One could argue that several restaurants on the Italian islands are worth the trip themselves for not only the breathtaking sea views but also the exceptional cooking that ranges from traditional to creative.
Italy's dozens of small islands are marked by ranges of their own – from very small to more extensive, from worldly to wild. So, on that note, we compiled a selection of the best restaurants on the Italian islands complete with an unforgettable view. The size and history of Sicily and Sardinia render them in leagues of their own when it comes to food and wine, so, with the exception of some of Sicily's smaller islands, we didn't include them on this list.
Elba: Fantasy at Tamata
On the island where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his first exile, Michelin stars are (strangely) lacking. Elba, though, does showcase a balance between historical and contemporary spots: Emanuel, Molo G-Osteria Portuale, and Bitta 20 in Portoferraio; Scaraboci, North Cape, and Osteria del Noce in Marciana Marina. We like Emanuel Bistrot in Enfola di Portoferraio. Its beautiful terrace overlooking the pier offers the perfect backdrop for enjoying the menu of local fish preparations revisited with a contemporary flair.
Giglio: The reliability of La Vecchia Pergola
This small island off the coast of Tuscany boasts splendid beaches and gorgeous nature, and the reliability of the Vecchia Pergola. Begin with the mixed antipasti, follow it with a substantial first course like tonnarelli alla Pirata (a shellfish pasta) or gnocchi allo scoglio (another shellfish preparation) and then go for the specialty: sea bream with vegetables. The view overlooks the port and it's everything. (No website, but the phone number is +39564809080).
Ponza: The star of Acqua Pazza
The fish soup with tomato ginger sauce is incredible at Acqua Pazza, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in refined seafood. Dishes include fish-ball fritters, spaghetti with sea urchin, squid, and creamy cod.
Capri: Everything, plus Mammà ...
Among a sea of tourist traps on the island of Capri are the two-star Michelin-rated L'Olivo inside the Capri Palace and two one-star spots. That of Il Monzù, the restaurant with a terrace located at the Punta Tragara hotel, and that of the lively and evocative Mammà where Raffaele Amitrano's cuisine looks to the Mediterranean tradition as well as to the traditions of Capri.
Ischia: Giardino Eden surprises
Ischia, located in the Gulf of Naples, boasts the excellent Dani Maison, chef Nino di Costanzo's two-star Michelin-rated restaurant, as well as two one-star Michelin-rated restaurants: La Tuga at the Costa del Capitano Resort and Indaco at the Regina Isabella. However, Giardino Eden, located within the hotel of the same name, is simpler, but no less delicious. The catch of the day is always a win, but the couscous with vegetables, bonito, and ricotta is a pleasant surprise.
Procida the capital, with La Medusa at the top
Maresia, Da Mariano, Vineria Letteraria, and Lido Vivara are all top restaurants on Procida, the island recently named the 2022 Italian Capital of Culture. We like La Medusa, one of the first restaurants in the port. Today, two young brothers, have given it a second life and it shines. Traditional recipes stand alongside other modern, imaginative offerings, all according to market availability. The mantra is "What there is, you cook."
Salina: The talent of Martina Caruso
One of Sicily's Aeolian Islands, Salina is a gem. Head to the Hotel Signum in Malfa for one of the best places to eat. In the kitchen, you'll find 26-year-old Martina Caruso, one of the most talented chefs in Italy – she earned a Michelin star in 2016. Try the cuttlefish, fava beans, and pecorino; kamut noodles with tuna bottarga and peppers; shoulder of the black Nebrodi pig with squash and Modica chocolate.
Vulcano: The new Sicilian cuisine
Two of the Aeolian island's greatest surprises can be found inside the Therasia Resort Sea & Spa. Beppe Biuso is a young chef cooking contemporary Sicilian cuisine at the Michelin-starred Il Cappero, and Davide Guidara, a talented young chef from Campania, has opened Tenerumi, a vegetarian restaurant showcasing a series of highly innovative dishes.
Lipari: A satisfying dive into history
In Lipari, the two best clubs belong to the Bernardi family whose restaurant Filippino is one of Italy's most historic, boasting more than a century of activity. The younger E Pulera is immersed in a citrus grove and furnished in a style that cannot be more Aeolian, serving up an ever-changing menu of excellent fish preparations.
Panarea: The refinement of Hycesia
The restaurant, which sits inside a renovated Aeolian-style cottage. is inspired by the island's ancient name. Hycesia's ambitious cuisine showcases the “delights of the archipelago,” including mezze paccheri with a tuna and mint sauce and soft pecorino; a superb catch of the day; and a Bronte pistachio parfait.
Favignana: The certainty of Sotto Sale
Sotto Sale, which means "under salt," offers revisited contemporary Sicilian cuisine and boasts an excellent outdoor seating area. Tuna stands front and center in several dishes: with capers and mint; roasted eggplant and tomatoes; or caponatina and fennel cream. The mezzelune stuffed with monkfish atop a bed of sautéed clams and zucchini with thyme is also excellent.
Pantelleria: The charm of La Nicchia
Il Principe e il Pirata at Punta Karace never disappoints, though La Nicchia is also worth a visit. The simple, well-kept spot features lovely furnishings inside and a delightful pergola outside. Enjoy the island's typical cuisine in all of its simplicity, but with no lack of interesting ideas such as the eggplant caponata with toasted almonds or tuna bresaola.