Positano in Plymouth

Another fantastic meal at Positanos for an 80th birthday celebration. Food and service are always brilliant, that's why it's been our favourite restaurant in Plymouth for the past 25 years.

Lovely meal. Friendly place. Great food. Particularly enjoyed the Carpaccio di'Manzo. Thank you very much for a super time.

By far the best Italian restaurant in Plymouth, if you're looking for an authentic Italian experience (both in terms of food & the restaurant's atmosphere!) No other Italian restaurant that I've tried in Plymouth personally has even come close to replicating authentic Italian food like the food that they serve in Positano! The quality of the food is unmatched, and I am yet to try a dish that I didn't enjoy; it's very rare to find Italian food of this standard in Plymouth so it's no wonder that this restaurant is so popular & highly rated! A very nice touch is that they give you free bruschetta before you have your meal, and it's the best bruschetta I've ever had! The portions are huge so make sure you're hungry! Most of the pasta dishes I've tried have come piled high on the plate, and the Calzone was absolutely enormous! The prices are also very reasonable, and you definitely get your money's worth with the quality of the food & large portion sizes The atmosphere is cosy & welcoming, and they play a good mix of Italian-feeling music at a comfortable volume that doesn't inhibit your ability to have a good conversation with friends and family over your meal The staff are also very friendly & accommodating, which adds to the experience Booking a table can sometimes be a bit difficult because of how popular the restaurant is, especially on weekends but it's well worth the effort to do so!

Down in Plymouth for football me and my wife went to Positano, s Saturday night , we had a wonderful evening with great food and a superb atmosphere , there was a very big 70th birthday party in but it didn't affect the service which was first class . My wife's monkfish was the biggest portion we've ever seen . Very happy customers Sean and Lesley

We had an amazing evening last night as a belated birthday meal, it’s was the first visit in a long time and my teenager cannot wait to go back. Thank you for wonderful food and brilliant staff.

Having had the pleasure of visiting Italy, Positano is the only place that replicates, if not betters, the atmosphere and food of an Italian restaurant. For an ambience that can be casual, the food is heavenly, the prices are very fair and the portion sizes are fantastic! I recommend absolutely anything from Positano.

You simply can not choose a better restaurant.. Attentive staff add to the enjoyment of any meal in this well frequented establishment. Menu is excellent, wonderful with accurate description of food and deserts that are very tempting. I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a pleasant meal.

I took my mum here for her birthday and the food was lovely and particularly the lemon meringue. Thank you, Arthur (age 9)

Lovely starter and bruschetta as a complimentary side dish . Service was great and main dishes were good I had lasagne. Would defiantly return and prices ok too.

Amazing! Service was excellent! On top of everything! Servings and portions great size! Will recommend highly to this restaurant and all the staff! 10/10 hands down perfect restaurant for all occasions! Lovely authentic restaurant, the atmosphere of welcome, warmth and a true love for their customers.

Fabulous - good, friendly service. Excellent food. Had the special for starters and main - mozzarella arancini, butternut ravioli and mushroom sauce. fresh, very tasty.

What a restaurant, the service was so friendly and attentive and we were made to feel welcome from the moment we stepped through the door. The food was delicious and very generous. We were able to pre order our meal as we were going to the theatre after. This was very helpful. I only wished we could have stayed longer. I would definitely go back there again and would have no reservations in recommending it to anyone. Thank you for a good start to a lovely evening.

Excellent food. Reasonably priced.

Best Italian Restaurant I've ever been to and the customer service was amazing, I can see why its been going for so long. thank you!

Found this buy chance and would recommend it to everyone. Amazing food at good prices.

The best Italian in Plymouth, staff are very welcoming and the food is unbelievable, will definitely be back again!

Superb meal & excellent customer service staff were very attentive without being over the top Would definitely go there again

Absolutely incredible food, from starter through main to dessert, it was amazing. Very nice, friendly service, they really go to that extra mile. The atmosphere was also exceptional, Italian, homey but still a kind of luxurious. 100% recommended, and we will definitely come back, very soon I hope!

