Dining by the sea is not just a gastronomic experience, but a sensory ritual. The sound of the waves, the scent of salt and the sand beneath your feet amplify every flavor, transforming lunch or dinner into an unforgettable memory. It is precisely in this setting that Il Bikini in Vico Equense, on the Sorrento coast, has earned a place of honor on the list of the world's best beach restaurants selected by the Michelin guide.
Il Bikini in Vico Equense among the best beach restaurants in the world
Overlooking the sea with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples, Il Bikini is a refined restaurant nestled among the cliffs of the Sorrento Peninsula. Originally a beach resort in the 1950s, it is now one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in southern Italy, and the Michelin Guide recently included it in its review of the best beach restaurants in the world. The restaurant offers an experience that combines signature cuisine and natural scenery in perfect balance. The terrace suspended over the sea is the ideal setting to savor the chef's dishes, which feature contemporary Mediterranean cuisine that respects tradition but with flashes of creativity.
MICHELIN inspectors recommend dishes such as risotto with mixed fried fish and lemon, seared tuna with caponata, olive pesto and onion mayonnaise, and the iconic chocolate Caprese cake, served with elegance and a view that alone is worth the trip. Booking in advance is essential, especially in the summer months, to secure a table facing the sea where the sunset becomes an integral part of the menu.
Other dream locations where you can eat with your feet in the sand
Miramar — Llançà, Spain
Two MICHELIN stars for this gem on the Costa Brava, created by chef Paco Pérez. Seafood and local dishes served in a former family guesthouse on the seafront at Platja del Port.
El Serbal — Santander, Spain
Historic restaurant on the Segunda Playa, where Cantabrian cuisine is reinvented with elegance. Ocean views and local ingredients for an authentic experience.
Sublime Comporta Beach Club — Carvalhal, Portugal
A corner of Ibiza with a Portuguese soul: boho-chic decor, sand under your feet and fresh fish on the grill. Ideal for long lunches by the Atlantic.
Jardin Tropezina — Ramatuelle, France
On the legendary Pampelonne, chef Jean-François Piège's garden restaurant offers Provençal cuisine, glamour, and a touch of French dolce vita.
Sansibar — Rantum, Germany
On the island of Sylt, between the dunes and the North Sea, this beach club has a rustic soul and high-end cuisine: from wagyu to turbot, there's a new menu every day.
Jun Hom — Ko Samui, Thailand
A Bib Gourmand that celebrates Thai seafood cuisine. Fried fish, calamari, and cold beer by the ocean: simplicity, authenticity, and tropical relaxation.
My Hanh Seafood — Da Nang, Vietnam
A landmark for those who love seafood in its simplest and most abundant form. Mantis shrimp and Hoi An crabs on the terrace, overlooking the ocean.
French Riviera — Dubai, UAE
Inside the Jumeirah Al Qasr, a corner of the French Riviera with lobster, king crab, and dinners under the stars in the charming “Dôme” on the sand.
The luxury of simplicity
With Michelin stars and picture-perfect scenery, Il Bikini represents Italian excellence in a global landscape of restaurants where food meets natural beauty. Whether for a special occasion or a romantic getaway, these places prove that true luxury today is simplicity, when done well, in an authentic setting. And with your feet in the sand, everything tastes different.
