Home to legendary lemon trees, the citrus fruit is big business on the Amalfi Coast. Here, they are actually sweet rather than sour, which makes them ideal for limoncello (Italy’s brightly colored liqueur) and more importantly, cooking. Restaurants use them in salads, risottos and fresh seafood dishes, while bakeries pack their pastries with lemon creams. As you probably know by now, I have a sweet tooth so I couldn’t visit the Amalfi Coast without sampling a few treats – these are my favorite ones…
Pasticceria Andrea Pansa
Located on Amalfi’s main square, Andrea Pansa has been the center of attention for over 180 years. The tables outside are always taken, thanks to its beloved babà (dough lined with cream) and delizia al limone (lemon cake). But their most popular item is the sfogliatella, a shell-shaped pastry with crispy layers and a dollop of luscious lemon cream – both inside and on top.
Address: Via Duca Mansone I, 40, 84011 Amalfi SA
Collina Positano Bakery
Italy’s take on donuts, bombolinis are traditionally coated in sugar and filled with pastry cream. At Collina Positano Bakery, you’ll find the perfectly puffy rounds of dough with lemon-infused cream (an obvious must-try) and chocolate hazelnut spread (you should always save some room for chocolate).
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 1/3, 84017 Positano SA
La Zagara
What may look like a crispy coat of icing, is actually wonderfully soft whipped cream with some more surprises underneath. The delizia al limone is Amalfi’s traditional dessert, which consists of a super light, spongy cake; a thick layer of lemon cream; and worth-your-while calories.
Address: Piazza dei Mulini, 10, 84017 Positano SA