A brilliant Italian with excellent wine and fantastic food. I wish this was my local! The staff are super friendly. Inside is a little dated (and not in a quaint Italian way) but this really doesn’t do it any significant harm.

Never been here before and had an amazing evening the other night. The staff were so lovely and accommodating! The food was absolutely delicious, and the whole evening was just amazing. Big thank you to all the staff here! Will definitely be back!

The meal and service was great. But at the end the waitress insisted that the service was not included in the bill pushing us to tip. This ruined all the experience because since when we are charged for service in the UK?!? Tipping is a voluntary act and not mandatory. Quite unpleasant attitude from the waitress

My wife and I visited positano today and literally had the best dining experience ever. Not only was the main dish superb, but the dessert dish I had (which was a frangipane dessert) was one of the nicest I have ever tasted. Along with all this, the staff were amazing and made you feel at home. I would recommend it to anyone considering visiting.

I booked a table for my wife's birthday, trusting that the reviews were better than a few of the dated photos. I needn't have worried; the staff were so warm and welcoming and the food was excellent. My boys (9 and 13) were treated well and there was good humour throughout. The complementary bruschetta was absolutely delicious and all of the mains were fabulous. We were disappointed to have to leave early to catch our train but will definitely make a special stop next time we are in Plymouth. An Italian gem!

Lovely food, lovely service! Perfect little slice of Italy!

Best restaurant in Plymouth, food is so tasty and staff are lovely! Authentic food, 100% recommended

Wow. What beautiful food. Staff are so polite and amazing. It turned out that i hadn't actually booked a table by my own mistake. Anyway the staff were more than happy to allow us to take a table. We had a work meal and they were so polite . I would highly recommend this place. Seafood pizza, with seafood starter. Absolutely delicious. Thank you for an amazing evening. Also wanted to apologise for the booking mistake. I will definitely be re visiting for more delicious food with my family.

Delicious food and brilliant service. The staff were so friendly. Would definitely recommend and visit again!

I've come to Positano a good few times over the years and the place is fantastic. Authentic food, great service, good atmosphere. The portion sizes are plenty as well.

I was at Positano on February 8th with some friends. It was fantastic. I am Italian and when I go to Positano restaurant it is like taking a trip to Italy. The atmosphere, the flavours, the kindness of the staff are always a guarantee. Excellent value for money. Mario is a perfect host. Friendly and always ready to satisfy the needs of customers. When my English friends ask me where they can eat good Italian food I always answer: at POSITANO! Thanks Mario and all the staff. Emanuela

Lovely lunch last Saturday at this venue. Really impressed with Mario and his team. Will definitely be visiting again!

Incredible service Incredible food and unbelievable value for money will be back 100%

This restaurant has apparently been open for 32 years, and tonight was the first time I have been there (Plymouth born and bred). What have I been doing with my life? Quite possibly the best Italian I have ever eaten. Delicious food, excellent service. The wine selection was perfect. Huge portions. We will be back sooner rather than later. Amazing, amazing, amazing.

Delicious authentic Italian food. Everyone was friendly and the food was cooked perfectly.

Was my first time visiting Positanos after being reccomended. Had a delicious Italian meal, duck in a red wine sauce and scallops in garlic. Staff were very lovely and the prices were reasonable! I shall be back again.

The bolognese was so beefy. Really nice. Service wasn't great but they had some new staff.

Second visit. Superb Italian gem in Plymouth!

Delicious can definately recommend penne vodka and gorganzola dish

Delicious food and very hospitable owners, even for a very large group near Christmas. Would highly recommend!

Had not been for a while due to Dad being seriously unwell and unfortunately no longer with us (he absolutely LOVED Positano restaurant and would jump at the chance to go). Came for a meal on 19/11 to celebrate sister's graduation. The food and service was exceptional as always. We love the homely feel of the restaurant that you get when you walk in- it's very clear that everyone puts their heart and soul into it, especially as for a Tuesday evening it was exceptionally busy! SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS you will never match the service or quality elsewhere! Cannot recommend more, will enclose photos of our delicious meal :-)

Great homemade Italian food! Good portion sizes!

