Positano in Guildford

A relaxing lunch at Positino this week - the food and service were both really good - with an added bonus of an unexpected dessert for a birthday. Many thanks.

This is a really old building with lots of stairs and low beams all adding to the character of the restaurant. The food is genuine Italian and caters for all tastes. They have a set lunch menu and a large a la carte. I had the duck breast with mango accompanied by rosemary potatoes and finished off with a home made tiramisu. This was as good as my own recipe! A glass of Pinot Grigio Blush finished off the meal nicely.

The atmosphere was amazing, service was perfect staff were amazingly attentive, the food was so beautiful and tasted amazing will definitely be going back.

Great service and excellent food. Made to feel very welcome, menu offers lots of choices and specials worth a look. Definitely worth a visit

Amazing food full of flavour. Food came out quickly and was freshly prepared Friendly attentive Staff Amazing old building in the heart of Guildford

Medicore food, service and setting. Nothing wrong with but also nothing to draw me back. It felt like I was in a tourist restaurant in a capital city, just a repeat pattern. Maybe I was expecting more because of the reviews, but just a bit meh compared to other italians in the area.

Total quality. No wonder it's top rated on other apps like trip advisor. A lovely dining experience.

There is no words to describe. The food is luxurious, the pasta, the pizza, the bruschetta all divine. The service and the staff are some of the greatest and friendliest people. We celebrated our last dinner here before our firstborn and all the staff loved talking to us about it and made special congratulation plates for us and we promised them we’d bring her in when she’s born and they were so touched. This maybe the best restaurant I have ever been to, this is a must go place in life. Team if you read this thank you for everything.

Amazing atmosphere, food and service. Joseph was lovely!

Food Is like home highly recommend.

This was our first visit to the area so we asked a shop assistant if she could recommend a nice place for a birthday lunch. Without hesitation she recommended Positano. We were so glad she did. Everything was just brilliant from start to finish. The food was absolutely delicious (we had the fried chicken in a white wine mushroom sauce and the salmon with spinach and crushed potatoes😋), the staff were very friendly and attentive throughout all in a lovely relaxing atmosphere too. Thank you for my birthday candle in my dessert it was a lovely thoughtful touch and most certainly the icing on the cake after a wonderful lunch! 😃🥰🎂

I regretfully feel compelled to leave this review following an appalling experience at this establishment during what was meant to be a celebratory evening for my boyfriend’s mother’s birthday. The evening was tragically overshadowed by a medical emergency involving my boyfriend’s father, which necessitated the arrival of paramedics. However, the handling of this critical and distressing situation by both the staff and management was nothing short of abhorrent. The lack of basic compassion, professionalism, and urgency exhibited by the staff was deeply disheartening. Despite the evident severity of the situation, the cramped back room we were seated in was not evacuated to accommodate medical equipment or provide space for paramedics to work effectively. Instead, other diners were allowed to continue with their meals, lighting candles and singing “Happy Birthday,” while loud music blared in the background. Adding insult to injury, we were not even offered water and had to request it ourselves. The staff inexplicably prioritized setting up tables for the next seating over responding appropriately to the emergency unfolding in their establishment. After the incident, my boyfriend’s sister reached out to the management via email to express her distress over the lack of urgency, empathy, and humanity displayed. The response we received was astonishingly dismissive and aggressive in tone. Management’s email included statements such as, “Do you think people had to vacate the restaurant to show respect to you?” and “It was Saturday night, and the restaurant was full! Do you realise that?” We never demanded that the entire restaurant be evacuated—only the back room where space was critically needed for the paramedics to perform their duties. The fact that the management failed to recognize the inappropriateness of serving food in such close proximity to a man receiving a cannula is astonishing. Their complete disregard for basic decency in this situation is not only disgraceful but also indicative of their misplaced priorities. As someone who works in hospitality, I can confidently say that there are established procedures and protocols for handling emergencies such as these, none of which were followed. Comparisons to other industries, such as the immediate evacuation of swimming pools, GP surgeries, or shopping centers in similar emergencies, illustrate the glaring inadequacy of this establishment’s response. It is profoundly disappointing to leave such a scathing review of a restaurant that my boyfriend and I once considered a favorite and frequently recommended to others. However, this incident, and the subsequent dismissive and unapologetic communication from management, has revealed a disturbing prioritization of revenue over the well-being and dignity of their patrons. After reflecting on the entirety of the experience and reviewing other customer feedback, it is apparent that this establishment has a consistent pattern of rushed service and lackluster customer care. I strongly urge potential diners to consider whether they wish to support a business that so brazenly disregards the welfare of its customers, even during an emergency. This experience has left an indelible mark, and I cannot in good conscience recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Wow what can I say wanted a nice Italian restaurant so looked at the reviews well they were not wrong the food was fresh and very very tasty the staff were attentive and friendly we will be back

