We won't take credit for discovering da Paolino that's had no shortage of press from magazines like Vogue Italia and Vanity Fair as well as pedigree celeb visitors like Alberta Ferretti and Frida Giannini that once described it as, "The most beautiful restaurant in the world." Located away from the frenzy of the La Piazzetta overlooking the Marina Grande is da Paolino, the most unique of outdoor garden eateries cast under a canopy of mature lemon trees so thick that the restaurant can even stay open during a mild summer rain storm. Along the Palazzo a Mare is a black iron gate that opens to a manicured path with small seating alcoves towards a series of small bungalows that frame a central garden of vegetable beds and legendary dining room under the lemon trees. Divided between a series of indoor-and-outdoor spaces, a rustic farmhouse feel prevails with friendly service and lemony theme that lasts through the night.
The Food
Diners arrive to a full antipasto buffet that ideal for those looking to graze through a series of traditional island salads. Otherwise, ala carte dishes include Caprese or burrata and tomato salad, lemon-smoked salmon and delicious fritto misto. Keep it simple with pastas, best with pure cherry tomato basil sauce or veal raviolis or seafood linguine. Main course is a series of aged beef grilled on an open fire or more traditional veal chop or whole white fish sourced from local fisherman usually on the same day as ordering.
Last Word
Owner Paolino De Martino oversees romantic, one-of-a-kind dining room of unrivaled beauty under working lemon orchard above Capri’s Marina Grande.
