Dei Cappuccini: Signature Cuisine on the Amalfi Coast

In a former 13th-century Capuchin monastery, nestled in the rock overlooking the sea, you’ll find the luxury hotel Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel. The numerous restoration projects have preserved the building’s original charm, so much so that even today you can stroll through the magnificent monumental cloister.

It is in this setting of great beauty that Dei Cappuccini, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, led by Chef Claudio Lanuto.

The aperitif that’s worth the trip

Even just enjoying an aperitif on the panoramic terrace is a memorable experience. The view stretches out over the sea and the most picturesque vistas of the Amalfi Coast, while carefully prepared small bites, excellent wines, and expertly crafted cocktails are served at your table.

Adding to the overall pleasant experience is the warm and professional service provided by the staff, led by Angelo Cirella, Food & Beverage Manager who possesses rare expertise and a friendly demeanor

Claudio Lanuto’s Cuisine

We visited the restaurant in April and had dinner in the elegant dining room. During the warmer months, however, you can sit on the beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, where we enjoyed an aperitif.

Lanuto’s kitchen offers dishes with a distinct regional character, made exclusively with regional ingredients. Beautiful, fragrant, and flavorful: precise preparation, distinct flavors, and a deep respect for the ingredients.

And so here we have an intriguing Ventresca tuna with Genovese sauce and fermented lemon; followed by deceptively simple spaghetti with Re Fiascone tomatoes—an ancient variety from the Amalfi Coast—which has an overwhelming, intense, and captivating flavor.

We paired these first two dishes with Irpinia Falanghina Via del Campo 2022 from Quintodecimo, by Professor Luigi Moio.

The Sommelier’s Pairings

From the excellent wine list, after all, you can choose wines from all over the world, although we recommend letting the skilled sommelier guide you in trying some excellent local wines. Yes, you’ll have a truly wonderful dining experience—read on to find out how our evening unfolded.

Lunch continued with a very fresh Pesto risotto with Neapolitan basil, red shrimp, and a pizzaiola sauce emulsion. A round of applause for the rice, cooked to perfection! For the main course, a wonderfully fragrant Roasted Sea Bass with potatoes and black Irpinia truffles—fragrant and well-balanced.

Both courses were paired with the Fiano di Avellino Riserva Neviera di Sopra 2019 from Rocca del Principe.

But the sommelier “persuaded” us to try a local red wine that was completely new to me, and which I’d like to recommend to you for its exceptional quality: Coda Rara 2022 made from Coda di Volpe Rossa grapes, with a measured aging in used barriques, from the winery Bellaria in Roccabascerana (AV).

A lemon-scented ending

Then came dessert, The Lemon from the Convent of Amalfi, which captures the aromas and fragrances of the extraordinary local citrus fruits in an elegant blend that’s never overly sweet—something I absolutely love. We paired it with the Colli di Salerno Passito Passion 2023 by Giuseppe Apicella, produced in the nearby town of Tramonti.

An address to remember

In short, even though I haven’t bored you with the various amuse-bouches and the tiny little pastries, I think you’ve gotten the picture: we had a truly wonderful time in a place of extraordinary beauty and history.

Between the beauty of the setting, the quality of the cuisine, the impeccable service, and a top-notch wine selection, dinner at Dei Cappuccini proved to be a truly satisfying experience. A place to keep in mind for anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast or planning a trip to one of Italy’s most charming regions.

Prices? About €90 per person for an à la carte meal (drinks not included). Tasting menus start at €140 per person, with wine pairing options starting at an additional €70.