Great food quality, big portions and lovely service. This place has been beyond our expectations

Wonderful food,lovely staff, who could ask for anything more. Love this restaurant.

Absolutely amazing lunch at this family owned and run Italian Restaurant. Such high quality dishes and very generous portions. Lovely efficient staff and a very clean well organised venue. Well worth a visit day or night. Nothing pretentious just tasty well cooked authentic dishes. Such good value for money. You won’t be disappointed!

Fantastic food and service. Positano is a hidden gem in Mayflower Street, Plymouth. It was bustling with customers and the ambience was perfect. The specials were exquisite, especially the starters; scallops wrapped in bacon on a skewer and the beef bresaola with goats cheese and balsamic vinegar on top. For main course I went for the lamb in a red wine jus served with roasted potatoes and seasonal veg, whilst my wife went for the sea food pasta - all of which was was delicious and flavoursome. In conversation with one of the many attentive waiters we were celebrating my wife’s birthday and within 5 minutes the waiters came out to sing happy birthday to my wife and even brought out a dessert for us both to share and enjoy. I also missed out the part of complimentary Bruschetta at the start of our meal. Positano will leave you feeling full and happy, and you’ll want to re-book and come back again. Prices of the meals were very good. Our bill came to £79 which included us buying a bottle of wine!

Excellent fresh Italian food.Had the carbonara which was very good! Very friendly team. The coffee is also fantastic. Will be going again soon!

The best Italian restaurant in Plymouth, no doubt about it. Definitely going back again. Many thanks 😊

The food was amazing and the staff were very friendly and helpful Proper authentic Italian food When I’m in Plymouth again I will definitely revisit Thank you

Wonderful meal !! Could not eat it all & a take away box provided . Very attentive!! Has to be one of my favourite restaurants 😀

Brilliant restaurant, amazing service, lovely atmosphere, would highly recommend

Had a lovely meal, huge portion sizes! Staff were friendly and helpful.

Excellent service, great food as always

Excellent food. I had spaghetti carbonara while my partner had flat pasta with ham, brandy & lemon sauce. Both were absolutely amazing. We could not resist the tiramisu for afters! We would definitely recommend this restaurant. Staff were friendly and very attentive. Nothing really to criticise at all.

First time visiting and certainly wont be the last. We had the most amazing food, great value, very friendly staff and great atmosphere.

Had really high hopes for this place and got slightly let down, Although the place was very busy, service was fast. Although, as reading the menu I struggled to find vegetarian options. There was no key unfortunately to pick them out, me and my Boyfriend both got flat fizzy drinks so that’s slightly disappointing. My pasta fish was lovely and the portion was great. I would say they should please put “V” on the menu at the side of vegetarian dishes. And also put the bruschetta on the menu!!

Absolutely incredible last minute dine in experience. The staff found us a table and were very friendly and welcoming of all of us. They had a special add-on for the chairs that made them baby/toddler friendly. The food was really good. We got the Spaghetti Carbonara a ham and mushroom pizza and a Risotto. All were cooked really well very flavourful and generous portions. The staff were very attentive and checked in on us constantly, made sure everything was ok and very accommodating, couldn’t recommend this restaurant higher.

Needless to say that you would go to this restaurant for Italian cuisine. Undoubtedly, this restaurant is severally underestimated. The food is top notch, and their service is impeccable. Together, the ambience is pure Italian. 👏 to the entire staff. Belissimo is an understatement.

Called to book a table for 7pm, and I was told that there was no availability at 7, but there was a table available from 6-8. I booked this table, and arrived at 6. We ordered our food, which was very nice, but at 7:15 we were told to leave as they needed our table for another group. We had not yet finished our drinks, and felt we were being told to neck them and go. The staff had also been looking at us beforehand as though they were hoping we'd leave. Didn't appreciate being told to leave before our reservation timeslot was over and before we'd finished our drinks. Regulars will be treated well, but if you're not a regular then you should go elsewhere. EDIT: In their response, they say that they asked us to leave at 8pm. This isn't true, as I mentioned in my original review. They asked us to leave because they "needed the table" at 7:15, a whole 45 minutes before our reservation ended. This claim that it was at the end of our reservation when it wasn't has reaffirmed my opinion that I will not be returning.

