Foodie Holiday is a series that features food recommendations by chefs and personalities from their holidays abroad.
Chef Lewis Barker of one-Michelin-starred Sommer and Café Natsu travelled to Italy in summer this year. In breezy Italian fashion, he and his partner made their way to the romantic Amalfi Coast for a week to relax, soak in the surroundings, and savour some of the freshest Italian fare.
Barker shares some of his top food spots in this Mediterranean destination, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Was this your first time to the Amalfi Coast and why did you choose this destination?
I went to Italy’s Amalfi Coast at the end of June 2022. It was my first time but definitely not the last. What a stunning place! From the people to the scenery and the amazing weather. I travelled there as I wanted to propose to my long-term girlfriend in Capri, a beautiful Island just off the Amalfi Coast which is accessible by boat. She said “yes” by the way.
Could you recommend your favourite restaurants in Amalfi Coast?
The fine dining scene in the Amalfi Coast is not so vast, but I did go to a one Michelin star restaurant called Glicine (which offers a seasonal Mediterranean menu) at the magnificent Hotel Santa Caterina.
For casual dining there are plenty of great places to eat. One particular place I found really excellent was called Fico d’India. It serves authentic Italian cuisine, and I still remember their delicious handmade fettucini with ceps.
Did you try any unique Italian produce from your trip?
It was quite amazing to see these huge and incredible Amalfi lemons in their original habitat.
Did you visit any hidden gems in Amalfi Coast that only locals know?
One of the places I went to was Torre Saracena Restaurant in Amalfi town. The restaurant is a part of Hotel Luna but is situated across the street, in an ancient tower that was used in the olden days to defend Amalfi from approaching pirates! They serve simple plates using the freshest seafood and vegetables found nearby – all wonderfully matched by classic/traditional style of service and incredible views out across the port (the restaurant has a spacious terrace perched on a rock).
Did you visit any markets or food producers?
I didn’t get the chance to visit any, but one thing for sure is that stunning produce can be found growing wild all over the hills on the Amalfi Coast. You can find all kinds of ingredients from fresh almonds, zucchini flowers, berries, fennel and its pollen to lots of micro herbs that I’d pay through the roof for in Singapore!
Which edible souvenirs should people buy from the Amalfi Coast?
Amalfi lemons and limoncello, of course!
Do you have a dining destination is on your bucket list?
I plan to visit Tokyo during the Chinese New Year holidays next year. I hope to visit Daniel Calvert’s Sézanne at the Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi — the restaurant is run by an inspirational chef and serves beautiful food.