Where to eat in Capri: island flavours between glamour and tradition
Complete guide on where to eat in Capri: ravioli capresi, caprese salad, fresh fish, panoramic restaurants and affordable trattorias away from the crowds.
Caprese cuisine: an island of flavours
Capri is famous for luxury and glamour, yet its cuisine tells a different story rooted in farming and fishing traditions that have endured through the centuries. The island's flavours spring from generous terrain: intensely fragrant lemons, sweet cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella from the mainland and blue fish from the Gulf of Naples. Eating well on Capri is possible without spending a fortune, as long as you know where to look.
Local specialities you must try
The insalata caprese was born right here: ox-heart tomatoes, the freshest mozzarella, basil and extra-virgin olive oil. Simple and perfect. Ravioli capresi, filled with local caciotta cheese and marjoram, dressed with cherry tomato and basil, are the island's signature first course.
Torta caprese, made with almonds and dark chocolate without flour, is the iconic dessert. Artisanal limoncello, prepared with Capri's sfusato lemons, closes every meal with elegance. Do not forget totani ripieni, squid stuffed with bread, olives and capers, slow-cooked in tomato sauce.
Seafood dishes
Fish takes centre stage. Scialatielli ai frutti di mare, fresh pasta tossed with clams, mussels and prawns, is irresistible. Pezzogna all'acqua pazza, a local fish cooked with cherry tomatoes, garlic and parsley, embodies Campanian simplicity at its finest.
Where to eat: best restaurants and trattorias
Lo Sfizietto
Hidden in an alley away from the piazzetta, it is a local favourite. Generous portions of ravioli capresi and fried fish at honest prices. Informal and unpretentious, ideal for an authentic lunch.
Il Riccio
For a special evening, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves impeccable seafood on a terrace overlooking the Blue Grotto. The crudo is extraordinary and the Campanian wine list is deep.
La Fontelina
Accessible only by sea or by a walk from the Faraglioni, it is the island's most iconic beach club. Spaghetti alla Nerano (courgettes and provolone), grilled fish and a dreamy atmosphere.
Trattoria Il Solitario
In Anacapri, away from the bustle, this family trattoria serves homestyle Caprese cooking with garden-fresh ingredients. Moderate prices and generous portions.
Da Tonino
A Capri institution with a lemon garden. The ravioli are among the best on the island and the house antipasto is a journey through local flavours.
Street food and quick bites
The piazzetta is expensive for sitting, but in the surrounding alleys you will find panini with mozzarella and prosciutto, pizza slices and lemon granita at reasonable prices. Near the harbour, several rosticcerie offer arancini, potato croquettes and fried Neapolitan pizza to go.
Wines and limoncello
Capri has a small DOC producing fresh, mineral whites from Falanghina and Greco grapes, perfect with fish. Also try Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio from the nearby mainland. Artisanal limoncello is the obligatory digestif: look for it in Anacapri shops, where it costs less than at the port.
Budget tips
- Eat in Anacapri rather than central Capri: prices drop noticeably.
- Choose lunch over dinner: many restaurants offer reduced midday menus.
- Buy focaccia and mozzarella from food shops for a panoramic picnic.
- Avoid the piazzetta tables for coffee: the same espresso costs half in the side streets.
- Visit in low season (April-May or October): less crowded restaurants and lower prices.
