In the labyrinth of narrow streets that branch off from Capri’s Piazzetta, Aurora isn’t just the island’s oldest restaurant; it’s an open-air stage, a crossroads of destinies, and a gastronomic legend that has shone brightly for over 130 years.
A Dynasty of Taste: The History of the D’Alessio Family
Aurora’s history is rooted in a time when Capri was still a secret retreat for artists and intellectuals. Founded by the D’Alessio family—Pietro and his wife Mariagrazia Aurora—in the late 19th century, the restaurant grew alongside the island’s legend. What makes it unique is its family management, now in its third generation with Mia D’Alessio.
Mia, with her impeccable style and innate ability to make every guest feel at home, has transformed the family legacy into a world-famous brand, while maintaining the warmth of typical Capri hospitality.
While it is true that there are islands in the world as beautiful as Capri, no island, no other in the world can boast a history like that of Capri.
(Raffaele La Capria)
La Pizza all’Acqua®
If you ask a Capri regular why they love Aurora, the answer will almost certainly be one: Pizza all’Acqua.
Born from a brilliant idea by Gennaro D’Alessio in the 1970s, this trademarked creation represents a culinary paradox: a pizza that is simultaneously crispy and incredibly light, almost impalpable.
– The Technique: The secret lies in the extremely high hydration of the dough and an extremely long leavening process that eliminates any heaviness.
– The Experience: It is served as thin as a veil, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of chili pepper, and fragrant basil, often as an appetizer to be shared at the table with a glass of bubbly.
Beyond Pizza: Haute Cuisine Rooted in the Territory
Despite the fame of its pizza, Aurora’s cuisine is a sophisticated tribute to Campania’s biodiversity. Chef Franco Aversa interprets the sea and land with great passion:
– The Raw Dishes: deep-sea red prawns, amberjack tartare, and oysters delivered fresh every morning.
– The First Courses: traditional classics, such as ravioli capresi, are elevated to new heights of finesse.
– The Cellar: one of the most awarded in Italy, a “cave of wonders” housing historic vertical tastings of Masseto, Sassicaia, and the finest Champagnes, making Aurora a pilgrimage destination for sommeliers from around the world.
The Atmosphere: Capri’s “cultural salon”
Dining at Aurora on Via Fuorlovado is like participating in a collective ritual. The outdoor tables are highly coveted: sitting there, you feel like you’re at the heart of the world, while the comings and goings of people from the Piazzetta into the heart of Capri are a never-ending spectacle.
The interior and exterior walls are decorated with vintage photographs depicting the great names in the arts who have chosen Aurora as their “home away from home.”
Aurora is the very essence of Capri.
The Secret
Pizza all’Acqua was born from an intuition of Gennaro D’Alessio, who wanted to create something light that would allow his regular guests to enjoy pizza without feeling weighed down before heading out dancing at the nearby Anema e Core, another must-visit spot on the island.
Useful Info
Aurora Capri
Via Fuorlovado 18
80073 Capri, Napoli
Tel. +39 081 8370181
Pizzas: from €25
First courses: from €28
Second courses: from €38
