In the heart of Italy’s Campania region, the coastal region isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a paradise for your taste buds. After sampling all the delicious things the area offers, you will undoubtedly want to take home a few food souvenirs from the Amalfi Coast.
I’ll tell you about a few of my favorite treats to munch on when in Sorrento or Capri. Fortunately, some of the most portable ones to transport home are also the most delicious.
If only I could pack some of that creamy gelato in my suitcase (sigh). Well, one can dream.
From the bustling markets of Amalfi to the quaint shops tucked away in Positano’s alleys, here is the inside scoop on where to find these tasty treasures.
As always, I recommend taking a food tour or culinary adventure whenever you arrive at a new destination. You’ll get an excellent overview and introduction to the local cuisine, plus much more.
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EDITOR’S PICK!
- Mozzarella spinning demonstration and pizza school
- Lunch in a farmhouse
- Includes wine, limoncello and homemade dessert
Start your travels off with this exploration of Amalfi coast cuisine hosted by a local family.
WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS TOUR:
“Highlight of our trip to Sorrento!”
“The family is so warm, welcoming, and funny”
1. Limoncello: A Citrus Delight
Limoncello is traditionally made from Sorrento lemons also known as Femminello St. Teresa lemons.
These rinds of these local lemons are high in oil content and are what flavor this refreshing liquor.
It makes a perfect souvenir gift for cocktail enthusiasts.
On our coastal Italian journey we looked forward to sipping this ice cold lemony digestif after each meal.
Often the waitstaff would show up with two tiny little complimentary glasses of limoncello. This generosity made us feel so special, like we were guests in their home.
Limoncello is hands-down our favorite food souvenir from the Amalfi Coast.
Best Place to Buy Limoncello in the Amalfi Coast
Take a free guided tour of Limoncello Di Capri and observe the production line just outside of Sorrento. Taste a free sampling at the end and purchase limoncello and local specialties in their shop.
Any local liquor stores or gift shops in towns along the coast will sell limoncello along with many other lemon inspired products.
Where to Buy Limoncello When Not in Italy
Limoncello is common to find in local liquor stores in the United States.
If you prefer to have it shipped directly then check here for authentic Villa Massa Limoncello from Sorrento.
Or opt for this lovely hand-painted ceramic jar filled with delicious limoncello from Sorrento.
Make your own limoncello!
You may want to try your hand at making limoncello at home. It’s pretty simple. Make sure to find the best quality lemons available.
Follow along with this entertaining how-to make homemade limoncello video from Jamie Oliver’s Drink Tube.
Here’s a cute little set of stickers for labeling your homemade limoncello to give as gifts to family and friends.
Serve it in these beautiful limoncello glasses. Add them to your homemade brew to really make this a special gift to yourself or someone you love.
2. Flavors of the Sea: Anchovies and Colatura
The Amalfi Coast’s identity is strongly tied to seafood and fishing.
Anchovies and Colatura (fish sauce) are iconic delicacies used to season many local dishes. If you want to taste these right from the source, then be sure to make your way to the charming village of Cetara.
Cetara is a small fishing village on the coast where Colatura is made. It is a short 20 minute bus ride from Salerno.
Best Place to Buy Anchovies and Colatura in the Amalfi Coast
Here are two suggestions for buying Colatura, Anchovies, and tuna while visiting Cetara:
Antico Borgo Saraceno Corso Garibaldi, 37, 84010 Cetara SA
Cetarii di Gennaro Benincasa Via Marina, 48/50, 84010 Cetara SA
Where to Buy Anchovies and Colatura When Not in Italy
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE IN SALERNO
For an authentic Italian dining experience, dine with a local family and absorb the cultural dynamics of an Italian mealtime.
Enjoy the lovely hospitality and delicious cooking right in their home in Salerno. Book your lunch or dinner spot here.
- Learn how to make typical Salerno dishes like a local
- All food and drink including local wine is included
- This private activity will only be attended by your group
3. Handcrafted Pasta: Scialatielli
When planning to visit Italy, indulging in tender homemade pasta is the first thing that enters my mind.
Scialatielli, a unique pasta shape that originated on the Amalfi Coast.
It is a flat pasta similar to tagliatelle, only it is shorter and thicker.
It is most often served with the abundant seafood the Amalfi Coast is known for.
What makes Scialatielli stand out is the dough is mixed with milk instead of egg and fresh basil is added. If you love basil then Scialatielli is a must try pasta for you.
This pasta is typical of the Campania region and makes a memorable food souvenir from the Amalfi Coast.
