In Capri, just a few meters from one of its most spectacular natural structures, the Natural Arch, lies a place where time seems to have stood still: the Le Grottelle restaurant, one of the few corners of the island that retains a vibrant authenticity, custodian of an ancestral connection with the prehistoric caves and the generous fruits of this land.

Located at the end of the Pizzolungo trail, there’s a Capri that escapes the hustle and bustle of the Piazzetta, an island of living stone and silence broken only by the rustling of pine trees and the call of seagulls. This is the wild Capri, where nature has sculpted masterpieces that seem to have sprung from the brush of a Grand Tour landscape painter.

The Natural Arch: a vibrant image of infinity

The journey begins where the earth opens to the sky. The Natural Arch, the remains of a vast Paleolithic cavity collapsed under the force of the elements, is today a limestone sculpture suspended 200 meters above the sea. A monumental “eye” of rock that frames the Sorrento Peninsula and the crystalline waters below, offering one of the most iconic views of the Mediterranean.

We are the spokespersons of the most authentic Capri, in a central link with its prehistoric natural caves and the fruits of its land.

(Vuotto family)

Le Grottelle: a family history since 1930

The magic continues nearby, among the rock walls that have been home to the Vuotto family for almost a century. It all began in the early 1930s, when Pasquale Vuotto ran a stable here; it was his vision to create a small tavern to offer travelers fine home-made wine and simple bruschetta.

The business then grew thanks to his son Antonino and his wife Rosa—known to all as “Mamma Rosa”—an extraordinary cook who transformed the restaurant into one of the best trattorias on the island. Today, this legacy of hospitality is proudly carried on by his children Luigi, Roberta, and Costanza, the latter the soul and guardian of the kitchen.

Authentic flavors of land and sea

Le Grottelle’s menu is a tribute to the centuries-old tradition of Capri, based on locally sourced ingredients. Dishes emanate from the kitchen with a home-made flavor: the famous ravioli capresi, eggplant parmigiana, sautéed clams, and the prized local pezzogna (a local fish).

The bold flavors of the land are also present, such as rabbit “alla cacciatora” or with ragù, a cornerstone of the island’s cuisine. Whether you choose spaghetti with clams or a quick “sciuè sciuè” pasta (with tomatoes, basil and grated cheese), every bite celebrates Mediterranean joy.

The Atmosphere

Both inside, in the ancient caves, and outside under the canopy overlooking the sea, tables are set amidst the high vaults of living rock. Once a refuge for shepherds and witnesses to ancient times, these caves now house an extraordinary restaurant that has preserved the truest and most secret soul of Capri.

The Secret

The Natural Arch of Capri is an ancient limestone formation, the remains of a large prehistoric cave eroded by the sea, wind, and rain. Its geological history dates back to the Paleolithic, when it was an underwater cavern. In ancient times, it was a bathing spot, and later linked to Homeric myth, with the stacks identified as rocks thrown by Polyphemus.

Useful Info

Le Grottelle
Via Arco Naturale 13
80073 Capri, Napoli
Tel. +39 081 8375719

Appetizers: from €20
First courses: from €18
Second courses: from €18