Dinner at Gennaro Amitrano was one of those rare experiences where everything just felt in sync. From the first bite to the final moment, you could sense the intention, precision, and heart behind each dish. Chef Gennaro doesn’t just cook. He tells stories. Quiet, thoughtful ones rooted in tradition, shaped by years of fine training and genuine respect for ingredients.
We started with the Parmigiana di Mamma Maria, and honestly, it felt like a hug on a plate. It was soulful and comforting, yet technically perfect. Each layer of aubergine melted into bright tomato and just enough cheese to lift the dish without overpowering it. It tasted like memory. Like something passed down and lovingly elevated.
The seafood sauté was fresh and expressive. Delicate shellfish sat in a broth that whispered of the sea, clean and aromatic with subtle depth. It never tried too hard. It simply let the ingredients speak. That same quiet confidence showed up again in the spaghetti with clams, olive oil, and garlic. The pasta had perfect bite, the sauce was silky and light, and the garlic added warmth without overwhelming the clams. A beautiful balance.
The sea bass in white wine was another standout. The fish was tender, perfectly cooked, and lifted by the acidity of the wine and gentle herbs. Clean, simple, and elegant. Then came the lamb chops, rich and full of flavor, seared just right with a satisfying crust and a perfectly pink center. Bold yet refined.
One of the real surprises was the wine list. It’s clearly curated with purpose, leaning into regional excellence. We were recommended the Masseria Frattasi 2018, and it was an exceptional pairing. Structured and aromatic with the depth to stand beside both seafood and meat. A quiet discovery I’ll be looking for again.
And then, the dessert. The Capri lemon tart in coffee sauce is one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. The brightness of the lemon curd met the bitterness of the coffee in a way that was bold but incredibly harmonious. The pastry was crisp and delicate, the textures perfect, and the flavor contrast unforgettable.
Service was another high point. Warm, attentive, and entirely unpretentious. The team moved with quiet professionalism and genuine care. You could feel the pride they had in the food and the experience they were creating. Nothing felt forced. It all felt personal.
In a destination like Capri, where the setting often overshadows the food, Gennaro Amitrano is something rare. It doesn’t chase trends or spectacle. It simply delivers excellence with humility and heart. Every plate, every pour, every detail speaks for itself.
If you’re in Capri and looking for something honest, beautiful, and skillfully crafted, Gennaro Amitrano is the one.
Thank you, Chef Gennaro, for an unforgettable evening. Your food carries not only...
Read moreBy far the best restaurant on Marina Piccola! September 2021: OK this is STILL by far our fave restaurant on Piccola and one of the best in all of Capri. I am updating this because the restaurant made changes. The bad: no more pizza!! The good: everything else, including the most awesome team ever - Ana, Mario and Marco are the most accomodating and friendly and fun people ever they transcend your dining into an overall awesome experience. We especially enoyed the vongole - no pasta just tiny clams in a great sauce - the grilled prawns and the insanely great ravioli, yes just one very large reimaged pillow of love with everything (sauce, etc.( inside and with tomato dust shaved over the top. This is our go-to place check it out!
Original 2019: And now one of our faves in all of Capri too. My wife and I had an excellent lunch here. It's a lovely restaurant with outdoor eating overlooking the sea, the service was awesome and the food was top-notch. Nicolina (sorry I'm not sure if this is her correct name) gave us impeccable service, super friendly and attentive and she answered all my geeky questions about how they make such delish pizza. So, we had the Pizza Margherita and the Ravioli Caprese (I know, soo touristy of us...). First the pizza - pretty much the perfect Napoli-style pie. Might be the best crust ever, perfectly chewy and charred around the edges. The mozzerella and sauce were also both very fresh and simply excellent!And the ravilois were very tasty as well, nice and light with a smooth cheese filling and again a delicious, slightly tangy/spicy sauce. That along with a local vino blanco (slightly overpriced, but that's OK) and it made us wonder, after coming to Capri 15+ times "why'd it take us so long to discover this place?!"....
Read moreTonight we dined at Gennaro Amitrano, an incredible Italian restaurant in Capri, and I cannot recommend it enough! From the charming atmosphere to the exceptional service and mouthwatering food, it was an unforgettable experience.
Francesco, one of the owners, recommended his restaurant to us after we met him while waiting in line for gelato. The cozy ambiance, modern decor, and delicious aroma set the stage for a delightful evening.
Every dish we tried was a masterpiece. From perfectly al dente pasta to mouthwatering deserts, the flavors were authentic and truly captured the essence of Italian cuisine.
The service was impeccable. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They happily accommodated our dietary preferences and provided insightful recommendations.
Gennaro Amitrano is a must-visit in Capri. The combination of food, inviting atmosphere, and exceptional service creates a dining experience that will leave you with beautiful memories.
Thank you, Francesco, and the team for an incredible evening and making our engagement special. We'll definitely be returning on our next...
Read more