Cala Marinai Brasserie — Restaurant in Positano

We were staying in Positano and while waiting for our reserved yacht at the pier to take us out for the day (July 5th at 9:30am), we sat down outside at Cala Marinai for my wife to have a cappuccino(we had already had breakfast at our resort). The waiter/maitre d came out and asked what we wanted, and after my wife ordered, I said nothing for me thank you. He said in a gruff manner that I had to order something, otherwise I could not sit at the table with my wife. Keep in mind there was not a single person sitting at any of the tables outside, just the two of us. So I said fine, we won't have anything, and we got up and left.

We continued to wait a few feet away for another 10 minutes or so, and I watched to see if anyone else attempted to sit and order. Not not a single person sat down to order anything. Also when we returned about 8 hours later, again not a single person was eating or drinking anything outside.

So either that waiter was trying to sabotage the business, or has some weird directive to insist everyone must order at the table, otherwise they will not allow anyone to sit with them, be it family or friends. Needless to say there are plenty of places in Positano to get a coffee but Cala Marinai apparently does not want the business.

Naturally when we got back, we went elsewhere for a dinner and drinks (at the Grand Tritone) and had a wonderful meal and experience. We didn't even have reservations, but they found a way to accomodate us anyway. The view was even better than at Cala Marinai, and the service was prompt, courteous, and top notch. Maybe the owner of Cala Marinai should recruit some of the Tritone's staff to replace the rude guy...

Cala Marinai was easily one of our favorite dining experiences in Positano. From the moment we arrived, we were met with a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, setting the tone for a wonderful meal. The restaurant offers a perfect blend of authenticity and comfort, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to enjoy high-quality Italian cuisine.

The food was truly exceptional. I ordered the Diavola pizza, which was perfectly cooked with a deliciously crispy crust and just the right amount of spice. Each bite was packed with rich, bold flavors. The rest of my family opted for a variety of pasta dishes, and every plate was equally impressive. The pasta was cooked to perfection, with well-balanced sauces that highlighted the freshness of the ingredients. It was clear that great care went into both the preparation and presentation of each dish.

Beyond the food, the overall dining experience was seamless. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, ensuring that we had everything we needed without feeling rushed. The ambiance was inviting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal while soaking in the charm of Positano.

With its combination of excellent food, warm hospitality, and a lovely setting, Cala Marani is a restaurant we would highly recommend to anyone visiting Positano. It was a standout experience, and we would gladly return on...

This isn’t a restaurant. It’s a joke. A scam. A disgrace. If you respect yourself, your money, or your taste buds — do. not. go.

This was hands down the worst service I’ve ever experienced. We ordered a pizza and an ice cream, thinking we could at least sit down and enjoy our food. While we were still waiting, a waiter came over and yelled “Go! Go! Go!” at us like we were pests, even though we had just spent over €20 in their shop.

Then he claimed we didn’t order “enough” to sit—as if spending €20 isn’t enough for a chair in an empty restaurant. The place was nearly deserted, but the staff were still rude and completely disrespectful.

As for the food? The pizza was burnt and tasted like garbage. Honestly, it seemed like they did it on purpose.

Do yourself a favour and avoid this place at all costs. Not worth your money, your time, or your...