Positano in Plymouth

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.

Excellent food. Reasonably priced.

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.

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

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.

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

Everything absolutely incredible as always

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

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, 😁

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

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

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!

Always a great place for food with excellent friendly service

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.

A delicious lunch, the pasta was perfect, and thanks for recommending my choice on a low fat diet. We will definitely return!

Food and service 10/10. Highly recommended.

Been going to this restaurant for 10 years +, always fantastic food and service. Mario is incredible.

Lovely service, great food, overall a great evening with my friends.

As good as everyone says it is. I'm not used to service that good in the UK lol.

Incredible food, so fresh and very generous portions. The service was great, lovely staff and so helpful. Would highly recommend and will be returning

The key for this place is not too judge from the outside. The inside is lovely, kept clean and tidy. Turned up for a date night on a random Wednesday evening and we were given probably the last available table, which really does show how popular it is. Free bruschetta was fabulous 👌. All the food was amazing, I'd recommend going for one pizza and one pasta and sharing. We definitely wish we had done that as two pasta dishes were a lot! Starters are possibly a teeny bit on the pricey side, but the mains are fabulous value when you consider what you pay at any of the awful Italian chains that exist! Staff were attentive without being irritating, and we're more than happy to help with recommendations. Went here based on a couple of recommendations and we were really glad we did!

Really liked the food, shame I don't live in the area otherwise I'd eat there all the time. Proper Italian home cooked food.

Absolutely love this place such an authentic experience

Lovely lunchtime treat with friends and little one. The food was fantastic and took us back to Italy. Portions were a very good size; I could not find room for dessert. As a chef myself I know great food! Staff were attentive and sweet. The atmosphere was cosy. One small thing was it would have been nice to have a baby/child chair available so parents could enjoy their meal without having to contend with an armful of little person. I would feel sorry for any parent who had a troublesome bundle of joy; our little man is a happy soul and just adored the tomato sauce. Other than that, a wonderful meal with fabulous company and great service. Thank you.

Been to positano many many times in the past 4 years - went a week ago on a Saturday lunchtime spur of the moment and they managed to seat us even though they were very busy - Thankyou so much - I always get the carbonara it is truly the best I’ve ever had - my mum had the lasagne and she loved it.

My son & family eat at Positano regularly and my granddaughter wanted to celebrate her birthday there. On both counts, I can see why! We had a great evening!

Food was great , as per other reviews staff were rude and unfriendly and struggled to even smile. We complained the coke was flat and they replied it’s the ice making it flat ! Sadly we won’t be returning. The overall experience needs to be great not just the food .

Authentic Italian family restaurant, great food and service. Would recommend booking

Fabulous place, Fabulous service over & above.

Beautiful food great wine come in and try it for yourselves

Another lovely meal. Service was brilliant and portions were a good size and great value. A firm favourite with us, the atmosphere and food at Positano's is comforting like a warm hug, no pretentiousness, just great food.

A lovely Birthday meal can highly recommend everything about it .

Wonderful experience great food and a wonderful wine list come in and try for yourselves

Lovely staff. Food was amazing! Expecially the pizza was excellent! Very crispy not soggy like in the middle!

Tried calling to book table yesterday afternoon and evening and today on advertised opening hours always engaged line total 20 times calling!

Absolutely fantastic place to eat. The food is delicious and the service is excellent. Everyone is so friendly and really want to make your time there a great one.

I was accommodated nicely, on spur of the moment entry, and the restaurant lead ensured I got a seat The food is absolutely great apart from the Canole, which tasted beautiful BUT a fork and spoon wouldn't break, i ate it with my fingers, when nobody was looking and it was shame as the presentation was lovely. . I was told the desserts weren't in the menu, but that was wrong, and my memory is fine. The scallops are divine, and the spaghetti is beautiful l, the best I've had outside of Italy. Attitude problems with some staff more the women, the guys are friendly enough, is it a Sicilian thing? Discussed many thanks. If you can get your head around that, then fine. I felt I was treated like I was going to rob the place. This reflects other people's comments looking at them. I come as I am, from work NHS surgical, I like to eat out once a week. You tell a lot of people how things are. House wines are great. Lighten up. Take it on board. Be nice, work on it, I hope to return... very soon. Reply acknowledged I should emphasise it is beautiful as everything else, i must have eaten a lot of soft cannoli in my time, the twxture everything was superb... Thanks for the responses, I will return because the food is amazing. X

As usual lovely authentic food, people very nice would highly recommend.

