredible view, and an extremely kind and compassionate owner and his family. A true family owned business. My wife and I, and my cousins will never forget the experience. We are returning to Amalfi this August with 27 members of my family and I look forward to stopping there for another...

Ross (the one star review below) obviously lives a better life than most given his poor review. I, on the other hand, an apparent plebian, LOVED this restaurant! Being neither friend, family nor citizen of Italia, I leave my hightest unpaid praise for my experience.

My wife and I, on our honeymoon, are staying nearby at the hotel la ninfa, so La Preferita was a perfect walk away. We arrived at 9ish and were seated immediately. The owner, a very charming and lovable man, greeted us with warmth and familiarity. I had a beer (a bit small, but priced accordingly) and started with the caprese. We asked about the tomatoes because of their wonderful flavor and found that he grows them using nothing but love, sun and water.

The fusilli was homemade and SO good. The frutti di Mare was perfetto and plentiful. We asked about the lone keyboard in the room and were told the musician was stuck in traffic. The owner then sat down and tickled the ivories a bit (playing New York, New York after finding out that's where we're from) and smiled the whole way.

Then came dessert - my wife had the tiramisu and I had the lemon dish... Delicious.

Is it a Michelin rated? No. Is it delicious and cozy? Absolutely. We left with a warm farewell and will remember the...

An amazing place to come for dinner. We found this restaurant as we were walking into Amalfi town and it was one of our most memorable experiences in Italy.

A very cute, traditional restaurant, located above the Grotto Delle Sirene. The walls are adorned with photos of family and Nikolai’s treasured memories.

The food reminded me of my European mothers home cooking. Beautifully presented, incredibly tasty and very reasonably priced for Amalfi.

The staff were very friendly and attentive. The owner Nicolai is a great host and cook. He greeted us as we arrived and attended our table between courses to make sure everything was in order.

The Lemon Pasta and Lasagne were very tasty but the highlight of the night was the Limoncello Sponge and Tiramisu. Definitely the best Tiramisu I’ve had in Italy!

At the end of the night, Nicolai sat down at the Piano and played some of his favourite tunes. A very endearing and memorable way to end a fantastic meal.

We would recommend the short walk from Amalfi town to experience authentic Italian cooking. We recommend walking via the ‘Passeggiata Longfellow’ from the Amalfi Marina which makes the walk more enjoyable and keeps you off the...