Rada Beach Ristorante — Restaurant in Positano

Rada was the third restaurant on our 10 day honeymoon that we went to after arriving from Connecticut. We actually had our villa book it for us since we arrived upon it at the main beach when we explored it. The interior is a top notch club but then you are led to the balcony where you are to be seated for dining. Then there is a bar on top of that called the Fly Bar.

This restaurant is on the Michelin Guide. Let me first explain that this does not mean it has an actual Michelin star. The ratings for Michelin are as follows from the bottom up: 5) There’s the Michelin Plate, which means simple good food with fresh ingredients and is accompanied with the icon of a plate from the Michelin Guide handbook and Michelin website, 4) then there is what Michelin calls the Bib Gourmand, which Michelin awards to restaurants to have good food for the value of it’s cost, it’s icon is the Michelin mans face 3) Michelin now starts the star ratings starting with 1 star which means, a very good restaurant, 2) Michelin’s 2 stars indicate a place worth a detour, and 1) Michelin’s 3 star rating, the best of the best, means exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. Rada after looking on the Michelin Guide website, it has a Michelin Plate rating. Da Vincenzo, Al Palazzo and Next2 all have the same rating however Rada wins from them all. We’ve dined at all of those and they don’t come close to the Rada.

I’m giving this 5 stars for the following criteria: Cost, Service, Food Quality, Ambiance and Location. All of that adds up to an experience and this place delivers. Some may say it’s a little bit pricy but it’s justifiable because the service is kind and informative. This restaurant invites you with Chef’s welcome of sautéed anchovies ( first time I had an anchovy on it’s own) I order the Beef Fillet with oregano green peppers (fillet cooked perfectly!) and my husband ordered the Orange Flavored Cut of Duckthis was the winner plate!!! Food was very very good. The ambiance was out of this world for two reasons: the glass dividers give you an unobstructed view of either the sea or view of Positano, and the ceramic lanterns and star sconces. With open ceiling into night sky the location makes this restaurant a gem! It is...

Meh. I don't like writing less than stellar reviews but I would also like to know about everyone's dining experience too.

Husband and I went to three different Michelin restaurants while in Italy and this was our least favorite. We got there a bit before our reservation and were seated right away. However, the outdoor seating is quite unite. There are two long rows of tables and chairs, one close to the rocks/cliff and one close to the sidewalk looking out over the beach. The staff member seating us sat us in a far back table next to the rocks when there was ample tables next to the sidewalk/beach view. To me, this table was like the nosebleeds when you go to a game. Nobody really wants to sit there. I thought this was odd and asked if we could be moved to a table closer to the front and not next to the rocks/cliff. I sensed some hesitation about this, mild, which I didn't quite understand. Whatever though. Moving on. The menu is old and worn down looking with typos and spelling errors. Not the biggest deal, but for a Michelin grade restaurant not a good look. There is no QR code either which seemed odd.

Our server was nice and brought out something they indicated was complimentary...was not after getting the check. It's not about money, it's about principal. The menu is unimpressive for what I expected at a Michelin restaurant. We ordered a seafood appetizer which was interesting. The presentation was done well but it was very...blah. We could not finish it. We has planned to eat here for dinner but ended up closing out after that.

I read many reviews about this place and realized we may have a less than stellar experience...

Stunning View, Forgettable Food, and Frustrating Service

Rada's seaside location in Positano is undeniably beautiful — but unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to the setting.

The menu falls squarely into YARC territory (“Yet Another Roman Cuisine”). It features the same well-worn lineup of pastas and seafood you’ll find at most tourist-heavy spots in the area. There’s very little originality or emphasis on regional Campanian flavors, which feels like a missed opportunity in such a unique and scenic location.

Service was the most disappointing part of the visit. After being seated, we waited over 90 minutes for our main courses — which never arrived. Despite asking politely for updates several times, we received no clear explanation. When we finally asked to cancel our order, the manager or head waiter approached our table and raised his voice at us. It was uncomfortable and unprofessional, especially in front of my child. We weren’t the only ones — several other tables around us also left after long waits without food.

A few appetizers were brought out before we left, but they were underwhelming: bland, uninspired, and overpriced for the quality.

Rada appears to rely heavily on its picturesque location, but unfortunately delivers little else in terms of hospitality or cuisine. With so many warm, creative, and genuinely enjoyable dining options in Positano, I’d recommend...