Ticciano, Italy
From Michelin Guide
This restaurant tells the story of chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo, who created this special place to reconnect with his childhood memories (his grandfather was once the caretaker here) and its sense of hospitality. This chef’s culinary philosophy is ably interpreted by resident chef Nicola Somma, who celebrates the region by combining ingredients from Cannavacciuolo’s adopted home with his native region in a journey that takes guests from northern to southern Italy. The ingredients used are carefully chosen and either sourced from local producers or grown in the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, keeping alive the precious traditions that have influenced this chef’s character and culinary skill. There’s an excellent and constantly expanding wine list, which will more than satisfy even the most demanding wine-buffs. An unforgettable, relaxing gourmet experience in a bucolic setting.
From Visitor Experiences
1. Culinary Philosophy Rooted in Childhood Memories and Local Traditions
Cannavacciuolo Countryside is deeply connected to chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s childhood, as the restaurant is located in the former manor house where he grew up, and his grandfather was once the caretaker there. The culinary philosophy celebrates a journey through Italian regions by combining ingredients from Cannavacciuolo’s adopted home with those from his native region. The ingredients are carefully sourced from local producers or grown in the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, preserving precious traditions that have shaped the chef’s character and skills.
2. Integration with a Boutique Hotel and Regenerative Guest Experience
The restaurant is part of the Laqua Countryside resort, a boutique hotel that offers a full gastronomic stay experience. The resort includes six rooms, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and a wine cellar for tastings. The design and renovation of the property were inspired by a return to roots and connection with the land, aiming to provide guests with authentic and regenerative experiences beyond just dining.
3. Farm-to-Table Concept with Onsite Orchard and Vegetable Plot
Cannavacciuolo Countryside emphasizes a farm-to-table approach, using products from its own orchard and vegetable plot located in the heart of the Sorrento Coast. This direct connection to the land ensures freshness and quality in the dishes, aligning with the chef’s vision of a top-class restaurant in his hometown of Ticciano. The restaurant’s setting in a verdant, bucolic environment enhances the farm-to-table dining experience.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Cannavacciuolo Countryside in Ticciano include:
Rabbit meat: Used in the filling of the iconic rabbit cappelletti and in the "zuppa forte" soup, where rabbit entrails replace pork to embody a philosophy of cooking without waste.
Carrot: Provides a sweet flavor in the carrot cream component of the rabbit cappelletti dish, balancing the savory elements with natural sweetness.
Eucalyptus: Infused in the cappelletti sauce, adding distinctive balsamic notes that complement the dish's flavor profile.
Sea urchins: Featured in a signature spaghetti dish, evoking Chef Cannavacciuolo’s childhood memories and representing a treasured local ingredient.
Almonds and cardamom quinoa: Added to the sea urchin spaghetti for a crunchy texture and a surprising flavor combination that balances bitterness with dried fruit notes, making it a signature dish at the restaurant.
These ingredients are carefully sourced locally or grown in the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, emphasizing freshness and connection to the Campania region.