Wonderful meal with welcoming and friendly staff. Always a great place to go

Had an amazing time! The food was delicious, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere was really good. Everything felt high quality but at a great price. Definitely worth a visit!

We loved this place. The wait staff and servers were very friendly and personable. We had the chicken mushroom dish and it was outstanding. I highly recommend Positano!!

A fantastic meal today as always on my wife's birthday and all the staff were brilliant, Positano never disappoints .

I recently ate at Positano, and it was amazing! The service was super friendly and attentive. The food was really good, and the portions were just right. The wine was great, too. I'm usually very picky with food, but Positano really impressed me. The only thing that I would improve a littly bit is the lava cake. Overall, Positano is fantastic, and I’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!! Update: I ate again at Positano. The place is amazing and the waiters are all incredibly friendly and sweet! The cake was really delicious this time. I was quite disappointeded by the seafood, didn't taste very fresh to me. It needs improvment. My partner had a calzone which was alright.(7/10) Overall, it was a good experience. The portions were nicely sized. We will probably return again. 🩷

Very polite great service lovely food at a great price from lunch time special given the fact everywhere seems to over charge these days from nige and amy

Best Italian I’ve ever been to. Chicken Picanti is my go-to.

Beautiful lunch with my neighbour at Positano. I’ve wanted to come here hit a long time but it was always fully booked. Today we had a great lunch, great service, and great atmosphere. Food was delicious and the best tiramisù I’ve had in a long time. Brilliant, I’ll take other friends here too.

Easy in top 3 places to eat out in Guildford. Food is fresh, tasty and focused on quality rather than being pretentious (and ending up lacking) like many places in Guildford. Prices are what they should be which is ~20% cheaper than most places in Guildford and surrounding areas. Service is hit and miss, we had some excellent service but also really bad. It can get busy at times but that’s relatively small inconvenience. Pizzas are proper Italian, full of flavour and done right just like pasta dishes. Highly recommend.

As always, absolutely perfect. The team there really really make the experience, whenever we go, my Mum and I are always made to feel so special. Thank you 🫶

Simply the best Italian restaurant in Surrey. Wonderful staff, friendly, attentive and genuine. Amazing food that always delivers. Lunchtime fixed price menu is a bonus, but not essential. Great wine list and specials. I can't rave about this place enough, booking is recommended. We'll be back for the millionth time!

The food was wonderful. Such an excellent meal! We loved the place and the quirky rooms and a the fantastic location in the heart of the town centre. The staff are friendly and efficient, at Christmas time the atmosphere was lovely. The music tastefully selected and not too loud. We were three genertions and everyone enjoyed the food. We recommend the seafood risotto and pasta carbonara.

This Italian restaurant is absolutely fantastic! The atmosphere is incredibly cozy and inviting, making it perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The staff are authentic Italians, adding an extra touch of charm and authenticity to the service. And the food? Simply divine! Every dish is bursting with flavor and truly 100% Italian. I highly recommend this place—it’s a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine. You won’t be disappointed!

