Capri & Ischia
After writing a book on Capri I know one or two things about this incredible island off the bay of Naples. There are so many great places to stay and eat on the island and I have also included a few places from the neighbouring island of Ischia. Ischia inspired many recipes from the NINA Capri book and some especially important ones such as the Puttanesca.
Da Paolino
I think this is one of my favourite restaurants on the island. It not only has a wonderful story but is totally stunning. You eat surrounded by lemon trees and it's been running since the 50's. It's reasonably priced and offers a shuttle taxi to get there.
Da Paulino, Via Palazzo a Mare, 11, 80073 Capri NA, Italy
+39 081 837 6102
Il Riccio
This was featured in A Trip to Italy with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon and it could be similar to an Italian Club 55. They serve pasta beautifully here and they have a dessert room. You can chill out on the terrace in the sun post lunch. Definitely a great lunch place with great style and views. A little bit more expensive but it's really cool.
Via Grandola, 4, Anacapri, Italy, +39 081 837 1380
http://www.capripalace.com/it/ristoranti/ristorante-il-riccio/
This is the place to go to for an afternoon gelato. You can smell the homemade waffles being made as you wait in the queue. There is nothing like eating a warm freshly made waffle cone with their nocciola ice cream.
Via Vittorio Emanuele 35, Capri
La Fontelina
The staff are quite arrogant at this beach but its so beautiful that you have to visit it. Its where they do all the D&G ad campaigns and where David Gandy walks around in his boxers.
Via Faraglioni, 2, 80073 Capri NA, Italy
Giorgio Al Cucciolo
This was a tricky one to get to but like many places on the island the locals know this and you can get a shuttle taxi to the restaurant from the Anacapri centre. It has a wonderful view of the the bay and of Mount Vesuvius and the food was amazing. I am still dreaming of the slow cooked Tortone (like squid) with fresh tomato sauce with rigatoni. So dreamy! Reasonably priced.
Via La Fabbrica, 52, 80071 Anacapri, +39 081 837 2675
Da Gelsomina
This is where I had some wonderful desserts where the mother of the family makes then daily. I had a tasty Italian cheesecake with a mulberry compote from their 200 year old trees. I also had a great pear and ricotta tort which was delicate and beautifully presented. I intend try their savoury dishes when I go back in July. They produce lots of their own wine and vegetables and you can really tell that the quality is there. It was reasonably priced and look out for the shuttle taxis that go from the Anacapri centre.
Via Migliara, 72, 80073 Anacapri NA, Italy
+39 081 837 1499
La Grotelle
I went here during the Capri shoot and fell in love with it! I added in some extra recipes to the book because I found the food so inspiring. It's quite a special restaurant that is set in a cave and so you are surrounded by white rock. It is just on route the Arco Naturale so you can walk over to see the iconic landmark after lunch. I took this photo while I was waiting for my lunch and it made it into the Capri book.
Via Arco Naturale, 3, 80073 Capri NA, Italy
+39 081 837 5719
Ischia is totally worth going to if you catch the boat from Naples or Capri. From Capri it can be a little more weather dependant as it can often be a little too choppy for the boat, so keep an eye out. It is a beautiful rustic island and it is about 3 times the size of Capri and I found it best to visit on a scooter.
Il Pescatore (Sant'Angleo)
You have to check out their desserts. Some of the best that I have eaten on this coast. The warm chocolate and pear tart - insane!!!
Piazzetta S.Angelo, 5, 80070 Sant'Angelo d'Ischia NA, Italy
+39 081 999206
Il Focolare
This is situated in the hills of the island and has it's own secret cave where they store all their wine. It is a wonderful family business and they provide a delicious version of the famous Ischian rabbit dish. This slow cooked in an earthen ware pot and you need to call the day before so they can prepare the rabbit. I rolled out of this place very happily when I visited!
Via Cretajo al Crocefisso, 3, 80074 Barano D'Ischia NA, Italy