Love Positanos Mario and Gabriella and staff wonderful. Great staff friendly and welcoming. Food amazing! Husband likes trying different food choices especially the fish.

A Hidden Gem – Absolutely Superb! I honestly can't believe I haven't come back to this lovely restaurant until today. Lunch was simply top-notch, and the chef's special starter of swordfish was an absolute delight – truly scrumptious! The service was spot on, and the atmosphere had that perfect blend of being relaxed yet welcoming. I can already see myself making my way through the entire menu on future visits! Fresh, delicious food that tastes amazing – I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Most excellent Italian restaurant. Lovely food lovely staff and well worth a visit. Not expensive for top quality food. Suggest you try any special plus the house red is lovely.

Best restaurant in Plymouth for a sit down meal. Been back time and time again. It really is a gem in the city of Plymouth. Outstanding food, excellent customer service! Just make sure you don’t leave without trying their desserts.

Great food and large portions. In fact we went as a family of 4 and actually had to split a large pasta dish between my 7 and 8 year old. The waiter was great and gave great insight into the dishes. The bread was freshly made and this alone won us over as the chef clearly has a joy for cooking. My duck was perfect and the roast potatoes where crispy without any heavy grease or oil. Definitely recommend to those that enjoy meals out and freshly made meals. Only fault I could pick if it is a fault at all is there was no children's menu. However, this wouldn't affect your experience as dishes can be split or accommodated for your table. Amazing service and food.

We took four friends to this restaurant last Thursday night, the food was amazing, we had all three courses. It was beautifully cooked and presented. A lovely friendly restaurant, would definitely recommend it.

Went to this restaurant last Thursday night with friend -amazing food, great atmosphere, efficient staff = good time!

A fantastic birthday lunch with all the family. Great food great service. Highly recommended

Great food, had class for first time, they were lovely, tasty and a huge portion. Service was first class Clean, friendly place and value for money. If you haven't been yet, get it booked

Really lovely to visit a restaurant not playing music. Able to have a normal conversation instead of having to raise our voices👍 First visit here and four of us had excellent meals. Very generous portions freshly cooked and piping hot. Staff very helpful and friendly . Definitely will visit again

Amazing quality food, amazing service and hospitality, great portion sizes, this is how Italian restaurants should be

Everything absolutely incredible as always

Lovely food, lovely people, lovely place, lovely price

Absolutely perfect, 10/10 we loved our food and staff were fantastic. It was my first visit in over 15 years and I forgot just how much I loved it! My friend and I are planning to return again next month. Special thank you to our fabulous waiter who helped us choose our food and gave us an amazing doggy bag with our desserts as we were too full to finish them. Thank you R, 😁

Excellent food and excellent service from a genuine Italian restaurant. I have been a few times with friends and family over the years. The food is always excellent and the staff are very friendly and welcoming. I was there with my family last night and we weren’t disappointed. The complimentary bruschetta was delicious. Very fresh and lots of garlic! The chef’s special smoked soft shell crab for a starter was beautiful. Would wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant

Absolutely perfect, 10/10 we loved our food and staff were fantastic. It was my first visit in over 15 years and I forgot just how much I loved it! My friend and I are planning to return again next month. Special thank you to our fabulous waiter who helped us choose our food and gave us an amazing doggy bag with our desserts as we were too full to finish them. Thank you R, 😁

We used to live in Plymouth and this was a regular dinner destination. We return now infrequently but ate here twice within a few days. The excellent food and friendly , attentive service is as high as ever. Italian cuisine at its best.

Andrew Baker was absolutely fabulous, attentive, helpful and courteous. What more could you ask for in our favourite italian restaurant. Simply amazing, again!!!

Best Italian restaurant in the South West. As good as ever. Ask Mario why he is a hero, he'll be shy, but ask him. Still the best. Well, partly regrettably but also joyfully the Positano has changed hands. Hallelujah Mario is at the helm, the great place it has always been will continue A long and happy retirement to the founders. A long and happy future for the new "Patrons". Still the best. What can I say, try to avoid the "Happy Birthday" Band. Otherwise, still marvellous. Do I recommend anywhere else in Plymouth - NO.

