The Trattoria Chantecler is located in Sorrento, in the historic center, in a street that at every step tells the attentive visitor the Middle Ages and the Sorrento Renaissance, between ancient colonnades dating back to the 12th century and patrician houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. It is housed right inside the large hall of a fifteenth-century patrician villa, and you can still see, inside the restaurant, the capitals and features that adorned the villa. Stopping for a quick lunch while visiting the splendid historic center of Sorrento or, after visiting the wonders of the Sorrento peninsula, refreshing yourself at the “Trattoria Chantecler’s” enjoying the typical dishes of Neapolitan cuisine, is a pleasant break between the history and the flavors of our traditions.

For more leisurely entertainment (a la drinks with some background music), we love the laid-back atmosphere at Chantecler, Via Santa Maria della Pietà 38 (tel. 081-8075868; www.chanteclers.com); there's some dancing on weekends, and always some food. Other choices are Chaplin's Video Pub, Corso Italia 18 (tel. 081-8072551), and the English Inn, Corso Italia 55 (tel. 081-8074357); located across from each other, both stock a good selection of beers and maintain a lively atmosphere -- sometimes even too lively on summer weekends. Depending on the season, the crowd can be a mix of nationalities.

20/06/2025: I'm a true Korean and I've had spaghetti in Venice, Dolomites, Florence, Salerno, Amalfi, Maiori, and Positano, but this place I found in Sorrento had the best spaghetti. I had vongole pasta, seafood pasta (the stir-fried squid was delicious), and mussel pasta. The seasoning was just right and the noodles were cooked so well that I went there three times while I was in Sorrento.

I probably wouldn’t have found this restaurant if I didn’t bring a guidebook along. It’s off the main roads on its own little alleyway behind a church, so yes a little hidden (pictured in the top image). It’s a gem with wonderful food, affordable prices, and other diners who were friends of the owners giving it an authentic feeling.

When I am stuck in the center of Sorrento and want a local meal that does not feature 20 Euro carbonara (carbonara is from Rome not Southern Italy and 20 Euro is way too expensive for this simple bacon and egg dish), I come to Chantecler. Their menu is simple. Antipasti average 5 Euro, primi 8 Euro and secondi also 8 Euro.

Chantecler’s Trattoria is on the other end of the niceness spectrum. This place will feel like you’re at an Italian grandmother’s house in the best possible way. The atmosphere hits that loud, happy feel you picture at a classic trattoria, and their menu offering both seafood and meat dishes.