Restaurant La Capannina: A Story Connected to Capri
Restaurant La Capannina is nestled in the center of Capri, among the charming alleys that have contributed to the island’s global fame. Today, it stands as a modern and welcoming establishment where guests can enjoy typical dishes of Caprese culinary tradition. However, its history is long and fascinating, closely intertwined with that of Capri.
The restaurant was opened in 1931. It all began with Francesco De Angelis, a chef from Abruzzo who moved to Capri to work at the restaurant of Hotel Quisisana. He met Teresa Esposito, an excellent cook as well, and together they decided to found La Capannina, focusing on local cuisine and the highest hospitality for their customers. The business continued with the second generation, Antonio De Angelis, and today, Francesco and Renata, the founders’ grandchildren, continue their work with passion and professionalism, alongside Renata’s sons, Andrea and Piero. The connection between La Capannina’s history and that of Capri is demonstrated by several anecdotes involving the island and its notable visitors. One such story involves Jackie Kennedy Onassis: the then first lady loved the Gulf of Naples and spent long vacations there with Aristotle Onassis, becoming a true ambassador of the “Capri style” worldwide. During one of her stays on the island, she enjoyed the typical cuisine at La Capannina. The American first lady, after choosing a less desirable table, requested that guitarists accompany the meal for background music. Francesco, the current owner, who was just a child at the time, recalls this moment with great emotion. Another anecdote attesting to La Capannina’s historic significance delves even deeper into Capri’s memory. It concerns Princess Soraya, then-wife of the Shah of Persia. During the jet-set years of Capri, the island was teeming with important international guests who chose it for their vacations; Soraya was particularly fond of La Capannina and visited every year. Imagine the splendor of this beautiful princess, with her regal bearing, entering the restaurant and taking a seat to experience a true Caprese dining experience! Today, Restaurant La Capannina inherits this important history, and the owners, aware of it, work daily to offer all their customers the pleasure of savoring the island’s original flavors.