I would give 10 stars if I could! Absolutely amazing food and atmosphere! We are always greeted like family there. Such incredible people ♥️ Once you step inside, you feel like you're in Italy! Thank you so much ☺️

What a fabulous restaurant. The service was superb as always despite how busy they were so close to Christmas, The menu choices were really broad and it was really difficult to choose. We shared a starter between two of us and once we had our main courses we just couldn't manage another bite. The Gavi wine was so delicious we had two glasses each which doesn't happen very often. A great experience again, and I can't wait to go back. Such a shame it is so far from Brighton, but a good reason to have a day out in Guidlford.

We had heard great things about this place but had never been before. We weren't disappointed and will be coming back. Great location and rooms, attentive and polite staff, wonderful wine, and very good food at a reasonable price. What more could you ask for? We had a great time. It's perfect for combining with a shopping trip to Guildford.

We had a wonderful meal at Positano. I have been waiting for ages to get a table, as it is always so booked up. The entire experience was excellent.

Excellent as usual, lovely friendly restaurant & delicious food

Staff members were absolutely wonderful, friendly and chatty. The food was amazing and a great portion. Food came out at such a quick manner. Highly recommend!

What an amazing restaurant and the most delicious food, we loved our dinner at Positano, and we highly recommend it to friends and family.

Second time eating here as always fully booked. Amazing food, amazing service. Fully recommend. Book waaaaaaay in advance to guarantee a seat 😂

Amazing food, atmosphere and service. Best restaurant in Guildford! Elona and Cosme were great- 10/10 all around.

Once again a beautiful night at Positano's - we got an upgraded table, excellent table service from Cosmi and Elona who made our night extra special. So many friends and family keep coming back here, and we will to.

Love this place - can't think of any negatives - all great, will be back again for sure

Fantastic food. Great atmosphere. Nice house wine and lovely staff. Make sure you check the 'specials' board.

I'm Italian and this restaurant in Guildford takes me back home, every single time.

Visited this week with friends and had an enjoyable evening. Great selection of food to choose from and when it arrived, it was delicious and portions were a good size at a reasonable price. Great service, friendly waiter. Would highly recommend.

Lovely food and atmosphere with very friendly and attentive team. Highly recommended

I chose this restaurant, as I had read the reviews, what a gem. The food was amazing, the atmosphere was fabulous and anyone who knows me, staff and service are so important. Staff ratio to customers I would say is higher than in the average restaurant. I've forgotten the young lady's name ( sorry, she was from the Ukraine) she was brilliant, she reeled off what the specials were with passion and was attentive throughout our meal. So many establishments you ask a question and the answer I don't know, I'll find out. Not good, people should know. So 110% to this fine restaurant. Also the Manager who greeted us at the door, was charming, cheeky, in a great way and just wonderful. Absolutely love this restaurant. Well done to you all.

Gorgeous meal and very friendly staff, a lovely evening between friends, will definitely come back!

Lovely home made Italian food made with love. Homley cosy atmosphere with smart waiting staff who care about the food they are serving and service, needless to say our meal was delicious. An outstanding alternative to all the generic chains.

Hidden in plain view, this Italian restaurant is usually full so booking is a must. Good food but quirky layout makes it great for friends but lacks intimacy.

On a chilly November evening, we stubbled across a little red door, laughter and clinking of wine glasses could be heard inside. Curiosity got the better of us, and we had to poke our heads in to see for ourselves. Although incredibly busy and with no reservation, the front of house found a table available but only for an hour, this was a nice thing for Positano to do as it placed unnecessary pressure on themselves to have us. The staff were like performers moving through the cozy set up taking care of customers, they couldn't be more diligent and accommodating if they tried. The food was *chefs kiss* the Arancini starter puts the warmth back into your body and makes you feel like the world is a better place for it's existence. Although I am not Italian, if I was the chef special Gnocchi would taste exactly like Nonna used to make it when I was a child, it's that good. The food makes me wish I had been blessed with Italian parents. The restaurant, food, staff and atmosphere is amazing and for a spontaneous look through the door it couldn't have worked out better. Very much looking forward to going again, this time with a reservation so we can enjoy more of the menu.

