Il Cappero
Isola Vulcano, Italy
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
The change of chef at this restaurant is echoed by the excellent level of cuisine on offer here. Young Onofrio Pagnotto, who was already sous-chef at the resort’s Tenerumi restaurant and who is supported by the hotel’s executive chef Davide Guidara, offers two tasting menus (one shorter than the other). Both menus showcase local ingredients prepared with technical expertise to create contemporary, Mediterranean dishes that are full of flavour. Onofrio is not afraid to use the occasional French sauce, as well as his beloved fermentations in his dishes. As a final flourish, the desserts come courtesy of Gianluca Colucci, the pastry chef shared with Tenerumi. After enjoying a first, delicious dessert in the dining room, guests move to the “pasticceria” corner where pastry chefs “improvise” a final dessert in line with guests’ preferences. Last but not least, the restaurant boasts a superb setting within the Therasia Resort perched on the Vulcanello promontory above the sea, with breathtaking views of the Aeolian islands often enhanced by blazing sunsets.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Japanese Contamination in Sicilian Cuisine: Il Cappero uniquely blends traditional Sicilian flavors with successful Japanese influences, creating bold and refined dishes that celebrate local territory while incorporating international elements.
Tailor-Made Desserts Prepared Expressly for Guests: The restaurant offers a personalized dessert experience where the pastry chef prepares a custom dessert on the spot according to each customer's tastes, adding a bespoke touch to the dining experience.
Strong Commitment to Sustainability and Local Production: Il Cappero emphasizes sustainable catering through self-production, collaboration with local fishermen and producers, use of sustainable proteins, low-energy cooking methods, and reduction of plastic and resource consumption. The restaurant also involves customers in this ethical narrative and maintains social responsibility towards staff and the local community.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Il Cappero on Isola Vulcano are:
Local, organic, and seasonal ingredients: The restaurant emphasizes responsible sourcing, preferring local produce that reflects the island's culinary culture and reduces environmental impact.
Monoprotein elements: Dishes focus on one or at most two protein ingredients, highlighting a minimalist approach that concentrates taste and avoids waste.
Flavors of the land and sea: The cuisine celebrates Sicilian territory with a balance of sweet and savory, often incorporating seafood and local vegetables to evoke the island's natural bounty.
While specific signature ingredients are not explicitly listed, the philosophy centers on sustainable, local, and seasonal products that define the island's flavors. This approach is evident in dishes that showcase a single protein or ingredient with intense, refined taste, often inspired by Sicilian culinary traditions and enhanced by subtle international influences.
In summary, the key ingredients and their significance at Il Cappero are:
| Ingredient Type | Significance / Use |
|---|---|
| Local organic produce | Supports sustainability and reflects island flavors |
| Single or dual proteins | Focus on concentrated, pure taste in monoprotein cuisine |
| Seafood and Sicilian vegetables | Evoke the land and sea balance typical of the region |
This minimalist, sustainable ingredient philosophy is central to Il Cappero's Michelin-starred identity and its Green Star recognition.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Tasting Menu 1: €180 (6 courses) and €220 (8 courses)
- Tasting Menu 2: €250 (10 courses)
Signature Dishes
- Blue Lobster: €95
Note: Prices are subject to change and may not be up-to-date. Please check with the restaurant for the latest pricing information.