The Next2 Michelin restaurant in Positano is a perfect escape from the foot traffic of Amalfi coast. Its beautiful white building is located within the town rather than along the ocean view. It is a nice getaway from all the hustle and stairs of Positano.
The owners have a second restaurant located near Next2 called, Casa e Bottega. We ate at this restaurant for brunch which was very green and health conscious.
Food
The food was very tasty from start to finish. The sauces and fillings on each plate each had their own unique flavor. The spaghetti was my favorite dish by far, although it tied with the seared octopus.
I would have liked to see a ‘Tiny Plate’ of small bites in the beginning but was sad to not receive one. I thought the portions were slightly larger than what I am typically used to.
Wine Pairing
I love when I recognize certain grapes and wine bottles when I am dining with a restaurant. I think the restaurant had a great selection of wines from different regions of Italy, each complimenting the plate it was paired with.
Plating
Without a doubt, the glassware was on point. I thought the plating was simple and consistent throughout, matching the theme of the restaurant.
The first plate had a fun twist, being a mini oven pan, which I thought was super cute.
We asked if the restaurant had an Amaro drink to finish our meal. They brought us their Amaro, shaken by the house, with a beautiful presentation. The server carefully placed the mint leaf and rosemary clipping into our drinks one at a time.
Service
The service was very welcoming and accommodating throughout the night. With a very relaxed attire, the service engages with its guests respectfully and professionally. We had a great time talking to the staff throughout our meals.
The staff was also very knowledgeable on the wine pairings for each course as well as additional recommendations on other restaurants in Amalfi. From our server, we learned that most of the restaurants’ staff in Amalfi are all friends and will eat at other’s restaurants.
Ambiance
A destination upon arrival, Next2 Michelin Ristorante provides a comforting oasis setting filled with lots of greenery and dim, mood lighting in the evening. It was a very relaxing environment and private to the guests attending.
Michelin Review
Please note, I am by no means a professional food critic, let alone a Michelin critic. Therefore, my own personal review as a ‘Tiny Plates Girl’, is solely based on my experience.
The 1) tastes, textures, and flavor of the food, 2) how well the wine pairs with the food and the choice of wines, 3) the creativeness or personality of each course and their plating, 4) the staff’s politeness, attentiveness, and knowledge, and 5) the ambiance of the restaurant.