I was going to say this place is a hidden gem but with nearly 2000 5 star reviews clearly it’s not that hidden! Booked a couple of hours before visiting. The restaurant was busy but the food came out quickly. Service was exceptional. Both waiters were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. I had the Linguini Allo Scoglio and my friend had the Carbonara. We charged a pizza style garlic bread with Mozerella. Shame I didn’t take more pictures. The food was high quality and full of flavour. I wouldn’t hesitate at recommending you visit here and I’ll definitely be back when next in Guildford. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wonderful food and excellent service.

Dining at Positano in Guildford was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere from Cosimo and Simone that set the tone for the evening. The menu offers a delightful selection of traditional Italian dishes, and everything we ordered was exquisite. We started with the fritto misto and zuppa di cozze , which was bursting with fresh flavors. For the main course, I opted for the seafood pasta, and it was cooked to perfection—al dente pasta paired with a rich, flavorful sauce and generous portions of seafood. The service was impeccable; our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, offering great recommendations without being intrusive. To top off the meal, we indulged in their homemade panna cotta dessert , which was the perfect sweet ending. Overall, Positano exceeded all expectations. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, this restaurant is a must-visit in Guildford. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings!

Brilliant and excellent food! So cozy and lovely place.

This trendy Italian restaurant impresses with its authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere. From handcrafted pasta to rich sauces, each dish captures the essence of Italy. The ambiance is warm and modern, perfect for any occasion. Attentive staff and a thoughtful wine list enhance the experience. Highly recommended for Italian food lovers

While walking through Guilford, we took a lunch break at this wonderful restaurant. As an Italian I can say that this is the best Italian cuisine in the UK. Paolo was very kind and followed us throughout the lunch, overall all the staff are very friendly. The cuisine is truly authentic, we also ate the pizza which was also extraordinary. Absolutely worth trying

Food and service was absolutely incredible! 1st time and we will definitely be going back. Elona was lovely, thank you for your service

We had a delicious meal, the food was incredible and our waitress Anna was really lovely and friendly. All the staff are great and food amazing!

very yummy very good i promise. Alina was a queen she was such a sweetie and gave us great service. will be back just u wait from the quad aka birthday girl caitlin, break glassing ebanie, ishmeet (give her a job) and charlotte

Always walk pst and think how much we’d love to go, so we did a last minute outing. Managed to get a late lunch table for 2 at 4pm. Absolutely lovely food. Service was excellent. Friendly, warm and inviting. Waiters and waitresses were incredibly tentative and engaging. The house wine is excellent. Very impressive, you don’t get many like this in this price range. Highly recommended and will Be going back again as soon as we can. Thank you!

Excellent restaurant in the center of Guilford. Very good Italian food.

Wonderful food, beautiful location, great staff and lunchtime menu is a steal

Lived up to my expectations. I had the genovese pasta and it was spot on. Great service reasonable prices. Recommend

Service was good but the seafood was clearly quickly defrosted and overcooked to the point it was really bad and pure slimy with no texture. For example the prawn had a weird coat and was pure mush inside. The sauce was gloopy, tasteless and not what you expect for a seafood linguine. It was unacceptable and should never have been allowed to leave the kitchen. Tbh I get better quality from an M&S ready meal. I don’t really understand why this happened as it’s a family Italian restaurant and those are supposed to be the best. Husbands seafood dish was pretty terrible too. What a shame, the reviews don’t align with my experience, maybe they just don’t do seafood well, even so I will not be back.

Food is always amazing. Truffle pizza is yummy. Also the seafood pasta

Lovely little restaurant hidden in the side street of Guildford. The buildings history is awesome, it’s like stepping back in time as soon as you walk through the front door. You are made to feel welcome and important as soon as you arrive and there are plenty of staff to look after you so you never feel neglected. Food is excellent quality with very reasonable prices.. Deserts are a little pricey at over £8 each but again worth it if you decide to give them a go. Would highly recommend and will be going back in the near future.

Amazing Italian food and reasonably priced. Two sittings per evening does mean it feels a bit rushed

Amazing place. delicious food, gorgeous atmosphere and really great service. Alina was lovely and brought us a really cute tirimasu for our anniversary would recommend to anyone !

