Il Buco
Sorrento, Italy
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Situated in the centre of Sorrento, this restaurant boasts a historic dining room housed in the 16C cellars of an old monastery, as well as a more contemporary-style room with an open-view wine cellar that displays an impressive selection of more than 1 600 different bottles. Wherever you choose to sit, you’ll enjoy cuisine influenced by the culinary traditions of Campania, albeit with a few imaginative touches. Chef Giuseppe Aversa’s first courses deserve a particular mention, especially the linguine with lemon-marinated scorpion fish, bottarga and dried tomatoes, and the gnocchi on a Neapolitan ragù with basil pesto and salted ricotta cream.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Three unique/unconventional aspects of Il Buco, Sorrento:
Historic Setting in a 16th Century Monastery Wine Cellar
Il Buco is uniquely housed in the former wine cellar of a 16th century monastery, featuring stone vaulted ceilings and natural elements that create a refined yet warm and inviting ambiance distinct from typical modern fine dining spaces.Multiple Distinct Dining Spaces with Artistic and Architectural Significance
The restaurant offers a variety of atmospheres:- Il Salotto: a contemporary open kitchen with an elegant yet casual vibe
- The Iconic Room: the original dining room reflecting a journey through time with contemporary design and art
- The Terraces: intimate tables nestled along an ancient coastal urban walkway surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
Innovative Culinary Philosophy Combining Regional Tradition with International Inspiration
Chef Peppe Aversa experiments with new flavors while honoring treasured values, balancing regional Sorrentine cuisine with international influences. Signature dishes include creative combinations like Carnaroli rice with orange flavor and smoked local fish, and desserts featuring froth of limoncello and wild strawberry tart with meringue foam.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Il Buco in Sorrento are:
Local white fish: Featured in a signature dish with courgettes, purple potato lemon jelly, and fior di latte cheese sauce, showcasing the freshness and delicate flavors of the sea around Sorrento.
Laticauda lamb: Used in a rich and flavorful interpretation that highlights local meat traditions and culinary creativity.
Lemon: Integral to several dishes, including a lemon-scented spaghetti with scorpion fish and bottarga, as well as a creamy lemon dessert with limoncello froth, reflecting the iconic citrus heritage of the Sorrento coast.
Bottarga (dried fish roe): A key ingredient in the spaghetti dish with lemon-scented scorpion fish, adding a distinctive umami and salty depth.
Gragnano pasta: Paired with luxurious ingredients like lobster, saffron pistils, and burrata, representing the region’s pasta tradition elevated with premium local produce.
These ingredients are significant as they emphasize Il Buco’s philosophy of combining locally sourced Campania products with inventive techniques to create dishes that are both authentic and innovative, celebrating the diversity and quality of the region’s culinary heritage.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Tasting Menu: €220 (6 courses), €280 (8 courses)
Signature Dishes
- Blue Lobster: €95
- Risotto alla Pescatora: €60
Wine Pairing
- 4 glasses of wine: €80, 6 glasses of wine: €120