
Very fresh anchovy fillets are opened like a book and filled with a fragrant mixture of cheese, aromatic herbs, and sometimes Amalfi lemon zest, then closed and cooked until golden. The outside becomes crisp and fragrant, while the inside remains tender and flavorful, with the intense taste of the sea balanced by the delicacy of the filling. The aroma of parsley and citrus immediately evokes the coastline. They are often served as an appetizer or a main course on tables overlooking the sea.
Anchovies are the gastronomic symbol of Cetara, a small fishing village on the Amalfi Coast famous for its maritime tradition. This dish reflects the area’s home cooking, where freshly caught oily fish was enhanced with simple ingredients from the Mediterranean pantry. It represents the coastal seafaring identity and the everyday bond between sea and kitchen.
The recipe was born in the homes of Cetara’s fishermen, where anchovies were abundant and cooked in creative ways to feed the family. Stuffing them with bread, cheese, and herbs was a clever way to enrich a humble fish and make it more filling. Over time the preparation spread to the trattorias of the Amalfi Coast, becoming a small classic of local cuisine.
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