Where to eat in Capri: restaurants and specialties

Capri may be a small island, but its food scene is among the most renowned in the Mediterranean. From restaurants nestled beneath lemon groves to eateries overlooking the Faraglioni, not forgetting the trattorias of Anacapri, choosing where to eat can seem daunting. This guide gathers the best restaurants in Capri and Anacapri, with pros, cons, and real reviews, so you can choose between iconic spots and authentic eateries.

Before going into detail, a preface: it's always a good idea to book in advance on the island , especially in summer and on weekends. Tables at the most popular restaurants fill up quickly, and wandering through the narrow streets, or perhaps exploring one of Capri's walking itineraries in search of a free spot, is the last thing you want after a sunny day, perhaps spent on Capri's most beautiful beaches.

Capri Cuisine: What to Order

The island's tradition is based on a few excellent ingredients. The signature dish is ravioli caprese , handmade with a filling of caciotta, parmesan, and marjoram, topped with fresh tomato and basil. You'll find them in almost every trattoria and seafood restaurant, often still prepared by hand every morning.

Caprese salad is a must , best enjoyed on the island with ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella . Main courses feature fresh fish from the gulf: sea bream , amberjack, scorpion fish, and lobster, all simply prepared. Finally, Caprese cake is the quintessential dessert, made with chocolate and almonds, created by mistake in a local pastry shop and now famous worldwide.

Capri's unmissable restaurants

Da Paolino, the restaurant under the lemon groves

Da Paolino is located at Via Palazzo a Mare 11 , a stone's throw from the center, and is perhaps the most photographed restaurant on the island. Dine under a lemon pergola that covers the entire garden, in an atmosphere reminiscent of the Dolce Vita of the 1960s. Jackie Kennedy frequented it and it has been a fixture of the jet set for decades.

Pro:

• A unique setting, among the most evocative in Capri
• Fresh fish and traditional Mediterranean dishes
• Convenient location, within walking distance from the Piazzetta

Against:

• Prices are decidedly high, some dishes are expensive for the portion
• In high season the atmosphere can be too touristy
• Service sometimes slow on busy evenings

TripAdvisor reviews are mixed: many praise the fabulous atmosphere and fresh ingredients, while others criticize the value for money. On Google , the average rating is around 4,2. Dinner costs around €70-90 per person, but the setting remains memorable.

La Fontelina, the sea just a stone's throw from your table

La Fontelina is a beach resort with a restaurant, perched on the rocks at Via Tragara 8 , right in front of the Faraglioni . It can only be reached on foot from Punta Tragara or by boat from Marina Piccola, and this difficulty in access makes it an exclusive and quiet spot.

Pro:

• Spectacular view of the Faraglioni, among the most beautiful in Capri
• Very fresh fish and essential seafood cuisine
• Possibility of alternating swimming and lunch on the terrace

Against:

• Challenging access, not suitable for those with mobility difficulties
• High prices and sometimes distracted service during rush hour
• Reservations required in summer, even for just a sunbed

Google and TripAdvisor reviews average more than 4,5 stars: you're paying for the location, but the quality of the seafood is second to none. A lunch with wine can easily exceed €100 per person.

La Capannina, history since 1930

La Capannina , at Via Le Botteghe 14 , is Capri's historic restaurant par excellence. Opened in 1930, it has hosted generations of artists, writers, and celebrities. The dining room is elegant, with period furnishings, and the cuisine offers Mediterranean classics with a twist.

Pro:

• Historic and refined atmosphere, in the heart of Capri
• Attentive service and expert staff
• Excellent wine list, with labels from Campania and beyond

Against:

• The bill is steep, in line with the island's historic establishments.
• Small portions for those with a big appetite
• In August the pace can be frenetic

On review sites, the ratings range from 4,3 to 4,5. It's the perfect place for an elegant dinner or a lunch that captures the Capri of yesteryear. Average bill: €80-100 per person.

Aurora Restaurant, between pizza and tradition

Aurora overlooks Via Fuorlovado 18 , Capri's main shopping street, and is one of the island's most beloved establishments. Originally a café in 1934, it now offers both traditional cuisine and one of the island's best pizzas, featuring a light crust and quality ingredients.

Pro:

• Very central location, a few steps from the Piazzetta
• Double offer: restaurant and pizzeria
• Lower prices than luxury venues

Against:

• The place is always crowded, it's difficult to find a seat without a reservation.
• The outdoor tables are on the street, less intimate
• The quality of the pizza is excellent, but the cuisine is not gourmet.

Google reviews hover around 4,3, with many positive comments about the pizza and the warm hospitality. A full dinner costs around €45-60, more affordable than the island average.

Villa Verde: Creativity in a Hidden Garden

Villa Verde , at Via Sella 6 , is a historic restaurant that blends Mediterranean cuisine with creative touches. The dining room opens onto a lush garden, a peaceful oasis just two minutes from the bustle of the Piazzetta. For years, it has been considered one of the island's most reliable addresses.

