How to Eat Well in Capri

Capri splits cleanly into two kinds of meal. The starred rooms — L'Olivo, Le Monzù, Mammà and Il Riccio — are evening-and-occasion dining, with tasting menus and prices to match. The lunch institutions — Da Paolino under its lemon trees and the Faraglioni beach clubs La Fontelina and Da Luigi — are about setting, swimming and a long table by the sea. Decide which meal you want before you book; the two rarely overlap.

Geography matters on a small island. Anacapri, up the hill, holds L'Olivo and Il Riccio; Capri Town and the Tragara side hold Mammà, Le Monzù, Aurora and Da Paolino. The beach clubs sit below Via Tragara at the Faraglioni and are reached on foot or by boat. Build a day around one area rather than crossing the island twice.

When to Book and What to Expect

Most of these restaurants run from roughly April to October and close for winter. In July and August the starred rooms and the two beach clubs book out days ahead, so reserve early and ask for the terrace or a lemon-grove table specifically. For a sunset view without a two-star bill, Il Geranio and Le Monzù are the terraces to target; for a relaxed, scenic lunch, Le Grottelle near the Arco Naturale is the easiest walk-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best restaurant in Capri?

For fine dining, L'Olivo at the Capri Palace in Anacapri is the island's only two-Michelin-star restaurant, led by chef Andrea Migliaccio. For a classic Capri lunch, the lemon-tree garden at Da Paolino and the Faraglioni beach clubs La Fontelina and Da Luigi ai Faraglioni are the iconic choices.

Which Capri restaurants have a Michelin star?

Capri has four Michelin-starred restaurants. L'Olivo holds two stars, while Mammà (chef Salvatore La Ragione), Le Monzù at Hotel Punta Tragara and Il Riccio near the Blue Grotto each hold one star. Mammà and Le Monzù are in Capri Town; L'Olivo and Il Riccio are in Anacapri.

Where do celebrities eat in Capri?

The Faraglioni beach clubs — La Fontelina and Da Luigi ai Faraglioni, the latter open since 1936 — are the long-standing jet-set lunch spots, reached by path or boat. In Capri Town, Aurora on Via Fuorlovado, run by the D'Alessio family, has drawn a celebrity crowd for decades.

When is the best time to visit Capri's restaurants?

Most Capri restaurants, including the beach clubs and several hotel dining rooms, open from roughly April to October and close over winter. Book well ahead for July and August, when the island is busiest, and reserve a sunset terrace table at Il Geranio or Le Monzù in advance.

Do I need a reservation for restaurants in Capri?

Yes, especially in high season. The starred rooms (L'Olivo, Mammà, Le Monzù, Il Riccio) and the Faraglioni beach clubs (La Fontelina, Da Luigi) book out days ahead in summer. Walk-ins are easier at casual spots such as Le Grottelle near the Arco Naturale.