Lo Scoglio, Nerano

Lo Scoglio: A Seaside Gem on Italy's Amalfi Coast

Lo Scoglio da Tommaso, or "Lo Scoglio" as the locals call it, sits right on the water along the Amalfi Coast, with a wooden dock that stretches out into the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of those places that reminds you why life is worth living. The simplest of pleasures done exceptionally well.

The History: Three Generations of Passion

Everything started in 1958 when Tommaso De Simone opened a modest restaurant on a big rock (that's what "scoglio" means in Italian) right on the sea. What began as a family restaurant has evolved into something truly special, though it's never lost its soul. Today, Tommaso's grandchildren run the place, maintaining their grandfather's commitment to incredible ingredients. Most coming from their own farm or the waters right in front of the restaurant. It's still very much a family affair, and you feel that in every detail.

The Food: What to Order

There are a handful of dishes that you absolutely cannot miss:

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  Spaghetti alla Nerano: This is their claim to fame. Zucchini, pasta, and cheese that somehow become something magical. Stanley Tucci featured it on his show, 'Searching for Italy' and for good reason. It's deceptively simple but absolute perfection.


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  Verdure Miste: They serve their farm vegetables in a big copper pan. Trust me, you've never had vegetables this good.


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  Linguine alle Vongole: Fresh clams with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It's the sea in pasta form.


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  Fritto Misto: Lightly battered calamari and shrimp with golden fries. This is what you want to be eating on a sunny afternoon by the water.


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  Hazelnut Gelato with Caprese Cake: The family loves making pastries, and it shows. These two together are just heaven.

The menu changes with the seasons, so there's always something new to try.

Design & Vibes

Eating at Lo Scoglio feels like being at a really good friend's beach house. That is if your friend happened to have incredible taste and one of the best views on the coast. You can sit on the Dock, the Deck, or the Terrace Grill, and honestly, there's not a bad seat in the house. The tables are simple wood with white tablecloths, and the view consists of endless blue water. It's virtually impossible not to love.

You'll spot everyone from local families to celebrities here, but what we love is that everyone gets treated exactly the same. Nobody's trying too hard. It's just good food, good wine, and that incredible backdrop of sea and blue sky.

The Neighborhood: Discovering Nerano

Lo Scoglio is in Marina del Cantone, which is part of Nerano. While it might feel a bit tucked away, that's exactly what makes it special. It's one of those rare spots on the Amalfi Coast that still feels authentic. If you have time before or after lunch, walk up to the main square – there's a great little shop called Il Piccolo Positano where they'll make you custom sandals while you wait. Or just take a walk along the beach and watch the fishing boats come and go.

How to Get There

Half the fun is getting there, and you've got some great options:

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  By Boat: This is hands down the best way to arrive. From Positano, Praiano, or Capri, you can take a private boat or water taxi right to their dock. The real treat? You'll be greeted by one of the most colourful local characters you'll ever meet. He's been helping guests onto the dock for years and is as much a part of Lo Scoglio as the restaurant itself. In summer, you'll see everything from tiny wooden boats to massive yachts pulling up, and the dock becomes its own kind of theater.


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  By Car: If you're coming from Positano or Praiano, it's about a 45-minute drive along some seriously beautiful coastal roads. From Sorrento, you're looking at an easy 40-minute drive through the peninsula's lemon groves before you hit the coast.