Positano Coast, Positively Lovely

Always searching for a great place to relax and dine, Phillyist decided to pop into Positano Coast where we had a very pleasant experience. The concept, developed by Aldo Lamberti who owns and operates a number of Italian restaurants, brings the Amalfi Coast to Walnut Street through décor, cuisine and pleasant hospitality.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the General Manager who asked if we would like to sit at the bar or in the dining area – a solid, legitimate question. After a very long career and countless meals in the hospitality and restaurant world, we've concluded that the old saying “there's no such thing as a stupid question” doesn’t apply in the restaurant world, so it is extremely appreciated when asked one that makes sense. We chose the dining room, sat down, and were asked if we would like a drink – another good question. The décor includes mammoth, backlit images of beautiful gardens, coastlines and architecture of Positano as well as starched linen clothing (which was a bit weird because each item was outlined with a visible blue magic marker line) reminiscent of the clothes worn in the Southern Italian heat.

The menu, encouraging the table to share family style, featured a variety of small plate options of starters and entrees. We sampled the antipasti platter which consisted of roasted peppers, succulent, briny olives and marinated mushrooms. Everything tasted and looked very fresh. Next up was gorgonzola gnocchi, which didn’t taste as fresh – we can spot a frozen gnocchi from a mile away but hey, who doesn’t love anything slathered in hot, creamy, salty cheese? The spinach was so good, we ordered not one, but two orders, and the crudo was absolutely fantastic.

All in all, it’s a trip well worth making in terms of cuisine and service. Although we went on a dreary, damp, cold evening, the outside seating looks like it would be a very fun place to hang out with friends on a beautiful spring day.