Casa Mele

We were recommended to this place by a couple locals plus the stellar TripAdvisor reviews that for some reason don’t compete with the few reviews here on Unilocal.
We were so glad we came here! We were staying in Praiano and chose this over some more touristy options. This is definitely a contemporary Italian approach and the chef (Yokohama native with a Michelin star-​rated background) runs a super tight ship in their open kitchen, producing both beautiful and delicious creative food options. We dined on a weekday night and got a table right next to their open kitchen with a perfect view of prep and plating artistry.
Our server was incredibly nice, spoke great English, and was more than willing to make recommendations. We ended up going with that evening’s specials, which included a tuna tartar served with diced apples, avocado, and leeks, alongside a delicious raw prepped prawn, deveined and served with olive oil and some delicious garnish. The two of us split this and each got half serving beautifully plated for us individually. For first course, we shared the homemade tagliatini in a tomato sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes and two generous entire fresh langoustines (halved for us), so one per plate. For main course, we shared the braised veal cheek. We also got a complimentary apéritif of grilled octopus with potato purée that was very tasty.
The veal cheek was simply divine. I highly, highly recommend it. It was so perfectly prepared and served with a purée of pumpkin and alongside a red wine reduction. This was one of the best bites of food on our whole trip all over Italy.
We had the babà for dessert, which for me was good butt probably would opt for something more rich as it was a bit on the dry side. We did also get complimentary hazelnut gelato and some biscotti which were both delicious. Overall, great service, great experience, and I would highly recommend!

Excellent service and delicious, exquisitely prepared dishes from the home-​made breadsticks to the cheese course with wine and pear/​wasabi jellies. Extraordinary wine/​champagne list for a small restaurant. Pleasing, modern ambiance; although the lighting is a bit bright for a romantic evening. We will definitely be back.

What a wonderful experience!
As soon as we walked in and saw the open kitchen, we knew we were in for a fine meal. Our waiter was exceptional. I asked him about zucchini blossoms (as I had been searching for them all over the coast) and he told me to say no more. 5 minutes later, two beautifully crisp, stuffed blossoms arrived at our table. We had an app, the ravioli, steak, and the best bottle of red we’ve had in a long while (thanks to our waiter for his rec!)
It’s a must go if you’re in Positano.

I will start out by saying that if you are a picky eater, then this 4 star rating will make sense to you. The food here is absolutely amazing — everything I ate was delicious — but there is very limited choice. In fact, there are only about 20 or so food items on the entire menu, only 6 or 7 of which were entrees. Regardless, if you’re open to trying something new and creative, you will 100% enjoy it. All four of us had absolutely no complaints about our food. I recommend this place.

Very rare to get such fantastic food & service… if you want quality, don’t give this place a miss

Chef Rafaelle has created a real gem with Casa Mele. In addition to dining there, we also had the privilege of having a personal cooking class with Chef Rafaelle. From the moment you enter you know you are someplace special. In addition to outstanding melt-​in-​your-​mouth food, the ambiance is contemporary, and the wait staff welcoming. The restaurant is located very close to Le Sirineuse and is easy to reach in Positano. If you haven’t tried Casa Mele you really must, and tell all your friends. You will not be disappointed!!!

Great food, service and décor. The chef had a quick chat to us which was nice. I’m surprised this doesn’t have more reviews on Unilocal.
I can’t get over how good the pasta wss

Modern décor with classic good food. Great food. From the silverware to the coffee cups from the pasta to the fish every detail is perfect. A great find.

After dining at this restaurant not once but three times during my week long stay in Positano I thought it only fair that I write a worthy review. I had the honour of working with Chef Rafaelle one on one for a week at the cooking classes he holds and I was humbled by the passion and love he puts into each chop, stir, taste and garnish. Taste, innovation, and presentation were non-​negotiables, which was evident in the always packed nightly crowd that frequented the restaurant.
The staff is wonderfully warm, knowledgable and attentive without being overbearing. The wine selection is expansive and has an assortment of affordable bottles to celebratory ones. The restaurant itself is impeccably decorated with no detail left unturned. From the placemats and light fixtures to the adornments from around the world and the Casa Mele hand lotion in the bathroom the restaurant provides a chic interior with an inviting atmosphere.
Now on to the food — where to even begin??? For appetizers the Chef’s interpretation of a caprese salad is not to be missed, nor are stuffed zucchini blossoms. For the pasta course the risotto is a standout and if you’re lucky enough to go on a day where Chef has prepared his simple but incredible bolognese then this is a dish that needs to be ordered. For the meat course the fresh fish in crazy water is tasty and the filet minon is so buttery and delicious. Desserts are all home runs so you won’t be led astray in whatever you pick.
Casa Mele became home in my short stay in Positano and Chef Rafaelle became a friend — I cannot wait to return :)