Great menu great service. Love this place, have been many times and will be going back many times. Outstanding. Go hungry and prepare to take some food home. Well done. Fabulous.

Do not come here if there are only 2 of you. They won't even notice you because they only prioritize large tables. I waited 20 minutes before anyone came to take my order.

✨ If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine in Plymouth, Positano has got you covered! ✨ 🎈 Positano has been on my ‘must visit’ list for a long time now, so I was thrilled when we managed to get booked in to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday yesterday evening! 🇮🇹 I believe the restaurant is Italian family-owned, and this really shines through. The food was both incredibly delicious and truly authentic. The staff were amazing (and absolutely hilarious), and really went to the effort to make you feel welcome and looked after. 🧄 Their homemade bruschetta is on the house and served as an appetiser whilst waiting for your starter or main course. They don’t shy away from the garlic, so I do recommend bringing some mints! Positano has gained the spot as best Italian Restaurant in Plymouth 🏆

Fantastico! Truly a gem of a restaurant

Booked a table for 2 on the 6th June and this place, is the best in Plymouth I have been, fantastic food, fantastic service, friendly staff, I really can’t rate this place enough, the food is out of this world and good portion sizes, we will be going back again and again

Amazing food, good portions, lots of choice on the menu. Didnt have to wait long for the food. The service was brilliant, we were a big table and everything was great

Fantastic as always. Incredible food and wonderful friendly service. Highly recommend it.

Amazing place to go food was outstanding and the staff was amazing couldn't ask for a nicer evening thank you everyone

Delightful penne pasta with Italian sausage, chicken with lemon and wine sauce was super tasty, friendly service. All the food we ordered was delicious. We'll be coming back.

I visited a few times Possitano, being the only italian restaurant in Plymouth, and the food is absolutely delicious. Very pleasant atmosphere. Highly recommend to Italian food lovers.

Awesome. If we lived closer, rather than Cheshire, we'd be voting often

Always a great place for food with excellent friendly service

Traditional Italian restaurant/pizzeria, welcoming staff and tasty food. We ate some pizzas and they were very good, all the staff were very kind. Advised!

Excellent food and service, portions were very generous. We will be back soon.

Definitely the best Italian in Plymouth, a rare gem.

Wow what an incredible experience, thank you Positano Team for making my mums birthday meal so enjoyable.The food was delicious and the service was impeccable, with the staff so kind, friendly and attentive. Highly recommend and will definitely return. Thank you all.

Without a doubt the best Italian in town. Fantastic. Thoroughly recommended.

An outstanding evening! Everything was fantastic.

Food was lovely. The staff are friendly .very nice atmosphere.

Some of the food is really good, some is medicore at best - If you're a fan of simple student-esque cheesey pasta then I'd reccomend the Vodka Penne... Otherwise opt for something else! Perhaps just a poor choice on my part? The service on the other hand was superb. Very attentive and efficient even on a busy saturday. I had an after dinner Negroni from the cocktail menu too... it's probably the worst Negroni I've had (and I've sampled a few). Others in our group were very happy with their food and drinks.

Very busy for a reason. Best calamari i have ever tasted followed by 4 very satified diners all with very different dishes. My 9 year old has asked if we can go back as soon as possible.

I ordered spicy chicken but it was really spicy! :) Margarita was very good, calamari as starter looked nice. There was no problem other than the waiters wanting us to eat everything on the menu 😄 Prices are at average levels.

Extremely well established establishment. Food and service always first class. Booking usually essential and once you've experience it you'll understand why. Give it a go. Especially the specials.

We thought we were lucky. After a quick phone call (someone cancelled the reservation!) we rushed for dessert! We had been seated near the glass display cabinet... After a few minutes the lady came back saying they're not a caffe, and we can't have only desserts. I've mentioned our intentions twice... It might be an awful misunderstanding but I think it could be handled differently. Especially because it was International Women's Day... and one of the ladies is pregnant... Oh well, I guess it's their right to do so. We went and "took precious space" elsewhere.