Don Alfonso 1890

Recent retirement and a wish to treat myself to a memorable vacation, along with a friend's recommendation with rave reviews, brought my sister and I to the Boutique Hotel Don Alfonso. An absolutely beautiful destination in every way: hospitality, service, food and location. Mario and Ernesto Iaccarino, along with their mother Livia, are involved in the entirety of all they offer, bringing you and their staff immediately together as part of their family. It is a journey in the Mediterranean lifestyle as Mario says, in behavior and culinary. The hours long struggle at the airport previous to our arrival evaporated as soon as we were welcomed and whisked away to a covered outdoor area in lush greenery with lemon and laurel trees and urns of dipladenia, the latter being the only commonality to my home. Each dining experience whether breakfast, lunch within the culinary class, or dinner was a gastronomic event. Rarely have we enjoyed the staff as much as the delicious meals on each of these occasions. My cooking class with Chef Nicolo Pignatelli was exceptional in scope of menu and dining, he is kind and generous with his teaching and attention to the preparation, execution and service. As someone who has cooked at home and as a caterer for 50 years it was also enchanting that the only things I had to wash were my hands! The tiny town of Sant Agata is a stone's throw from the Amalfi coast and Sorrento, we enjoyed visiting the surrounding sites but the Hotel Don Alfonso was home, we truly hated to leave for an extended period of time! Hopefully, we will be able to visit again! Stateside they have a restaurant in St. Louis at the Ritz Carlton that may have to hold us over until another European adventure.

Me and my husband had the pleasure of enjoying a dinner here. It was for both of us the first time in a starred restaurant ⭐️ I was a bit anxious as I didn’t know what to expect, however the experience was fabulous. We have been welcomed warmly and before sitting to our table we have been shown the wines cellars, which was absolutely incredible 🍷 We opted for the tasting menu parried with the wines. Evert single course was an experience, an incredible journey into food and wine, flavour you would not even imagine to taste: excellent! The service was spot on, to the top standards but still with a warm approach ❤️ Last but not least: Mr. Mario and his wife, walking around the tables to welcome their guests and making sure they truly feel welcome, almost like a family 🥹 Thanks to everyone who has been around us and to everyone working behind the scenes creating such beautiful memories in people. If I would ever get the chance I would definitely go back and I can only recommend the place. Thank you for the memories you have created!

This was our 3rd visit and we stayed for 3 nights. It is a place where you feel like a guest and like family at the same time. The service and the food is wonderful and on top of that the owners and their staff really make you feel welcome and are all very charming and helpful. I recommend ( even those who do not drink ) to really not miss the opportunity to see the wine cellar. Will be back again for sure.

Superb experience: great location and accomodations, fantastic food and very kind people. Worth the trip