Cheap Eats in Positano: Budget Food Guide

Budget eating strategy

Plan one sit-down meal every 2–3 days and fill gaps with takeaway, picnics, and hostel breakfasts. This keeps your daily food spend around €15–25 instead of €50+.

Shop at minimarkets uphill (Via dei Mulini, Via Cristoforo Colombo) where prices are 20–30% lower than beachfront kiosks. A 1.5L water bottle costs €0.80 vs €3 on the sand. We've seen the difference add up: guests who shop uphill save €50–70 over a week.

Eat your main meal at lunch when many trattorias offer \"menu del giorno\" (€12–18 for pasta, water, coffee) instead of dinner à la carte (€25–40 per person). Staff at uphill spots are used to budget travelers and won't rush you.

Refill water bottles at the hostel or the public fountain near Chiesa Nuova—carrying 750ml+ saves €2–4 daily. The hostel has filtered water available 24/7; just bring your own bottle or borrow one from the common area.

Use the hostel terrace as your dining room: breakfast pastries at 8am with sunrise views, picnic lunches spread out on the tables, and sunset aperitivo with minimarket wine. It's social, scenic, and saves a fortune on restaurant covers.

Grab-and-go staples (€3–8 per meal)

Pizza al taglio (by the slice): €3–5 for a generous portion. Collina Bakery and bars along Via dei Mulini sell margherita, marinara, and seasonal toppings. Go before noon to get fresh batches—we tried the 11am marinara from Collina and it was still oven-warm.

Panini & focaccia: €4–6 at delis and bakeries. Ask for caprese (mozzarella, tomato, basil), prosciutto, or eggplant parm. Specify \"senza\" if you're avoiding ingredients. From the hostel, Collina Bakery is a 5-minute uphill walk; get there by 10am for the full panini menu.

Arancini (fried rice balls): €2.50–3.50 each. Filling, portable, and available at most bars. Classic ragù or mozzarella versions are everywhere. Guests often grab two for lunch and eat them on the terrace or beach.

Counter espresso: €1.20–1.50 \"al banco\" (standing at the bar) vs €3.50–5 for table service. It's the same coffee, just different pricing. Staff at bars near Chiesa Nuova know the hostel crowd and are always friendly.

Takeaway salads & pasta: €5–8 from deli counters. Great for picnics or eating back at the hostel terrace with a view. Ask for extra napkins and cutlery, or use the reusable set available in the hostel kitchen.

Supermarket picnics (€6–12 per meal)

Stock up at minimarkets: bread/focaccia (€1.50–3), local cheese (€3–5 per 200g), salami or prosciutto (€4–6), cherry tomatoes (€2), and fruit (€2–4). That's a full picnic for two under €20. We've watched guests turn this into a nightly ritual on the terrace.

Where to eat it: Hostel terrace (best sunset view in Positano, verified by countless guest photos), Fornillo Beach's free public section (west end), or the shaded benches near Chiesa Nuova. The terrace has tables, chairs, and a sunset view that beats any restaurant.

Reusable gear: Bring a small knife, cutting board, and cloth napkin. You'll save on plastic cutlery fees and reduce waste. The hostel kitchen has a shared knife and cutting board if you forget yours.

Wine tip: Minimarket wine is €4–8 per bottle vs €20+ in restaurants. Drink responsibly and recycle glass at hostel bins. Staff recommendations: ask for \"vino locale\" (local wine) at minimarkets for the best quality-to-price ratio.

Casual sit-down spots (€12–20 per person)

Look uphill: Trattorias on Via Cristoforo Colombo or near Chiesa Nuova charge less than beachfront places. Expect €8–12 for pasta, €3–5 for house wine (carafe), €2 coperto.

Lunch specials: \"Menu del giorno\" bundles pasta, water, and espresso for €12–18. Ask when you sit down or check the chalkboard outside.

Share starters: Bruschetta, caprese, or fried calamari (€6–10) split between two people stretches the budget. Skip dessert and grab gelato or bakery treats later for half the price.

Tap water: Ask for \"acqua del rubinetto\" (tap water, free) instead of bottled (€2.50–4). It's safe and perfectly normal to request.

Card minimums: Some small spots require €10–15 minimum for card payments. Carry €20–30 cash to avoid ATM fees or awkward moments.

Dietary & allergy-friendly cheap eats

Vegetarian: Caprese panini (€4–5), eggplant parmigiana al taglio (€4), pasta al pomodoro or aglio e olio (€8–10), margherita pizza (€3–5 per slice).

Vegan: Marinara pizza (no cheese, €3–4 slice), pasta with tomato sauce (confirm no butter/cheese), fruit from markets, focaccia senza formaggio.

Gluten-free: Many bakeries and trattorias offer gluten-free pasta and pizza (\"senza glutine\"). Prices are similar or €1–2 more. Always ask about cross-contamination if you're celiac.

Allergies: Say \"sono allergico/a a...\" (I'm allergic to...) and specify nuts (\"noci\"), dairy (\"latticini\"), shellfish (\"crostacei\"), etc. Staff take allergies seriously—don't hesitate to ask.

Sweet breaks & treats (€2–5)

Lemon granita: €2.50–3.50 from street carts or bars. Refreshing, iconic Amalfi Coast treat, and cheaper than cocktails (€8–12).

Bakery desserts: Delizia al limone, sfogliatella, or tiramisù by the slice (€3–5). Split one between two people for an affordable fix.

Gelato: €2.50–4 for a cone vs €6–8 for sit-down desserts. Look for \"produzione propria\" (homemade) signs.

Espresso + pastry combo: €3–4 at the counter. A classic Italian breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

Where to shop & eat

Collina Bakery (Via Cristoforo Colombo): Panini, pizza al taglio, salads, pastries. Open early for breakfast grab-and-go.

Minimarkets on Via dei Mulini: Central location, fair prices, good for picnic supplies and water refills (buy once, refill at hostel).

Delis near Chiesa Nuova: Uphill spots with deli counters, focaccia, and cheese. Less tourist markup than beachfront.

Fruit & veg stands: Seasonal produce, often cheaper than minimarkets. Great for snacks and picnic additions.

Bars with counters: Stop for espresso \"al banco\" and ask about arancini, panini, or daily specials. Locals eat here, so prices stay reasonable.

Timing & queue-beating tips

Bakeries: Go before 11am for fresh pizza al taglio and full panini selection. After 2pm, many items sell out.

Lunch specials: Arrive by 12:30pm to snag \"menu del giorno\" before kitchen switches to dinner prep (usually 3–5pm).

Supermarkets: Shop in the morning (8–10am) when shelves are stocked. Late afternoon can be picked over, especially in summer.

Avoid dinner rush: If you're eating out, arrive by 7pm or after 9:30pm to skip the 8–9pm tourist wave and get tables without booking.

Tips

• Budget €15–25 per day by mixing one takeaway meal, one picnic, and hostel breakfast. Save sit-down dinners for every 2–3 days.
• Shop uphill at minimarkets on Via dei Mulini or near Chiesa Nuova for 20–30% lower prices than beachfront kiosks.
• Ask for \"menu del giorno\" at lunch (€12–18 for pasta, water, coffee) and \"acqua del rubinetto\" (free tap water) to cut costs.
• Carry reusable cutlery, a small knife, and a water bottle (750ml+). Refill at the hostel or public fountain near Chiesa Nuova.
• For dietary needs, say \"sono allergico/a a...\" (I'm allergic to...) or ask for \"senza glutine\" (gluten-free) / \"senza formaggio\" (no cheese).

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