During our most recent trip to Positano we had a completely relaxed, laid back and fantastic time. The greatest part of the trip was that we were with good friends who enjoyed alternating from our swim suits to our at-home wear as much as we did. We were complete beach potatoes and did nothing but lounge around by the water and then stay home and sip cocktails before extremely simple, delicious dinners on our terrace.
There was, however, one evening when Domenico and I put on something other than shorts to visit one of the most elegant spots in this extremely elegant town. Through the miracle of social media I realized that my friends Giorgia and Giancarlo were toodling around somewhere nearby on their sailboat. And they were toodling around with our friend Giulia, who happens to be one of the owners of Le Sirenuse. Which happens to be one of the most beautiful hotels in the world.
So when Giulia said “Let’s meet for drinks at the hotel” we of course said yes right way (even though it meant changing out of our pyjamas).
We met for drinks and nibbles at one of the newest creations at Le Sirenuse: The Champagne & Oyster Bar. If you’re thinking fancy, well yes, it is fancy. But in a very comfortable an incredibly beautiful way. The bar is located on a terrace hanging out from the hotel and enjoys just about the best view in town. Small tables are scattered around, with cozy wicker chairs, more like a lounge than a bar
Champagne, of course, but also wickedly delicious cocktails. We had way too may of the house signature cocktail, the Sireneuse, made with No. 3 Gin, Lemon, Maraschino and Champagne.
To nibble on, a wonderful mix of seafood. Besides incredibly fresh raw gamberi and oysters, my favorite was what they called a Lobster Burger, which was actually the closest thing I’ve ever had to a real Lobster Roll in Italy. Then a round of tiny crostini filled with lemon scented raw tuna. Next…..well, I guess we had one too many Sirenuse Cocktails because not only did I stop taking photographs at one point, my notes are illegible. (who am I kidding? I stopped taking notes after the first sip)
But it wasn’t just the gin. As the daylight faded, and we slipped from dusk to evening, I was distracted. By the view. Which, as the night progressed, turned on all it’s glittery charm.
Champagne & Oyster Bar
Le Sirenuse
Positano
+39 089 87 50 66
Le Sirenuse is one of the great hotels of the world, literally. While not everyone can afford to stay there, a stop by this fantastic bar is well worth the treat if you are in town.
For more information on Positano and the Amalfi coast, download my friend Gillian‘s app, Amalfi Coast Travel Essentials, available on iTunes.
I haven’t been to Positano in seven years.
I need to return for that view and for that bar. Let me start saving my euros now.
Dear Elizabeth,
At least you Know how lucky you are to be living a dream life!! (At least it looks like it from here in the US)
Enjoy for all of us!
I will accept the heavy burden of enjoying it for everyone. 🙂
Teleport me there, NOW! Your words and your photos are fabulous! I’m living vicariously through you. I launched an online company a month ago, and all I do is work.
I think a lot of people take work breaks here at my blog. Virtual beach trip anyone?
I loved the whimsical feel of this post. Now, I just need to nudge my husband to drive a wee bit further south to Positano!
I will never forget the dinner I ate on the terrasse here during my honeymoon, less for the food, which was lovely but for the view, the atmosphere, and… midway through the meal a wandering band of minstrels who serenaded us!!! It was sheer romance. Your lovely photos brought it all back.
Yes, that terrace is beyond dreamy. Like a little bit of heaven wedged into the cliff.
Elizabeth – I know your post is from 2014, however, husband and I are staying at Le Sirenuse in July. We are interested in having drinks and dinner at the Champagne Bar. My question – what time would you recommend making our reservation for? We would like to see the sun set, but still enjoy the nightlife…8:00? 7:30? Thank you so much!
I’m not sure what time the sun sets that time of year in Positano. I would imagine that that is something you can look up easily online, and then plan from there. Or else ask the concierge?
What was your favorite place to eat in Positano?
Easy. Da Adolfo. All time favorite.
Elizabeth,
This is a wonderful post! I’ll be visiting Positano next week – and now looking into making a reservation! I was hoping you might be able to help clarify something for me though….
There’s Franco’s Bar, the Champagne and Oyster Bar, and the Champagne Bar and Grill….. It’s my understanding the Champagne and Oyster Bar is somewhere to do light bites and drinks before dinner, is the Champagne Bar & Grill the same and is it situated outside?
I know there’s also the restuarant inside, but getting mixed reviews from travel sites on what exactly to book the reservation for.
Best,
Ashley
The Champgne and Oyster Bar and the Champagne Bar and Grill are the same things, outside, and have a great view. Franco’s Bar is also outside. Although neither are true restuarants, you can certainly make what they serve into a dinner. The restaurant is lovely too. Depending on the time of year, it’s sometimes inside, sometimes outside. But when inside is lit by 1000 candles.
Loved reading your posts as my partner are heading to the Amalfi Coast early June this year for a week (3nights in Ravello and 5 in Praiano) – cannot wait! We will be there for our 10 year anniversary on the 8th of June, and I would love to hear your suggestion of where to book for our anniversary dinner? We are happy to pay a bit for a fantastic meal in a wonderful location but most importantly just want great food! I am looking at La Sponda but am reading mixed reviews …. What would be your choice for booking a special night like that? An expensive flashy meal at say, La Sponda? Or starting with drinks in their champagne bar to drink in the veiws, watch the sunset and enjoy the luxury and then elsewhere for wonderful food/service for dinner? Thanks so much in advance for your time! 🙂 Julie
I love the restaurant at the San Pietro. It’s romantic and fancy.