Pro:

• Quiet and romantic internal garden
• Refined cuisine, with traditional dishes intelligently revisited
• Polite and professional service

Against:

• Medium-high prices
• The place is quite small, so book well in advance.
• Creative cuisine doesn't always appeal to traditional palates.

The average TripAdvisor rating is around 4,4. It's a solid choice for a romantic dinner or for those seeking quality without excess. Average bill: €70-90 per person.

Le Monzù, the Michelin star of Punta Tragara

Le Monzù , inside the Hotel Punta Tragara at Via Tragara 57 , is the Michelin- starred restaurant with one of the most spectacular terraces on the island, directly overlooking the Faraglioni . The cuisine is signature Mediterranean, using Campanian ingredients and a carefully curated wine cellar.

Pro:

• Breathtaking panoramic terrace overlooking the Faraglioni
• Impeccable service and refined mise en place
• Signature cuisine with Campanian products

Against:

• High bill, like in a big restaurant
• Formal setting, not suitable for informal dinners
• Reservations required well in advance

Recognized by the Michelin Guide , it's the perfect choice for those who want to combine fine dining and panoramic views in one evening. Average bill: €150-200 per person.

Ziqù, the taste of the sea in Marina Grande

Ziqù Restaurant , located inside the Hotel Villa Marina on the provincial road to Marina Grande (number 191), is one of the island's most popular addresses: the terrace overlooks the harbor and the Gulf of Naples, and the cuisine, led by chef Manuele Cattaruzza, plays with the seafood and the seasons. It's among the most popular restaurants on TheFork.

Pro:

• Sea view terrace and typical Capri atmosphere
• Very fresh fish and creative dishes
• Excellent value for money for the level

Against:

• Outside the center, a short walk or taxi is needed
• Crowded in high season
• Elegant venue, best to book

The reviews on TheFork and Google are excellent. Average bill: €80-100 per person.

The Geranium, the historic terrace overlooking the Gardens of Augustus

Il Geranio , at Via Matteotti 8 in Capri, is one of the island's historic restaurants, nestled between the Certosa di San Giacomo and the Gardens of Augustus : from the terrace you can admire the Faraglioni , Via Krupp, and the entire coast of Marina Piccola. Open from Easter to the end of October, for decades it has hosted artists and travelers seeking one of the most famous views in the Mediterranean.

Pro:

• Unforgettable view, especially at sunset
• Unique location between the Certosa and the Gardens of Augustus
• Refined Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh fish

Against:

• Seasonal opening, only from Easter to October
• The terrace is sought after, you need to book the right table
• Medium-high prices, in line with the location

The average rating is around 4,4 on Google . It's the ideal compromise between quality and view for those visiting the Gardens of Augustus. Average bill: 60-80 euros.

Lo Sfizio, the pizzeria on Via Tiberio

Lo Sfizio , located at Via Tiberio 7/E, halfway between the Piazzetta and Villa Jovis, is one of the island's most beloved pizzerias: a wood-fired oven, light dough, and some of the best pizzas on Capri, along with fresh pasta dishes and the famous spit-roasted chicken. The atmosphere is simple and authentic, far from the luxury of the city center.

Pro:

• Wood-fired pizza among the best on the island
• Fair prices for Capri
• Informal and familiar atmosphere

Against:

• Reachable only on foot, uphill from the Piazzetta
• Small place, better to book in the evening
• Home cooking, without gourmet pretensions

Recommended for both lunch and dinner, even with kids. Average bill: €20-35.

The best of Anacapri

The sea urchin, the fish with a star

Il Riccio is located at Via Gradola 4 , in Anacapri, inside the Hotel Caesar Augustus . It is the island's most famous seafood restaurant, awarded a Michelin star . The terrace overlooks Cala di Gradola, one of Capri's clearest bays, and the menu showcases the sea with technique and lightness.

Pro:

• Top-quality fish and impeccable presentations
• Breathtaking panoramic terrace overlooking the sea
• Service from a great restaurant

Against:

• Very high bill, among the highest on the island
• Reservations required weeks in advance in summer
• Easily reachable only by taxi or shuttle

Google reviews exceed 4,5 stars, with almost unanimous praise for the quality of the seafood. A tasting menu can exceed €150 per person, excluding wine. It's the perfect place for a special occasion.

L'Olivo, the gourmet cuisine of the Capri Palace

L'Olivo is the gourmet restaurant at the Capri Palace in Anacapri, boasting two Michelin stars . The chef offers refined Mediterranean cuisine, with tasting menus showcasing Campanian produce: fish, citrus fruits, aromatic herbs, and memorable pastries.

Pro:

• One of the most prestigious gastronomic experiences in Italy
• Luxurious environment with attention to detail
• Very extensive wine list

Against:

• High-end prices, even 200 euros per person
• Formality required, not suitable for informal dinners
• Bookings are recommended very early, especially on weekends.

For lovers of Michelin-starred cuisine, L'Olivo is an institution. Those seeking something simpler will also find great satisfaction in the Anacapri trattorias described below.

