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Where to Eat on Ischia
You may expect that the most iconic dishes on Ischia are based on fresh fish or seafood, but the island's classic dish is instead coniglio all’Ischitana, a rustic rabbit dish that is a reflection of Ischia's rural farming history more than its limited fishing industry.
As the island's flagship recipe features meat rather than fish, we suggest stepping back from the coastline and instead exploring the inland countryside to find a farm where you can sample some of the most traditional dishes. That said, there are also excellent fish and gourmet restaurants on the island, some mentioned in important gourmet guides.
Here is our short guide of restaurants on Ischia, divided into categories:
Coniglio all’Ischitana (Rabbit Ischia-Style)
This is the most famous traditional dish from Ischia, but it's hard to find restaurants that prepare it correctly. For the dish to be authentic, the rabbit used in the dish must be raised in a “fossa”, or an underground warren rather than a cage above ground, and then cooked in a terracotta pot.
You can sample this dish in a few small restaurants and farms on the island, but it's a good idea to let them know you would like to order it ahead of time, as it takes hours to prepare. We suggest Focolare, Il Bracconiere, or Taverna Verde.
Fish and Seafood
Fish and Seafood
Dai Tu
Located right on the beach at Punta Molino, but a bit off the main thoroughfare, so it's quieter than other eateries.
Speciality: zuppa di pesce (fish soup), to be enjoyed sitting at the table on the stilts.
Location: Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo - Ischia Porto
Tel: +39 081983093
Da Ciccio
Da Ciccio, one of the landmark restaurants on the island, has been open for more than 50 years.
Speciality: totano imbottito, squid stuffed with raisins, pine nuts, and fish.
Location: Via Luigi Mazzella, 32 - Ischia Ponte
Tel: +39 081991686
Da Cocò
Da Cocò, set directly below Castello Aragonese, this restaurant offers simple but delicious dishes. It is a favorite among locals for its excellent quality and affordable prices.
Speciality: fried baby octopus and their fig tart.
Location: Piazzale Aragonese, 1 - Ischia Ponte
Tel: +39 081981823
Taverna Jantò
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A tavern graced with a breathtaking panoramic view over the harbour of Casamicciola Terme. It offers traditional dishes, prepared with vegetables cultivated from the owners' own garden. The establishment also boasts a rooftop, where soirees are regularly organized, and where one might simply recline with a seaside view and a refreshing drink.
Speciality: gnocchi tossed with seafood and zucchini flowers.
Location: Via Grande Sentinella, 32 - Casamicciola Terme
Tel: +39 081994661
The beach clubs
The beach clubs
Giardino Eden
Restaurant and beach club: it is distinguished by its refined cuisine and the elegant ambiance. It is ideal for lunch by the sea during a day at the beach or for a romantic dinner.
Speciality: octopus meatballs and paccheri with a mixed seafood ragù.
Location: Via Nuova Cartaromana, 62 - Ischia
Tel: +39 081985015
Coco Mare
Restaurant and beach club: it is distinguished by its refined cuisine and the elegant ambiance. It is ideal for lunch by the sea during a day at the beach or for a romantic dinner.
Speciality: grilled mussels.
Location: Via Nuova Cartaromana, Ingresso Torre di Michelangelo, 58 - Ischia
Tel: +39 081991550
Gourmet Restaurants
Gourmet Restaurants
O’ Pignatello
O’ Pignattello, located on the main square in Lacco Ameno. Their menu features traditional, simple dishes carefully prepared.
Speciality: pasta with potatoes served in the typical "pignatta", a terracotta pot.
Location: Corso Angelo Rizzoli, 154 - Lacco Ameno
Tel: +39 0815072457
Indaco
Indaco, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Hotel Regina Isabella, serves meals on the terrace overlooking a small bay that offers one of the best sunset views on the island. The menu features primarily fish and seafood and garden products, and the chef Pasquale Palamaro is known for light, fresh dishes.
Specialty: don't miss the excellent tasting menus.
Location: Piazza Santa Restituita, 1 - Lacco Ameno
Tel: +39 081994322
Daní Maison
Chef Nino di Costanzo's restaurant is the most famous on Ischia, with two Michelin stars and a number of other awards. Located in a historic home on the southern side of the island, away from the tourist sights, the restaurant is not easy to reach.
Specialty: don't miss the excellent tasting menus.
Location: Via Montetignuso, 4 - Ischia
Tel: +3908199319
Farm Restaurants
Farm Restaurants
Il Focolare
Il Focolare: head to the hills of Barano to reach the D’Ambra family's farm restaurant. It may be hard to locate, but it's worth the drive to sample authentic home-cooked island specialties. Traditional dishes are updated, and favorites include fresh pasta made with herbs and pork kebabs with a pistachio crust. Rabbit is featured here, cooked in terracotta pots as the traditional recipe requires. Be sure to ask to see the cellar carved directly out of tufo rock!
Speciality: grilled rabbit.
Location: Via Cretajo al Crocefisso, 13 - Barano d'Ischia
Tel: +39 081 902944
Antica Fattoria Greca (la Cantina di Punta Chiarito)
If you are looking for farm cooking but would like a view of the sea, this is the perfect spot. The restaurant of Hotel Punta Chiarito, above the Bay of Sorgeto overlooking Sant’Angelo, the restaurant serves just a few dishes, including bruschettas, salads, and pastas...all featuring ingredients raised locally. We recommend this spot for a light lunch or dinner after swimming in the Bay of Sorgeto.
Speciality: country-style bruschetta and simple/rustic salad.
Location: Via Sorgeto, 87 - Forio
Tel: +39 081908102
The Steakhouse
The Steakhouse
Porca Vacca
This steakhouse presents itself as an exquisite choice for those with a fondness for meat. Endowed with an extensive assortment of options and unparalleled quality of meats, this establishment proffers exceptional service amidst a welcoming ambiance. It provides the opportunity to customize sandwiches or to savor delectable steaks, complemented by superb desserts such as tiramisu.
Speciality: hamburgers.
Location: Via Luigi Mazzella, 55 - Ischia Ponte
Tel: +39 08119751333
Bars and Cafés
For cocktails: the best spot for a drink before or after dinner is Riva Destra in Ischia Porto. Another option with a great atmosphere and classic cocktails served with light snacks is Porto 51.
For breakfast: Bar Calise in Piazza degli Eroi (Ischia Porto) is the most popular bar on the island, and where everyone gathers for a dawn breakfast after the club. There is also a lovely outdoor garden with live music in the summer.