As the conclusion to a solo trip I have been taking around Europe, I tried one of Italy’s newest 3 star establishments, Quattro Passi in Nerano. The restaurant is a little difficult to get to as it is very out of the way, but once you do arrive you are escorted up to your table and a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. I ordered the “best of” tasting menu without a wine pairing (I needed to drive on narrow, windy Amalfi roads after) for the price of €280. Dishes are as follows:
1. First part of the amuse bouche. The “rock” was meant to emulate hunting mollusks, which is illegal in Italy, while the dish in front was sweet and had a prawn filling. Good start to the meal, 9/10
2. The second half of the amuse bouche. Anchovy, fried eggplant ball, and a mozzarella/tomato ball that calls back to the restaurant’s origin as a pizza place. All three were fantastic, 10/10
3. Squid flower. Basically a bunch of calamari on top of langoustine tartare, topped with caviar, and sitting in an apple-flavored water mixture. This is one of their signature dishes and tasted amazing. 10/10
4. Red mullet wafer. There is a whole red mullet in between the wafer slices, which you are meant to pick up and dip into the sauce, which is based on potatoes and orange. The sauce was good, but the fish itself was fairly bland. Probably my least favorite dish, but still decent. 7/10
5. Zucchini linguine. Perfectly cooked pasta, fresh zucchini, amazing cheese. 10/10
6. Gnocchi stuffed with lamb. Classic dish but nothing truly incredible. 9/10
7. Sea bass in lemon sauce (not pictured). This was truly amazing, my only wish was that the portion was larger. I was so excited to eat it I forgot to take a picture. 10/10
8. Veal fillet. This one was okay. Very well cooked and great sauce, but wasn’t a fan of the microgreens, and the portion was tiny. 7/10
9. Predessert (kiwi, whipped cream, lime sorbet). Very nice predessert, acidic and refreshing. 9/10
10. Dessert (saffron risotto on pistachio praline). Another dish that blew me away. Havent really had anything like it so not sure what to say. 10/10
11. Petit fours. The important one here is the wall of eggs, each of which has its own unique flavor. Some were really good, others not so much, but fun idea. 8/10
Overall, I walked away satisfied, although not as awe-struck as I have felt after some other dining experiences. The service was very attentive and made me feel welcome as a young solo diner. Getting to see the kitchen and briefly speak to the executive chef was a nice touch. My waiter said he normally would come visit each table, but I finished quickly on a night with a few large groups, so the kitchen was still very active. Definitely would recommend to anyone visiting Naples/Amalfi, if you don’t mind spending ~$300/pp (~$450 with pairing). Also apologies if my photos are ass lol.
by permateal