Bagni Delfino

 Sorrento's seafood joint

Bread and snacks

Sorrento's Marina Grande is perhaps the most beautiful part of the city, a seaside bay overlooking the gulf of Naples, which is without a doubt an amazing sea view. However, given the popularity of Marina Grande, it is packed with 'tourist trap' restaurants where they will serve you meatballs and plenty of 'American Italian food'. Bagni Delfino I would rate it as a more authentic one among a sea of restaurants, is pretty hidden as is tucked right at the end of the beach, with a strong focus on seafood. What set this place apart is that it is actually built on top of the sea and it has its own water tank for keeping fresh seafood.

Octopus, capers and fennel

Since I went on a hot day and was not in the mood for a giant feast, I opted for 3 courses and shared them with my plus 1. I was glad I did that as even at starter size, all the dishes' portions are large. The cold octopus salad was wonderful, savory and worked so well with the fennel herbs, with a dash of black pepper to offset the fishiness. The house's signature seafood pasta was a hit, all the shellfish was cooked to perfection and finely seasoned, with a lovely shellfish sauce that clothed all the pasta evenly. Less impressive was whole grilled sea bream, it was a touch overcooked sadly.

House pasta with shrimps, squids and clams

Grilled seabream

Bagni Delfino was not perfect for sure, but there are still plenty of pluses. The staff are all very friendly and spoke good English, and the cooking was for sure above average (and are massive in portion!), not to mention it comes with such a beautiful view. I think it is almost impossible to dine here and go for the traditional Italian way of having a starter, pasta, main then dessert given all the dishes are so big. Therefore, 3 courses per person would be more than enough. No booking requires, just rock up would be fine as is a massive restaurant and can host more than 150 diners.

Food 3/5

What I paid: 
48 Euro per person

Average cost without drinks and services:
65 Euro

Via Marina Grande, 216, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy