There are places where tradition feels right at home; where the heritage of the past serves as a foundation for building the future. The La Capannina restaurant is one of these places: the classic traditional Caprese cuisine it offers is not a gimmick to attract tourists, but rather stems from the recipes passed down by the grandparents of the De Angelis family, who began this journey back in 1931. From Caprese ravioli, still made today exactly as Grandma used to make them, to island ingredients like legumes, the De Angelis family’s legacy lives on every day through the dishes at the restaurant.
A Menu Steeped in Tradition
In the kitchen, Giovanni and Bruno are the creators of this daily rebirth, carrying on a culinary philosophy that has been a part of the De Angelis family for generations. Some dishes are essential for anyone venturing to the restaurant’s tables: one of these is, of course, the Caprese ravioli, the classic homemade pasta filled with Caprese caciotta cheese, seasoned with fresh tomato sauce and basil. Every day, a large batch of ravioli is prepared to satisfy customer requests. But the restaurant’s fresh pasta offerings don’t end there: from scialatielli with seafood to tagliolini with truffle, the freshness and quality of the ingredients are always top priority.
Even the second courses are made with authenticity and tradition in mind. There are seafood recipes, such as fish in a potato crust, prepared by slicing the potatoes into thin layers and then baking with white wine and cherry tomatoes, or stuffed squid filled with the same mixture used for the ravioli, then braised with tomatoes and parsley—an exceptional burst of flavor.
Among the desserts, the star is certainly the Torta Caprese, the most famous traditional island dessert; there’s also a lemon version for those wanting to enjoy the aromatic flavors of Capri. Alternatively, guests can take a trip to America with a cheesecake, made by Francesco and Renata’s mother, who is originally from the USA and brought this traditional recipe with her, reinterpreted with maraschino cherries. Other sweet treats like lemon delights, baba, pastiera, and other typical desserts are often added to the menu based on customer requests.
La Capannina Restaurant: Where Passion Feels Like Home
But a varied menu is nothing without the guarantee of product quality, which is an absolute must at La Capannina. Mr. Antonio goes to the market every day, with the goal of maintaining the seasonality of the products as much as possible. The La Capannina kitchen focuses on a loyal clientele who come together around the table, knowing they will find the same warm, family-like atmosphere they would feel in their own homes. The staff’s challenge is to always offer something new, continuously renewing the menu while maintaining a sense of tradition.
When a passion is so overwhelming, it is bound to be passed down from generation to generation. That’s why Francesco’s grandchildren, Andrea and Piero, now help their mother and uncle, ensuring that the restaurant retains its traditional charm while embracing new ideas, continuing to be a point of reference for the locals.
For this reason, every day a special dish is offered depending on what is available at the market. Following the seasonality of ingredients guarantees freshness, which is reflected in the final result of each dish. Even when there is a specific customer request, the staff at La Capannina doesn’t hesitate to go the extra mile to satisfy it, always remaining true to the pillars of their culinary philosophy: a deep respect for local tradition and a focus on high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic and memorable dining experience for all their guests.
