Things to do:

Visit Pompei

Blue Grotto (Capri)

Boat trips from Salerno

Recommendations on what and where to eat:

1. Fresh Seafood & Coastal Specialities​

Frittura di Paranza/Mare: A mix of freshly fried small fish, calamari, and shrimp.​

Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare: Thick, handmade pasta with clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid.​

Spaghetti alle Vongole: Classic spaghetti with clams, garlic, white wine, and olive oil.​

Anchovies from Cetara (Alici di Cetara): Prized local anchovies served raw with lemon or in olive oil.​

Totani e Patate: Tender local squid stewed with potatoes, garlic, and tomatoes.​

2. Traditional Campanian Pasta & Pizza​

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Baked gnocchi with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.​

Paccheri con Ragù di Pesce: Large tube pasta with a rich fish-based sauce.​

Pizza: While Naples is nearby, Salerno has excellent, high-quality pizza. Must-try spots include Pizzeria La Smorfia, Gika, Pepe Nero and Gli Esposito.​

Pizza a Portafoglio: A "wallet-style" folded pizza, perfect for eating on the go.​

Panuozzo: A pizza-dough sandwich, particularly popular at local pubs. ​

Frittatina di Pasta: a popular Neapolitan street food consisting of deep-fried, battered, and breaded pasta balls or discs. They are typically made from béchamel sauce, mixed pasta (often bucatini), cheese, and fillings like ham and peas.​

3. Local Produce & Specialties​

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana: The buffalo mozzarella from this region is exceptionally fresh and creamy.​

Eggplant Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane): A classic, rich comfort food.​

Colatura di Alici: A traditional fermented anchovy sauce used to flavor pasta. ​

4. Sweets & Desserts​

Delizia al Limone: A small lemon sponge cake filled and covered with Amalfi lemon cream.​

Sfogliatella: A layered pastry filled with ricotta.​

Babá: with its unmistakable mushroom shape, is one of the classics of Neapolitan pastries - a sponge cake soaked in a sticky, sweet rum syrup.​

Gelato: Bar Nettuno is highly recommended by locals. ​

5. Recommended Eateries​

Osteria dei Sapori: Known for seafood and homemade pasta.​

Casa Ragùsa: Famous for 10-hour ragù, fresh hand-made pasta and parmigiana.​

Mamma Rosa: A top spot for authentic, local, and affordable seafood.​

La Botte Pazza: Known for its cozy atmosphere, generous portions, and a wine fountain.​

Suscettibile: A Michelin-listed, more upscale option for creative, changing menus.​

Pasticceria Romolo: Ideal for authentic Neapolitan pastries and desserts. ​

Local Tips​

Wine: Pair meals with local Campanian wines like Falanghina or Aglianico.​

Dining Style: Look for restaurants in the Salerno Old Town (Centro Storico), particularly on streets like Via dei Mercanti.​

Lunch/Dinner: Many locals eat late, with dinner usually starting around 8:00 PM or later.