Campania is a region renowned for its deliciously unpretentious cuisine. The traditional diet combines farm produced and agricultural ingredients, with fruits of the sea. Gifted with a rich and fertile soil: tomatoes, aubergine, peppers, garlic and herbs are all staple ingredients to traditional dishes. And heavenly aromatic fruits grow in abundance throughout the countryside.
Neapolitan pizza prepared with the finest Campania wheat flour and Mozzarella di Bufala DOP, is nothing less than a work of culinary art. And the region’s mellow extra virgin olive oil drizzled over Focaccia bread is one of life’s simple pleasures, as are two of my favourite regional dishes, parmigiana di melanzane (aubergine/ eggplant parmesan bake) and spaghetti alla puttanesca (spaghetti whore’s style!).
Ischia might be cut off from mainland Campania, but it’s gastronomy and restaurant choice is no less gratifying, boasting traditional dishes that have been honed to perfection over the centuries. Coniglio all’Ischitana (Ischian Rabbit Stew), local seafood and pizza jostle for prime place on the menu, and only on Ischia will you find the ancient traditional of cucina delle fumarole (cooking on the island’s hot springs) still prevalent today.
If you are looking for an Italian foodie destination, Ischia will not disappoint. Combine Campania and Neapolitan cuisine with the most elegant and laid-back of islands. What more could one ask for?
Some of our favourite restaurants are listed below. We’d love you to send us your favourites and we’ll add them to the list!
Il Delfino
Il Delfino is a fourth destination restaurant located beachside in Lacco Ameno with gorgeous views from the terrace across the beach to the marina. The chef uses only the best quality ingredients to prepare the dishes on the European-biased menu. Speciality of the house is Spaghetti alle Vongole. Or choose from fresh fish of the day, pasta and more.
Corso Angelo Rizzoli, 116
80076 Lacco Ameno (NA)
Tel. +39 081 900252
More info on Il Delfino
Il Saturnino
Il Saturnino in Forio is an institution on Ischia. Serving Michelin standard cuisine, the menu is seasonal and the wine list excellent. You can’t visit Ischia without eating here. We especially love the appetizers, such as raw yellowtail with basmati rice, anchovy pie with cianfottina zucchini and eggplant, and the stuffed squids with shrimps.
Via Marina sul porto –
Forio d’Ischia, Ischia, NA,
Tel. +39 081 998296
Il Saturnino website
Pietratorcia
Wine producers, Pietratorcia, have two restaurants on Ischia. One set amongst the vineyards of Panza, and the other in the coastal town of Forio. The restaurant is small, and personal, so make sure you book a table. The cuisine is distinctly Ischian and Mediterranean, with ingredients strictly from Ischia and Campania. Traditional Ischian rabbit stew is a menu staple, fresh fish and seafood, Gragnano pasta and vegetables from giardino di Pietratorcia (straight from their market garden). And of course the wine list is exceptional. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from April through to November.
Via Provinciale Panza, 401
Località Cuotto
Tel. +39 081 90 72 32
Pietratorcia website
Umberto a Mare
Frequently featured in the Top 10 Restaurants in Italy with Views, Umberto a Mare offers an exquisite dining experience with simply some of the most breathtaking views on the island. The terrace houses just 10 tables with views to the sea, but both dining rooms also have window views. The menu is highly priced, but worth it. The menu changes daily, showcasing creative cuisine, inspired by traditional Ischian dishes.
Via Soccorso, 2
80075 – Forio d’Ischia
Tel. +39081997171
Umberto a Mare website
Bella Napoli
The best pizza on the island! Bella Napoli is situated in Forio’s historical centre. Cooked in a wood fired oven, their pizzas are leavened and prepared according to the great Neapolitan pizza maestros. The atmosphere is fun and upbeat, just as a pizza restaurant should be.
Via Marina, 18
80075 Forio d’Ischia
Tel. +39 081 986392
Bella Napoli website
Da Nicola Fumarole
Ristorante Le Fumarole Da Nicola is located between Maronti and Le Fumarole beach from which it takes its name. This is an exclusive restaurant in a privileged position that can be reached by boat only and it is open only for lunch. The dining tables are situated on a spectacular terrace on the beach with its amazing view to Sant’Angelo.
Pasta dishes and seafood are the specialty of this great restaurant in a unique setting.
Il Bracconiere
Set on Mount Epomeo in Serrara Fontana, Il Bracconiere is the place to try the famous Coniglio all’ischitana (Ischian rabbit), but make sure you order in advance when you book your table. The menu offers mainly meat dishes, a welcome change for the coastal seafood, pasta and pizza specialities. And the views are spectacular. Another must visit restaurant on Ischia.
Via Falanga, 1, Serrara Fontana
Tel +39 081 999436
More info on Il Bracconiere
Il Giardino Eden
Il Giardino Eden, the Garden of Eden, is situated in Cartaromana Bay. The restaurant forms part of the Eden Hotel & Spa and affords wonderful views to the Castello Aragonese. The setting is very romantic; a lovely spot for dinner on a summer’s evening. You can catch the shuttle boat over, which makes the whole experience even better. The menu is fish biased, but there are pasta and vegetarian options available.
Via Nuova Cartaromana, 62, Ischia
Tel. +39 081 985015
Il Giardino Eden website
La vigna di Alberto
This charming restaurant is off the beaten track, which makes the experience even more delightful. Set amongst the vineyards in Fiaiano, La vigna di Alberto brings authentic cuisine to modern Ischia. The dishes are deeply rooted in local tradition and history. The atmosphere and decor is welcoming, and there is a lovely garden where you can enjoy views to Ischia Porto. The homemade pasta dishes are simply divine.
Via G. Garibaldi, 57 – Fiaiano – Barano d’Ischia
Tel. +39 081 901193
More info on La vigna di Alberto
La Scarrupata
Set between Ischia Porto and Maronti beach, La Scarrupata can only be reached by boat, making it a popular eatery for yacht owners. Also known as La Pace, the menu is influenced by fish and seafood, although pasta and meat dishes also feature and are equally as tempting. The setting in the bay is delightful and the atmosphere unhurried. If you wish to stay longer, there are sun loungers down by the shore, where you can chill out after lunch and watch the world go by.
Spiaggia Della Scarrupata, Barano d’Ischia
Tel. +39 368 489 084