In Italy's coastal town of Sorrento the streets and squares are lined with "bars"—as cafés are commonly called in Italy—where you can stop for a drink, chat, and people watch any time day or night.
The most popular cafés in Sorrento are those located in Piazza Tasso. If you'd like your drink served with a view, try one of the cafés in the ports of Marina Grande, Marina Piccola, or a hotel terrace overlooking the sea.
Pricing at the various cafés in Sorrento is more or less the same everywhere, so feel free to stop in at any one you like!
The difference between a bar and a ristorante
A bar (what Italians call a café) is primarily a place to stop for a coffee or other drink and to socialize. Bars also offer light snacks such as pastries for breakfast or sandwiches during the day. Even if a bar offers lunch, most Italians don't actually take a meal at the bar since the pizza and pasta dishes are almost always pre-prepared and/or frozen. For a full meal, we recommend you go to a ristorante or trattoria.
Bars in Piazza Tasso: the beating heart of Sorrento
Piazza Tasso is the social hub of Sorrento. It's home to some of the most popular bars and is perfect for those who like to be at the center of the action.
Fauno Bar
A Sorrento institution, Fauno Bar is the perfect place to people watch. With its prime location, it offers 360° views of the square. Sip an espresso or an Aperol Spritz while enjoying the lively atmosphere.Bar del Carmine
Perfect for breakfast or an aperitivo, this bar combines a cozy atmosphere with an excellent selection of cocktails and appetizers. We recommend their Negroni or a Spritz accompanied by olives and taralli.Syrenuse Bar
In this bar you can choose to sit on the patio overlooking the square or, for a more peaceful atmosphere, on the balcony overlooking the slope that leads to the port of Marina Piccola. Try their signature lemon cocktail inspired by the citrus fruits of the Amalfi Coast, accompanied by fried finger foods.
Bars with a sea view
Port of Marina Grande
Here you'll find a series of bars with terraces directly on the water, ideal for a refreshing drink on hot summer days. Marina Grande is the perfect place for those who want to experience a seaside atmosphere.Coastline (Hotel Bellevue Syrene)
If you want a truly exclusive aperitivo with the most iconic view of Sorrento, head to the terrace of the Hotel Bellevue Syrene. The prices are higher than average but it will be an unforgettable experience.
Bars for watching sports events
English Inn
This pub has big screens and a wide selection of beers, plus it also serves a traditional English breakfast.Chaplin's Irish Bar
Open since 1976, Chaplin's is a historic Irish pub on Sorrento's the main street, Corso Italia. It offers dark beers on tap and also broadcasts rugby matches.
Coffee drinks
Italians commonly refer to an espresso as simply "un caffè," and it's served in the tiny espresso cups seen in cafès across Italy. If you want something more similar to an American coffee you'll need to order an "americano." You can drink your espresso or other drink standing up at the counter if you want to do as the Italians most commonly do, or seated at a café table if tables are available. An espresso at the counter costs around €1 while table service usually has a surcharge, which can mean as much as €3-€4 for an espresso.
A cappuccino is considered strictly a breakfast beverage, and Italians drink them before about 11 am and not after meals. You can order one any time of day, but be prepared for quizzical stares if you make your request after the breakfast hours.
If you're looking for something similar to a Starbucks-style coffee try Gelateria Puro, located between Piazza Sant'Antonino and Piazza Tasso.
Aperitivo
Aperitivo is a cocktail hour that starts in the late afternoon and goes until just before dinner. It's popular among Italians and includes a light cocktail paired with anything from finger food to more filling offerings. Though it's most common in the evening, you can also have an aperitivo before lunch. The classic aperitivo drink is the Spritz, which is made with Prosecco, Aperol (or Campari) bitter soda, and tonic water. The aperitivo hour reaches its peak around 7:30 pm, when most cafés and bars automatically serve finger food with any drinks ordered, for a small extra charge.
Beer
Many Italian cafés and bars don't offer a large selection of beers besides the classic national beer Peroni. If you'd like a more varied selection try Bar del Carmine in Piazza Tasso or head to one of the pubs that are popular with English tourists such as Chaplin's, Crazy Horse, or the English Inn. These pubs also serve classic English fare such as hamburgers and fish and chips. The English Inn also serves an English breakfast.
Limoncello
Limoncello is Sorrento's traditional sweet liqueur made with local lemons. It's generally between 25-30% alcohol and consumed as an after-dinner drink.