Positano is mine and my partner's favourite place to go for a nice meal out that doesn't break the bank! The food is delicious every single time we go, and we always order something different as there is such a perfect variety of options. The last two visits we had Varia as our waitress who is amazing at what she does - attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Can't wait to go back!

A fabulous traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of Guildford with delicious food and a friendly welcoming atmosphere. A family favourite 🤩

Love the service,I love the taste on the chicken,i ordered pasta once only,it was called”Pesto Pasta”I loved the mix of flavours inside,it was Great!

Everything was great!! Cannot think of a minus point honestly!!! Service was great Food was amazing Very beautiful place Reasonable prices! They have heaters so you can sit outside but no smoking! Make sure you make a booking before going

My Partner and I visited Positanos of Guildford on October 29th for a birthday celebration and had an absolutely wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and made to feel very welcome. Our server, Paolo, was exceptional. He was attentive, accommodating, and ensured we had everything we needed throughout the evening. His friendly and professional demeanor truly enhanced our dining experience. The food was simply perfect. Every dish we ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was beautiful. We especially enjoyed the Fritto Misto platter, which was a highlight of the meal. The combination of crispy calamari, red mullet, tiger prawns, and zucchine fritte was perfect. The ambiance of the restaurant was also lovely, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It was the perfect setting for a special occasion. Overall, we had a fantastic time at Positanos of Guildford. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and a pleasant atmosphere made it a truly memorable birthday celebration. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an authentic Italian dining experience. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Paolo and the entire team at Positanos for making our evening so special. We will definitely be returning soon!

Fantastic food very popular, people queueing even with a reservation great service and very knowledgeable staff

The Best Italian restaurant in Guildford. Professional service, great cosy ambience and indeed excellent Italian food. A good place to dine in for a special night out.

Lovely attentive sevice. The place gives a small family business wibe - love that. Genuine care. Back-draw they do not accept AMEX but well worth that extra hassle.

Perfect setting very inviting ,small but well set out friendly family to welcome you in .. also tables outside of preferred very reasonable in price , we had the lunch time set menu good choices and well presented always a favourite place to eat 😘

Fantastic meal at Positano last night. Superb attentive service whilst not being intrusive. Not been here for several years, as previous experience was not what we expected. However so glad we tried them again and it won’t be the last time. Garlic bread was delicious - so good we forgot to take a photo. I had the risotto and can easily say it was the best I have tasted. My husband had the fish special was equally delicious. The suggested wine pairing was perfect. The puddings rounded off a great night. So give Positano a try and we’ll probably see you there as we are definitely coming back.

Me and my partner dined here tonight for her birthday and our experience was fantastic! Perfect atmosphere and delicious Italian food which was amazing value for money. The staff were wonderful; friendly and accommodating. I will be recommending to my friends and family.

Despite living in Guildford for years and hearing only good things I’d never been here. Can’t believe it took me so long - the place is great! The food is delicious, the service friendly and attentive and the restaurant is in a beautiful old building. Given the venue and food quality I was expecting steep prices but they’re actually great value (most mains were about £15-20). I recommend the seafood linguine (though it could do with fewer mussels and more shrimp) but all the dishes we had were well received. Because the building is old and small a lot of the seating is outside in a heated marquee. This was fine for us but if you want the full experience book a little in advance to secure a spot inside. Will 100% be back, and probably soon!

While walking round Guildford on a Monday lunch time decided to pop in for lunch for four people….It’s old school English Italian cooking smart polite staff, linen napkins and I loved it for that….Good home cooking hot and delicious. A couple of us had the set menu which was an absolute bargain priced at £13.95 for two course’s and another had a goats cheese salad which looked great from the main menu….Have a look online at their website is easy to navigate….The decor and ambiance is wood panel and cosy….We had not booked and were told if we sat at the high street side it might be noisy as there was renovation work happening next door…there was but it didn’t bother our group of four…..by the time we left the whole place was very busy so get there early or book. All of the staff were extremely helpful, smart and polite…The pizzas and pasta dishes that went past our table all looked delicious. If you are in Guildford and want a simple great place to eat it is well worth a visit.

Been many times and the service is excellent and the food is great for the price, easy to recommend to others. Heated area outside and lovely inside.

Our go to restaurant for the past 10 years and their high standards have never dropped. The best in town by a mile. Traditional Italian and the staff are excellent.

Really amazing meal and phenomenal service! Will be coming back!

Brilliant service...fantastic food...just like revisiting Italy...quirky building adds to charm...good value for money

Great atmosphere and the staff were very attentive...food was fantastic and good value and huge range...quirky setting...thank you

Very good reputation for food quality but they want to cram in as many people as possible for maximum revenue. A party of 14 crammed into the gazebo area and we couldn’t get seated without moving chairs along the entire length of allocated table ( and disturbing smaller parties). It was impossible to get out without going out of the gap in the corner and also pretty chilly. The booking was based on 2 tables to ensure sufficient space ( and made several weeks in advance outside of peak time). Service was very good and everyone got what they ordered ( large group surcharge applied to the total bill ) but they still chased for payment of a couple of couple of kids ice creams that didn’t get added to the bill). Food was mostly average and focus on getting the maximum ££££ rather than making us feel inclined to return. Olivo … we will come back to you..

Been to Positano a few times now and always blown away. The food and service are always exceptional, truly a small slice of Italy in the heart of Guildford! The Paccheri alla Genovese would be my recommendation for meat lovers, the slow cooked beef and onion sauce was just so rich and delicious, and the portions are very generous! Already looking forward to returning😊

A fantastic evening here with friends! Beautiful food and service

lovely experience, cosy atmosphere and yummy authentic Italian dishes. they brought out my dessert with a candle on for my birthday too🎂🤍🍝

We didn’t book ahead so got seated in the outdoor area but it is well sheltered and has good heating so wasn’t an issue. Reception and service was fine. Weren’t able to / didn’t want to / do a half and half pizza for sharing. The pizzas, and especially the garlic cheese bread, came out with a charred base which was unfortunate and made parts inedible but was otherwise good. Salad portion was very good. Wasn’t bad but doesn’t quite live up to the Guildford hype that led us to try it.

When we have guests, we always go here. So far, everyone loves it. The food is perfect, and the service is epic. I have no complaints at all. Highly recommended.

Three of us walked in on a Friday evening and they tried so hard to get us a table. We ultimately reserved a table for a few days later and Franco the owner remembered us and was so excited we came back. He spent a lot of time helping us with our wine choice. All of our servers were amazing and made fantastic recommendations. I had the Lasagna, which may sound dull to some, but my taste buds loved it. Rich and creamy. I highly recommend eating here. The food and the people are amazing!

Everything was amazing as usual.

We often have Italian and this was the most amazing antipasto and beef Ragu have ever had. And the pizza dough was sublime - so light and crunchy. Outstanding service rounded out a wonderful evening!

Excellent restaurant. Food was yummy.

Amazing restaurant. The food is delicious and the service was faultless, I will definitely be going back.

Brilliant, visited Guildford for the day, went to this Italian restaurant. Excellent service, most enjoyable banter with the staff.

Excellent food and even better service provided by Joseph our server for the evening. He took extreme care of us and ensured we had a wonderful evening.

Restaurant food is unique and very tasty. Also the lunch prices are very reasonable. Friendly service. Really very good.

Wonderful experience, really lovely food one of the best Italian meals for a long while, what a great team and wonderful dishes !

We had an excellent lunch here today and it was a really great experience for the whole family. Food is so delicious, and authentic Staff is really friendly Prices are reasonable Had an amazing service today ❤️ Definitely will go again!

Wow wow wow! I can’t believe I’ve never been to this restaurant before. But I can say for certain I will definitely come again. The food is so yummy and authentic and the vibes are immaculate. Cannot recommend enough. Edit: As you can see from the many photos, I have been back on a fair few occasions, and every time it is truly wonderful. The staff and servers are so warm and welcoming, the food is exquisite and the drinks divine. Positano has really mastered making simple ingredients sing on the plate. Yum

Amazing place, lovely food! Highly recommended!