Where to eat the lemon delight on the Amalfi Coast
Although relatively young compared to most of the creations that are part of the local confectionery tradition, the lemon delight is the best known and best loved dessert on the Amalfi Coast. It consists of a base of soft sponge cake filled and coated with delicious Costa d’Amalfi IGP lemon cream. Sold both as a cake and in single-portion versions, its unmistakable flavour conquers the palate of anyone who tastes it. It was invented by Sorrento pastry chef Carmine Marzuillo, who presented it for the first time in 1978 at the National Convention of the Cooks’ Association, meeting with great success. Since then, the recipe for the lemon delight, given its goodness, has travelled around the world.
Below is a selection of the best addresses on the Amalfi Coast where you can taste this masterfully prepared dessert.
Sal De Riso pastry shop
The lemon delight was invented by Carmine Marzuillo, but it was then the Minoan pastry chef Sal De Riso who made it famous. A member of the Accademia dei Maestri Pasticceri (Academy of Master Pastry Chefs) since 1994 and Pastry Chef of the Year 2010-2011, he is one of the most famous and appreciated interpreters of the confectionery art in Southern Italy. He has two outlets on the Amalfi Coast, one in Minori (managed directly by him) and the other in Tramonti, which have become a destination not only for locals, but especially for foreigners. Although it is difficult to choose between his countless creations, a lemon delight is a must. Moreover, the pastry chef recommends accompanying it with Limoncello ‘Paesaggi’ Sal De Riso, lemon cream or Moscato d’Asti.
Gambardella pastry shop
Also in Minori is Pasticceria Gambardella, where you can taste one of the best lemon delicacies on the Amalfi Coast and beyond. It has been delighting the palates of locals and tourists since 1963, when it was founded by Francesco Gambardella. Its products are not born from sophisticated and complex elaborations but from experience and craftsmanship. Even today, in fact, despite the evolution in processing methods, it still relies above all on the naturalness of the ingredients and the simplicity of artisanal production processes. Gambardella is also a liquor factory (located a few steps away from the pastry shop), where you can buy the inevitable limoncello and other similar delicious beverages.
Pansa pastry shop
A must-try is the lemon delight from the historic Pasticceria Pansa. Set in the small square in the shadow of Amalfi’s magnificent cathedral, it is one of the oldest confectionery production and tasting places in the Amalfi area. Founded in 1830 by Andrea Pansa, it retains its style, furnishings and even its marble façade from the early 20th century. It offers traditional confectionery without disdaining innovation and modernity. All products are handcrafted using only the highest quality raw materials. In addition to the lemon delight, we recommend you try the lemon peels covered with tender dark chocolate sheets (another highlight of the Pansa pastry shop).
Pepe Mastro Dolciere pastry shop
Another name to note is that of Pasticceria Pepe Mastro Dolciere. Formerly known as Pasticceria Pepe, it is located in Sant’Egidio del Monte Albino, a municipality on the slopes of the Lattari Mountains, inland on the Amalfi Coast. Over the years, it has received many awards confirming the quality and value of its sweet creations, including the Tre Torte del Gambero Rosso. Its pioneer was master pastry chef Alfonso Pepe, who sadly passed away in 2020. Today, the pastry shop is run by the brothers with the same quality as always. The lemon delight, made according to the ancient recipe handed down through the ages, is one of its workhorses. It also offers a wide selection of gluten-free products.
La Zagara pastry shop
Finally, you can’t leave the Amalfi Coast without feasting on the lemon delights of Pasticceria La Zagara. Inaugurated in 1950, it is located in the heart of Positano (a few steps from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta), along the famous stepped street leading to the beach. It blends experimentation with the exclusive use of genuine ingredients from the coast. It enjoys well-deserved fame for its irresistible lemon delight, whose goodness is praised by travellers from all over the world. It also has a cosy dehors lined with climbing plants and flowers, where you are sure to be captivated by the beauty that surrounds you.
Featured photo © Pansa pastry shop