Da Gemma, the Caprese cake restaurant

Da Gemma , at Via Madre Serafina 6 in Anacapri, is a historic trattoria that preserves the island's authentic spirit. Here, torta caprese is a signature dish, and the kitchen offers simple, authentic dishes: homemade pasta, rabbit, and garden vegetables.

Pro:

• Familiar and authentic atmosphere, far from luxury venues
• Reasonable prices for the island
• Excellent house desserts

Against:

• Small and highly sought-after venue
• Traditional menu, without big surprises
• Limited opening hours during low season

TripAdvisor reviews praise the authenticity and hospitality. It's the perfect choice for a simple lunch after visiting Villa San Michele . Average bill: €40-55.

Da Tonino, Anacapri's home-cooked cuisine

Da Tonino , at Via G. Orlandi 67 , is another favorite among locals and tourists seeking authentic Caprese cuisine. The dishes are traditional: ravioli caprese, fish of the day, and homemade desserts, served without too many frills.

Pro:

• Homemade and hearty cuisine
• Fair prices for the island
• A place run with passion by the same family for decades

Against:

• Simple room, no sea view
• During high season the service may be subject to delays
• Few tables, reservations recommended

On Google, it has a 4,3 rating. It's the perfect place for those who want to eat well without spending a fortune, as is also the case in the Sorrento and Sorrento Peninsula restaurant guide . Average bill: €35-50.

Le Grottelle, the restaurant in the Arco Naturale caves

Le Grottelle , located at Via Arco Naturale 13 in Anacapri, is a trattoria-pizzeria nestled in ancient natural caves carved into the rock, just steps from the Arco Naturale . Luigi Vuotto's Caprese cuisine, based on select ingredients, makes it a must-visit for those seeking authentic island cuisine with a picture-perfect view.

Pro:

• Unique location, rooms inside natural caves
• Authentic Caprese cuisine and carefully selected raw materials
• Breathtaking view of the Natural Arch and the sea

Against:

• Reachable with a slight uphill walk
• Highly sought-after venue, reservations recommended
• Traditional menu, few tables in high season

Listed by Gambero Rosso as one of the island's must-sees, with rave reviews on TripAdvisor and Google . Average bill: €40-60.

Lido del Faro, lunch by the sea at Punta Carena

Lido del Faro is the beach resort at the foot of the Punta Carena lighthouse , the westernmost part of Anacapri. The restaurant overlooks the cliffs overlooking the sea, offering one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. The cuisine is simple and fresh, focusing on seafood.

Pro:

• Spectacular location on the sea, perfect for sunset
• Very fresh fish and essential dishes
• You can spend the day between swimming and restaurants

Against:

• Reachable with a challenging descent on foot
• Medium-high prices for the location
• Crowded on sunny days

Google reviews exceed 4,5 stars, with rave reviews about the view. A full meal costs €60-80, but the setting is worth it.

Where to eat without spending too much

Capri isn't a budget destination, but there are a few affordable options. Verginiello , just steps from Capri's Piazzetta, offers Mediterranean cuisine and seafood at more reasonable prices, with an average Google rating of 4,4 . Average bill: €30-45.

In Anacapri, Aumm Aumm is the island's most beloved pizzeria: generous pizzas for €10-15, in a casual atmosphere. Perfect for a quick lunch between sightseeing. Reservations are recommended here too.

In central Capri, Lo Sfizio on Via Tiberio serves wood-fired pizzas at affordable prices, while Il Geranio and its panoramic terraces are the perfect choice for those who want a lunch with a view without the high prices of big restaurants.

Another tip: many high-end restaurants offer smaller lunch menus than dinner. La Fontelina and Il Riccio , for example, are worth a visit even just for a plate of raw ham and a glass of white wine from Campania.

FAQ

How much does it cost to eat in Capri?

Prices range from €30-40 per person at trattorias and pizzerias to €100-200 at Michelin-starred restaurants. Most mid-range restaurants range from €50-80 per person, excluding wine.

Do you need to reserve restaurants in Capri?

Yes, always. In summer, reservations are essential at popular venues, and for Michelin-starred restaurants, it's best to book weeks in advance. Pizzerias also fill up quickly after 8:00 PM.

Where can you eat the best Caprese cake?

Pastries in Capri and Anacapri make it everywhere, but the restaurant version is famous at Da Gemma and the shop windows in Capri town center. The most classic version is dark chocolate and almonds, perhaps accompanied by a limoncello made with lemons from the Amalfi Coast.

Are there any cheap restaurants in Capri?

Yes: Verginiello in Capri and Aumm Aumm in Anacapri offer reasonably priced dishes and pizzas. In general, Anacapri is more affordable than Capri town center.

What's the best restaurant for a romantic dinner?

It depends on your budget: La Fontelina and Il Geranio offer unforgettable views, Villa Verde offers an intimate garden, Il Riccio combines a Michelin star and a sunset over the sea.