Kasai — Restaurant in Praiano

Category: Fine Food, Tourist Area. Although the name may sound Japanese, this bistro is purely Italian (yes, I see the irony in that sentence). We happily dined at an outdoor table under the festively lighted overhead greenery on a serene, almost-full-moon mid-September night, but the rustic interior would have been equally inviting on a less hospitable evening. In fact, its bare-bulb pendants, beamed and rough-hewn plank ceiling, walls of multi-colored ceramic plates and knick-knacks, worn hardwood floors, and ceramic-topped tables gave us some pause, deciding whether to dine in or out. Although it was a beautiful night, many other guests clearly resolved the same dilemma by choosing to dine inside. The wine list represented the regions of Italy, but we chose an inexpensive local red wine, as we usually do. The menu offered a selection of seafood-centric dishes that was smaller than other restaurants where we have dined, but it was very well curated. For antipasti Sarah and I shared the Capasante Croccanti (crispy scallops). Sharing was a mistake; I wished I could have eaten the whole thing, and ordered another. It was the best thing I’d eaten on this visit. Our friends enjoyed the tuna tartare and Polpo Arrosto (roasted octopus). For secondi, Sarah and I also shared the Vesuvio all’astice (pieces of pasta shaped like the volcano that wiped out Pompeii, with lobster 🦞, tomatoes 🍅, and pistachio) and the Tagliolini al Tartufo. In this case, sharing was also a little bit of a mistake because — although the lobster dish was very good — the truffle dish was so good it made me want to hoard it for myself. Unlike truffles in the U.S., which almost never smell or taste like truffles, these truffles — black ones — were everything truffles should be, and the shaving was generous. An excellent dish. Our friends enjoyed the tortello stuffed with two cheeses and the sea bass with caponta and pesto. The service was excellent. The consensus was that this was our best combo of meal and dining experience, which meant more coming from our friends because this was their tenth night versus our fourth. YouTube’s...

One of the best meals we had in Italy—hands down a top 3 restaurant on our entire trip. Kasai is a gem along the Amalfi Coast and absolutely worth the trip. Beautiful views, warm and welcoming service, and food that honestly blew us away.

We ended up coming here three times during our stay. The first visit was for lunch, and even with a limited menu, they served up incredible dishes. That lunch alone convinced us to come back for dinner—and we’re so glad we did.

The octopus salad with sweet vinegar over a perfect bed of greens? 9/10. The breaded scallop on potato purée? 9.5/10. And the breaded cod with sweet vinegar is a must-try. Their octopus spaghetti was beautifully balanced and full of flavor. Everything we tried felt thoughtful, fresh, and skillfully prepared. Don't forget their desserts! Great way to end the meal.

The team treated us like family from the start—we were affectionately known as the Jack Daniel’s table by the end! Sunset seating is stunning, but bring mosquito repellent or ask the staff—they’ve got you covered.

Huge thanks to the Kasai team. With food and service like this, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Michelin recommendation in...

I very rarely write a review unless I think the restaurant was exceptional. This place is very very special. The location and the view are stunning , the owner and staff are just amazing - attentive , passionate about the food , wine and service , the atmosphere and dinner music are wonderful ……. And then there is the food ….. we came here twice over 5 days (our last night we had booked elsewhere and decided to return - and am so happy we did)…… the food is beyond delicious and the vino is wonderful…… lastly the tiramisu is one of the best I have had in Italy …… this place is a special gem and hopefully remains hidden to the masses …. Oh… and make sure to reserve a table outside at least 1-2 days before you want to go. Thank you to the wonderful staff for two incredible nights of Italian food in a spectacular location (Greg and Caroline)

P.S. the lights/grape vine leaves on the Pergola and the wood fire pots in the colder months (we were here in May)…… just make this place even...