If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine in Plymouth, Positano has got you covered! 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! I recommend the lasagne, one portion is enough for two but wow, it’s amazing!

Been a few times and generally everything is very good all round. Last night however me and my wife had 3 courses each and all were good apart from half my wife’s Chicken being Pink and clearly under done. We didn’t complain but when asked if everything was ok said it was all very nice except that the thick part of the Chicken was uncooked. The waitress apologised and said she would relay that to the chef. I was sort of expecting them to offer a complimentary desert which they didn’t or maybe offer a discount which they didn’t. I didn’t want to ruin a date night so just let it slide but I do feel that given they had the chicken to examine and was clearly underdone that some sort gesture should have been made. It was still a pleasant evening and it didn’t ruin the night and we would likely return, just not for something that can make you ill if not cooked properly

Excellent meal.. under new management...Will be back....

Absolutely fantastic! 16 of us on a golf trip had a really great meal at Positano. Staff were amazing in dealing with 16 individual meals. Wish this restaurant was nearer home!

POLLO RIPIENO A delightfully hearty & tastey meal served with hot vegetables.

My wife and I love going to Positanos. We go there as a couple, and sometimes take some friends. We had our wedding dinner there back in 2022. I'd say we visit at least 4-5 times a year, and not once have we been let down by any aspect of the experience. Felt it was about time we left a review! Our latest outing was in late October and, of course, it was as superb as ever. Mario is a delight, as was Luciano before him. The rest of the staff always seem passionate about their work and seem to be enjoying themselves. As for the food... best I've ever had (apart from my mother's dinner, of course - just in case she somehow finds this review.) The best meal I've ever had was here: the Green Peppercorn Steak. Absolutely incredible. I've tried to emulate it myself at home. Now, having enjoyed the restaurant so many times, I always try a different meal for each visit. Some are better than others, of course, but it's always delicious. Even my American wife agrees! She never manages to finish her portion, but she takes it home for lunch the next day. Portion size is perfect for a food-lover like me. Mario knows that I always want chocolate chocolate chocolate for dessert. The chocolatiest dessert going! Never fails to deliver. Thanks, Mario and team, for all the good times. We'll be back again the next time my wife demands it! Adam

Really average - very achievable at home Covering for lack of taste with big portions - Bring.Your.Own.Salt Service was lacklustre, shell in scallop and other starter didn’t arrive so had to be prepared fresh after everyone had started eating. Wrong main arrived so had to wait for fresh one to be prepared which came late. Coats not returned to table had to collect ourselves. Wine left on table over 15 minutes before someone uncorked it Disappointing overall, no one finished starter or main

First time visit and the food was delicious and great value.

Absolutely amazing will 100% be going back with my partner for a date night and friends and family too this place needs more recognition. The food was delicious, portions were very generous, service was amazing, servers were a laugh too, a lot of variety, and offered takeaway for leftovers which was great too. Thank you again see you soon. Only thing I'd suggest would be more cocktails 😅

The staff, food and customer service was outstanding. I have no faults or complaints. Mario was so attentive, patient and very generous. I definitely recommend everyone to eat at this restaurant to have an authentic Italian experience. Thank you so much Mario! Portion sizes and prices were very good too.

Lovely food, great menu. Great service, lovely relaxed atmosphere.

My favourite restaurant I just love everything about this place. Food fantastic, service perfect. They make you feel very welcome. Mario is just great . All the staff work hard . Please never change.

Delicious food, kind staff, nice atmosphere. I recommend it 👌 with two hands

we have found this little gem of an Italian restaurant, and have been going for a number of years, only to find out that it was closing, after some weeks of disappointment, we were informed that members of the staff Mario and John had taken over to run the place. we booked a table to find out if it was still as good as before, and found it to be just as friendly if not better and nothing is too much for the staff to do to ensure your evening is special. If you have not already given this a try please do, but you need to book in advance as it is a busy little place. We visit every 4/6 weeks and book our next visit as we leave so as not to be disappointed. our party is 3/4 people and are always treated well and the service is second to none.

Atmosphere is friendly and vibrant on a busy Saturday evening. Had to book two weeks in advance. Jessica, our friendly waitress was attentive but certainly didn’t make us feel rushed at all. The food was delicious, authentic and generous. Especially the tiramisu! Our new favourite place to eat in Plymouth!

I found the food tasty ... kind of good home cooking but not super subtle. Huge portions, and nice house wine, and the staff were friendly and attentive. This and Toto nearby were beacons of niceness in Plymouth city centre which is a very dispiriting place. So much for levelling up.