A corner of flavor in the heart of Anacapri

The adventure of the D’Agostino family, who in their L’Angolo del Gusto restaurant brings ancient flavors to the table

The most exciting adventures are always those that place us in front of new challenges, which we face with determination and driven by genuine passion. Seven years ago the D’Agostino family started their own, with the opening of the restaurant l’Angolo del Gusto: a small jewel that shines set in the streets of the ancient historic center of Anacapri. The commitment and willingness to offer genuine products that respect tradition were immediately the pillars of the business, and still today are characteristics that distinguish the work of L’Angolo del Gusto. We have collected the testimony of Alessio D’Agostino, who, on behalf of the rest of the family, told us something more about their inspiring journey.

When and how was L’Angolo del Gusto born?

“Our restaurant was born on June 3, 2014. I asked my father to open a business with me, my mother and my sister; we found the opportunity here, in the square in Anacapri, we had the intuition of the name and thus began our business in the restaurant business”.

What types of dishes do you offer to your customers?

“Our menu offers typical dishes of traditional Neapolitan cuisine: from meatballs with sauce to Neapolitan lasagna, to Mediterranean dishes based on seafood, such as Spaghetti with clams and lemon. Our “workhorses” are two: the Risotto alla pescatora and the Fettuccine al rabbit alla “Donna Amalia”, mother’s original recipe. In short, we offer traditional recipes, but at the same time we try to bring a pinch of innovation to the table”

Tradition and innovation at the table… How do you manage to combine these two apparently antithetical elements?

“I believe that tradition manifests itself primarily in our desire to always purchase high quality raw materials, transforming them as little as possible. For example, we make very simple Spaghetti with cherry tomatoes as tradition dictates; in some dishes we therefore remain as classic as possible, without using many ingredients, but thus bringing to the table the original taste of Neapolitan cuisine. In other dishes, on the other hand, we see more innovation and attention to the culinary trends of the moment: it happens for example in our Tartare, or when we make exotic combinations with mango and avocado, which also recall the new cuisine. In particular, it is on fish-based dishes that we try to experiment more, combining it for example with fruit and producing peculiar combinations of flavors ”.

Perhaps the setting is precisely the most peculiar aspect of your business. Can you tell us your strengths?

“The restaurant is located in the historic center of Anacapri, in a corner building; this is why we immediately thought of calling it “The Corner of Taste”. The atmosphere you breathe is a bit like that of ancient villages, and reflects our desire to put tradition at the center. The restaurant is structured like a small restaurant, so it does not have the appearance of a modern restaurant, and even the building, although renovated, retains an ancient style. We try to create a relaxing and familiar setting, with soft lighting, which gives intimacy especially for a romantic dinner. Finally, there are two outdoor spaces, one on the front and the other on the back, the first of which also offers a beautiful view of the square of Anacapri”.

Your adventure was born in the family, but who now works with you at the Corner of Taste?

“Currently my parents and I have remained in business, while my sister has decided to devote herself to something else. Then we have a guy who takes care of the dining room and the chef, a role held for seven years by my brother-in-law, Sossio Battista, who helped us start the kitchen, while from this year it will be Angelo Tizzano. We also owe him the addition of a dish to our menu: spaghetti alla Merana, his “workhorse” as they originate from his own areas. Over time we have grown and we aim to get better and better; I want to thank my father for his teachings, derived from years of experience as a waiter in the most important places on the island, and my mother who, with her excellent culinary skills, introduced me to the world of catering that always gives wonderful satisfactions”.

Menú

The culinary offer of L’Angolo del Gusto wisely unravels between the land and the sea. Rich is the selection of dishes of traditional Neapolitan cuisine: from meatballs to Neapolitan lasagna sauce, to Mediterranean dishes based on seafood, such as spaghetti with clams and lemon.

Two are the “workhorses” of the restaurant: as regards the fish cuisine, the seafood risotto that brings to the table the flavors and aromas of the sea; for what concerns meat, don’t miss the “Donna Amalia” rabbit fettuccine, an original recipe by the lady of the D’Agostino household, which brings to mind the sensations of good home-made cooking.

In short, a menu that remains faithful to tradition, albeit with a pinch of innovation.

The chef

The kitchen is entrusted to the skilled hands of the chef Angelo Tizzano. In particular, he is credited with bringing another delicious dish to the menu: spaghetti alla Nerano, named after the famous locality in the municipality of Massa Lubrense from which Angelo comes.

Location

Customers are welcomed in a typically island location: the restaurant, in Via Boffe 2 in Anacapri, is located in a suggestive setting that recalls that of ancient villages. The building is completely renovated but retains its original essence; even the style, inspired by that of a small restaurant, reflects the desire to remain faithful to tradition. Outside there are two spaces, one on the front and the other on the back, the first of which offers the opportunity to have your meal while enjoying the view of the charming square of Anacapri.

Sitting at the tables you can breathe a truly unique atmosphere, with soft lights that give the right intimacy, both for those who decide to treat themselves to a romantic dinner, and for those who want to keep in their hearts the indelible memory of a wonderful day spent with their loved ones.