Best Place to Buy Scialatielli in the Amalfi Coast
You can find a bag of Scialatielli in many artisanal food shops in Positano or Amalfi.
Try a local grocery store such as:
The Big Apple (La Grande Mela) in Amalfi- Via Dei Curiali, 6, 84011 Amalfi SA.
Where to Buy Scialatielli When Not in Italy
Make Your Own Fresh Scialatielli Pasta
Learn how to make this Amalfi coast pasta from scratch from a real Italian Nonna in this video from Pasta Grannies.
Try a Naples Pasta Making Class!
With the Gulf of Sorrento as your backdrop. Get hands on making pasta with an Italian chef.
- From an 1800s on a terrace overlooking the Gulf of Sorrento learn to prepare traditional dishes with an Italian chef.
- All this with excellent local wines, limoncello and lots of music.
WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING
“Amazing and authentic”
“Our favorite and most memorable experience during our trip to Italy”
4. Sweet Temptation: Sfogliatella
Sfogliatella is a flaky, layered pastry with various fillings such as ricotta cheese and fruit. The best way to enjoy it is with a cup of rich Italian coffee.
The original recipe was created by nuns from the Santa Rosa Monastery during the 17th Century. Its unique shape is fashioned to represent a monk’s hood.
The Monastery no longer exists in its function as a convent since the 1800’s. However its history is preserved and this landmark building runs as a stunning luxury hotel. The Monastero Santa Rosa has an interesting story you can read about here.
If you wish to stay there, or somewhere nearby, follow this link to accommodations in Salerno.
Best Place to Buy Sfogliatella in the Amalfi Coast
Local bakeries in Sorrento and Amalfi are known for crafting these authentic sfogliatella and pastiera pastries.
Where to Buy Sfogliatella When Not in Italy
If you are fortunate to live near an authentic Italian bakery you may just find Sfogliatella locally.
You can also purchase them at Trader Joe’s.
They come frozen and are stuffed with ricotta and orange zest. Trader Joe’s Sometimes carries items only seasonally, so they are subject to availability.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Liquid Gold of the Amalfi Coast
The importance of extra virgin olive oil in Mediterranean cuisine can not be understated.
Campania’s olive groves produce high-quality olive oil and makes for a perfect food souvenir from the Amalfi Coast.
Best Place to Buy Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the Amalfi Coast
Stop by local oil mills and specialty shops in Sorrento, Ravello, or Maiori.
In Ravello stop at Gusti & Delizie- via Roma, 28-30, 84010 Ravello SA for a lovely tasting.
From Sorrento, Visit the Frantoio Gargiulo Oil Mill just a short drive away in Sant’ Agnello.
Get a tour of the production and enjoy some tastings.
This personalized tour is small, up to 7 people only. It includes a pick up and drop off from your accommodation.
BOOK YOUR OLIVE OIL TOUR IN SORRENTO
- A small-group olive oil tasting in Sorrento with hotel pickup
- group capped at only seven people
- Tour the olive groves then have a sit down tasting of multiple local products
Where to Buy Extra Virgin Olive Oil When Not in Italy
Sorrento Olive Oil with Green Ceramic Bottle
Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Campania region
Getting Your food Souvenirs from The Amalfi Coast Home Safely
Carry-on or Checked bag for Food Items?
If you are planning to bring home wine from the Amalfi coast, as well as limoncello and olive oil, you may want to consider this wine travel suitcase.
It holds up to 8 bottles and weighs less than 40 lbs when fully packed
It would be a worthwhile investment if you frequently like to bring home wine and spirits as souvenirs.
Packaging Food for Travel
Don’t let your liquid food souvenirs from Italy get broken.
If you are bringing back bottled souvenirs on a smaller scale then you may want to consider Wine Wings. I love my Wine Wings and always travel with at least one in my luggage. They would work well to transport the olive oil or limoncello. And of course Italian wine.
Wine Wings for your liquid souvenirs
Bringing Food Through Customs
Different countries have different rules for what is allowed to cross the border. Make sure to check the local regulations for where you plan to travel.
Often meats and agricultural products have restrictions. There may also be limits as to cost and quantity so its a good idea to be proactive.
It would be so sad to have your yummy souvenirs confiscated at security because you were unaware of policy.
HAVEN’T BOOKED YOUR HOTEL YET?
FIND REVIEWS AND IMAGES OF CAPRI, AMALFI, POSITANO, AND SORRENTO HERE
Everything you need to know to find the best accommodations on the Amalfi Coast.
If you’re trip around Italy includes Tuscany, then check out the edible gifts from Florence.