As an Italian Canadian (proud 2nd generation guy) and having eaten at many Italian ristorantes all over the world, I can say honestly that while many restaurants try to manufacture/deliver the full Italian dining experience and fail miserably, I can candidly say that Il Pino is the real deal. No pretenses- just a great atmosphere and vibe, great family-oriented service and great Italian food that won’t dent the wallet. My wife and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary with a whirlwind tour of Italy that included Venice, Florence, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Rome and Il Pino Restaurant was hands down the culinary high point of our trip. After being spoiled our first time at Il Pino by the wonderful staff and owner Simone, we again chose Il Pino, cozily nestled in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, to celebrate our last night in Italy. The whole team - Simone, Antonio, Simone’s Dad, the master waiter/singer/entertainer extraordinaire and Raffaele, our friendly waiter, made this a memorable night that we will cherish for a long time. Grazie mille Simone and family! Before the meal we were served Prosecco in the luscious seaside courtyard at sunset, and then came the delicious festa of food. Among the two visits we savored antipasti like a zucchini flower appetizer, caprese salad, smoked swordfish salad and had mains like grilled sea bass with seasonal vegetables and scialatielli with clams in a pesto sauce- all to die for! If you are in this part of the world, this restaurant is a must-visit. It may just be the highlight of your...
Read more"Il Pino" in Praiano, Italy, offered us an unforgettable dining experience that easily ranks among the best meals we've ever had globally. The setting is simply idyllic: perched above the Amalfi Coast, with unparalleled panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Make sure to arrive before sunset; the transition from day to dusk paints a mesmerizing backdrop that enriches the dining experience tenfold.
As stunning as the views are, the food is equally impressive. Each dish was a work of art, skillfully prepared and presented, capturing the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients shined through in every course, from antipasti to dessert.
What truly sets "Il Pino" apart is the warm atmosphere. The owner, and the staff are the epitome of Italian hospitality. They go out of their way to make you feel like a part of their family, not just a guest in their restaurant. Their genuine friendliness and eagerness to please transform a great meal into an extraordinary experience.
It's rare to find a place that excels in every aspect—food, ambiance, and service—but "Il Pino" effortlessly checks all the boxes. If you find yourself in Praiano, do not miss the chance to dine here. It's not just a meal; it's an experience...
Read moreWe had such an amazing time doing a private cooking class with Simone at Il Pino—it was honestly one of the highlights of our trip. We made the most delicious tempura flowers stuffed with ricotta, a classic eggplant parmigiana, and fresh ricotta ravioli with fettuccine. Simone was such a great teacher and was super clear, patient, and made the whole experience really fun and relaxed. After cooking, we got to sit down and enjoy the meal we’d made with a glass (or two!) of their incredible wine, all while watching the sunset, it was absolutely unreal. We were so full by the end we couldn’t even manage the tiramisu, but thankfully they let us take it home. We also got to try their beautiful homemade limoncello, which was the perfect finish to the evening. To top it all off, they even organized a ride back to our accommodation, which was such a lovely touch. The hospitality was next level. We also got to meet Simone’s dad, Antonio, who gave us a little serenade—it was such a special moment! We’ll honestly cherish this memory forever. It was such a beautiful part of our honeymoon and we’re already looking forward to coming back next time we’re in Italy. Huge thank you to Simone and the whole team, see you again soon! With...
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