Casa Mele — Restaurant in Positano

A lesson in overhyped dining…

I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience at Casa Mele in Positano was so disappointing it feels like a public service to be candid. With glowing reviews and high expectations, we opted for the chef’s choice tasting menu, 8 courses, meant to showcase the best the restaurant has to offer. We were hoping for something truly memorable, but what we got was a confused and forgettable series of dishes that seemed more focused on being different and deconstructed than being delicious.

Let’s talk about the food. Not a single course was impressive. In fact, none of them were even good. When you’re in Italy, surrounded by centuries of culinary tradition and simple, perfect ingredients, why try to “elevate” things into oblivion? Each dish felt like it was chasing a concept, not delivering flavor. We kept waiting for that one bite that would make it all worth it—but it never came. This was not modern refinement—it was a waste of incredible ingredients.

Those in other reviews calling this place “Michelin star-worthy”, I genuinely wonder if we went to the same restaurant. We’ve eaten at actual Michelin star establishments. This isn’t even close. For starters, the chef was in the open kitchen casually texting on his phone during the meal. Not just once, and it didn’t seem like an urgent matter, just a casual chat, which speaks volumes about the lack of focus and care.

Service, to be fair, was pretty good. The staff was attentive, and cutlery was swapped out between each course, as you’d expect with a tasting menu at this price point. But professional service can only carry so much when everything else falls flat.

The space? Windowless, weird lighting with no view, which is unfortunate in Positano. And the decor is something else entirely: every surface decked out in clashing houndstooth patterns in every color imaginable. It’s as if someone tried to design a fashionable fever dream. It felt chaotic, loud, and strangely claustrophobic.

In hindsight, we should’ve trusted our instincts. When in Italy, stick with the basics: a seaside table, perfect ingredients prepared simply, a glass of wine, and the beauty of letting food speak for itself. Casa Mele was an expensive reminder that “fancy” does not equal good—and no amount of positive reviews or colorful upholstery can disguise a meal that simply doesn’t deliver.

My...

I rarely give 5 stars to restaurants, as I’m a very snobbish foodie. Having eaten in the most amazing and awarded restaurants in the world, I’m very skeptical when I see a highly rated restaurant. On my first night in Positano, I decided to try this one, as it was at #1 on Trip Advisor. It turned out to be the best decision I could’ve taken. My husband had the creative menu and I ordered a la carte. The portions were perfectly sized, but the highlight of the evening was the pasta. I can easily say the Linguine Rafmele Style was the best pasta I’ve ever had, perfectly balanced, an explosion of tastes and a discovery of flavors! By all means, please try it!!! The veal cutlet was fantastic, the Capellacci pasta incredible, my husband claimed his lamb chops were the best he’s ever had, the desert out of this world! However, the true winners of the evening were the members of the staff: shout out to Maria, our gracious server, who went above and beyond to make our meal memorable, the super knowledgeable Luigi, the sommelier, who without any judgement or trying to show off his his extensive wine knowledge like most sommeliers do, truly educated us on the white wines of Campania, the owner Raphael who told us the story of his signature pasta that we found the best ever, the Maître D’ who accommodated us without having a reservation, and also to the head chef who made all the dishes look and taste amazing! Best service we’ve ever received, counting Michelin stared or Pelegrino Top 50 restaurants around the world!!! Do yourself a favor and try it, we had one of the best dining...

After dining at this restaurant not once but three times during my week long stay in Positano I thought it only fair that I write a worthy review. I had the honour of working with Chef Rafaelle one on one for a week at the cooking classes he holds and I was humbled by the passion and love he puts into each chop, stir, taste and garnish. Taste, innovation, and presentation were non-negotiables, which was evident in the always packed nightly crowd that frequented the restaurant.

The staff is wonderfully warm, knowledgable and attentive without being overbearing. The wine selection is expansive and has an assortment of affordable bottles to celebratory ones. The restaurant itself is impeccably decorated with no detail left unturned. From the placemats and light fixtures to the adornments from around the world and the Casa Mele hand lotion in the bathroom the restaurant provides a chic interior with an inviting atmosphere.

Now on to the food - where to even begin!!?? For appetizers the Chef's interpretation of a caprese salad is not to be missed, nor are stuffed zucchini blossoms. For the pasta course the risotto is a standout and if you're lucky enough to go on a day where Chef has prepared his simple but incredible bolognese then this is a dish that needs to be ordered. For the meat course the fresh fish in crazy water is tasty and the filet minon is so buttery and delicious. Desserts are all home runs so you won't be led astray in whatever you pick.

Casa Mele became home in my short stay in Positano and Chef Rafaelle became a friend - I cannot wait...