Is Chez Black worth it?
Skip itLives up to the hype · +7Famous family-run seafood restaurant with a terrace right on Spiaggia Grande
Usually not worth it. Recent reviews praise service and seafood, but the overall rating is low for its fame and some describe it as more glamorous and touristy than it used to be.
Hype42How famous and hyped it is
Reality49Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
3.9 ★ Google · 3,501 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Chez Black? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth it if…Editorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
The setting is the draw; go knowing reviews are mixed overall (3.9 on Google).
Why Reality is 49
Lives up to its fame3/5Recent reviews praise service and seafood, but the overall rating is low for its fame and some describe it as more glamorous and touristy than it used to be.
Value for money2/5Beachfront prices for good-not-great food; Google's 3.9 across 3,500 reviews reflects many disappointed diners.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5The location is iconic, but several beachfront restaurants share the same view.
Easy to do4/5Right on the main beach by the pier, open all day, and bookable.
What people loved
Unbeatable location: tables a few feet from the beach with the town rising behindWarm, attentive service is the most repeated compliment in recent reviewsFresh, simply prepared seafood, especially raw platters and seafood pastaA genuine Positano institution with decades of history and a ship-themed interiorWhat wore them down
3.9 on Google across 3,500 reviews — low for a famous restaurant, signalling inconsistent experiencesIncreasingly fashionable and photo-driven; some long-time visitors find it less spontaneousPrime-location pricing; house wine described as averageBusy and fast-paced in summerParking & getting there
Don’t driveDon't drive: Positano has a handful of small, valet-style private garages that reviewers say cost about €8–10 an hour in summer and fill up. If you must, use Parcheggio Russo or Di Gennaro by Piazza dei Mulini and walk 5–10 min down Via dei Mulini.
- Parcheggio Russogarage · about 4 min walk · ★ 4 (204)Price not publishedMap
- Garage Parking Di Gennarogarage · about 4 min walk · ★ 2.8 (286)Price not publishedMap
- Parking Garage Mandaragarage · about 6 min walk · ★ 3.1 (670)Price not publishedMap
- Private garages are valet-style (you leave the keys) and charge by the full hour; reviewers report about €8–10/hour in summer, but no operator price list could be verified maps.google.com
- Blue-line street meters are scarce and almost never free in summer; white-and-yellow lines are residents only positano.com
- Alternating number-plate scheme (odd/even last digit) on the SS163 Vietri–Positano 10:00–18:00 on designated dates (2026: e.g. 30 Mar–6 Apr, 24 Apr–2 May; October weekends/holidays; none from 1 Nov); exemptions include residents, guests with a coast hotel booking, taxis/NCC, motorbikes positano.com
- Check current SS163 alternating-plate dates on ANAS / news before driving in season napolike.it
Without a car: SITA bus along the SS163 from Sorrento or Amalfi (year-round) and walk down Via dei Mulini; or ferry (roughly April–October) to the pier on Spiaggia Grande; Chez Black is beside the pier
Driving rules in Positano
Avoid driving on the Amalfi Coast from spring to autumn: the SS163 is narrow and congested, plate restrictions apply on peak dates, and Positano's parking is private, expensive and full by mid-morning. Ferries and SITA buses are the better choice. A car only helps for out-of-season trips or trailheads such as Pontone or Agerola.
- Alternating number plates on the SS163 Amalfitana. Anas ordinance 340/19 restricts non-resident cars on the coast road by last plate digit (odd plates barred on odd dates, even on even dates) from 10:00 to 18:00 on designated dates. 2026 dates reported: 30 Mar–6 Apr and 24 Apr–2 May, with October weekends and holidays also listed by positano.com, and none from 1 November. It covers 14 municipalities, from Vietri sul Mare to Positano, including Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, Furore and Conca dei Marini. Exempt (with documents): residents, guests with a confirmed coast booking, taxis and NCC, disabled-badge vehicles, workers and homeowners. Motorbikes are also exempt per positano.com. Check current dates with Anas or the Comune before driving. napolike.it
- Anas ordinance (legal basis). Permanent Anas ordinance 340/19 sets the alternating-plate restrictions on the SS163 each year from 1 April to 30 September, in set time bands. stradeanas.it
- Positano ZTL for large vehicles. Via Pasitea, Piazza dei Mulini and Via C. Colombo are a ZTL for vehicles with more than 5 seats (€5 per trip). Paying does not allow stopping or parking. positano.com
- Street parking is residents-only. Street parking in Positano and its hamlets (Montepertuso, Nocelle) is for residents. White-and-yellow lines are residents-only and the few blue-line meters are almost never free in summer. Visitors use private valet-style garages that charge by the full hour, with no verified operator price lists. positano.com
- Parking overview. positano.com's parking guide lists the private garages and blue-line spots along the coast; spaces fill early in summer. positano.com
Know before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Reservations accepted and advisable for summer evenings and terrace tables.
HoursDaily noon–11 p.m. (11:30 p.m. Saturday) in seasonSource: Google Maps · Checked Oct 17, 2026
ReservationTakes reservations; book for dinner in summerSource: Google Maps · Checked Oct 17, 2026
Known forSeafood pasta, sea urchin pasta, mussels, fish soup, raw seafood platters and grilled fish; also pizzaSource: Google Maps editorial summary and reviews · Checked Oct 17, 2026
HistoryRun by the Russo family; the owner 'Black' inherited it from his father and the nickname gave the restaurant its nameSource · Checked Oct 17, 2026
Getting thereOn the Spiaggia Grande seafront, next to the ferry pierSource: Google Maps · Checked Oct 17, 2026
Time needed1.5–2 hoursSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 17, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
In their words
“Many guests seemed to be there primarily for photographs, which inevitably makes the atmosphere feel a little more artificial.”
“The raw seafood platter (with oysters, tuna, red prawns and other fresh fish) was excellent.”
“Service was friendly and fast-paced, which matches the setting, and the whole experience felt fun, relaxed, and memorable.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
Is Chez Black worth it?
For the beachfront setting and friendly service, many say yes, but it averages 3.9 on Google across 3,500 reviews, so expectations should be moderate.
Does Chez Black take reservations?
Yes; book ahead for summer dinners and terrace tables.
What is Chez Black known for?
Seafood pasta, sea urchin spaghetti, fish soup and raw seafood platters on the Spiaggia Grande seafront.
What are Chez Black's opening hours?
Google lists noon to 11 p.m. daily (11:30 p.m. Saturday).
