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da Paolino

  • Restaurant
  • Via Palazzo a Mare, 11 - Capri
  • 3.92281
da Paolino
da Paolino
da Paolino
da Paolino

Dining under the lemon trees

  1. Enjoy the fragrant scent of 130 lemon trees in the garden

  2. For your appetizer, try the house speciality “bomba,” a pizza stuffed with tomato, mozzarella and prosciutto ham

  3. Choose from a wide variety of exquisite lemon desserts, each with its own unique twist

Price range
€€€€
Hours
Bar Service: from 5pm | Dinner: 7pm - 11.45pm
Open daily
Closing period
from Oct 29, 2025 to Apr 9, 2026
Address
Via Palazzo a Mare, 11 - Capri

Moonlit evenings have an even more bewitching power at the da Paolino Lemon Trees restaurant on Capri. Run by the De Martino brothers, this Italian restaurant is an enchanting place that offers magical moments, which is why it is also beloved by a host of celebrities who have contributed to its success over the years.

The words of Goethe are alive and well at da Paolino: "Do you know the country where lemons flourish? Down-there, down-there, I'd like to go with you my love!!!" Although Paolino De Martino didn’t know the works of Goethe, the author’s words held a special appeal for this Caprese restaurant owner. The phrase evokes the exquisite garden at da Paolino, bathed in the yellow light filtered through the rows of lemon trees with their abundant fruit.

Paolino heard the phrase from a literary friend of his, one of those people who, as far as he was concerned, read a lot but thought very little. He was convinced that his lemon grove—which provided shelter from the wind and rain even for rabbits, and produced lemons so abundantly— was the most beautiful in the whole of Capri. "Under that sky of lemons as big as stars I'd like to go with you, my love..."

Paolino reminisced about how different times were 30 years ago, when one used to be invigorated by a simple sea breeze, and the moon with its soft beams appeared like a white sun thrown into the sky by who knows who and for what reason.

Back then, at the golden hour of sunset when silence returned to the island, many an islander chose to meet in Paolino's garden. It’s located near Palazzo a Mare, in front of Villa Bismarck, and just a few meters from the playing field where the children from Marina Grande kicked their first football. Traveling that narrow road, it abruptly transforms into a flight of steps descending towards the sea of Tiberio. Many a fleeting meeting and secret pact of friendship were made under that sky of lemons, huge lemons with such thick pulp that they could easily be sliced into salads, and so began the adventure of Paolino and his restaurant.

And, just like all stories where hard work and sacrifice are rewarded, visitors began coming from far and wide to dine at the restaurant Paolino opened together with his son Michelino (known as Lino). Famous and renowned dinner guests made their way to the restaurant over the years, including Stavros Niarchos, who arrived on the island aboard his superyacht Atlantis; Leopoldo Pirelli, president of Mercedes Benz; Conte Augusta, Giorgio Falk, Cesare Romiti, Gallucci, Matarrese, Morabito the president of Isreimer, Luca di Montezemolo and Edwige Fenech, Leonardo Mondadori, Dianne Furstenberg, Tirelli, Ferragamo, Tom Cruise and Mimi Rogers, John Belushi, George Hamilton, Lino Banfi, Lucio Dalla, Luciano De Crescenzo, Nanny Loy, Lina Wertmuller ... celebrities whose autographs are all meticulously archived in the restaurant’s guest book, which has been treasured by Lino since 1978. How many tales are still to be told under those lemon trees where, "I'd like to take you, sheltered from the wind and rain"?

Guest reviews

Akshat G

Beautiful Setting, But Disappointing Food – More Style Than Substance

2
Jun 12, 2025
The setting is undeniably beautiful – charming spot, a lovely ambiance, and an overall vibe that makes you want to linger Unfortunately, the food didn’t match the atmosphere. Flavors were flat, and felt uninspired, and overall it seemed to have very little focus on actual taste. It felt like a classic tourist stop – a place people go because it’s on the list, not because the food speaks for itself. The kitchen seriously needs a rethink. If they want to compete with truly memorable dining spots, it needs to invest in talented chefs and bring the focus back to flavor, balance, and creativity. It’s a pity, because the potential is definitely there. For now, it’s more of a one-time visit to check off the list, rather than a place I’d return to or recommend for the food.
AmyG

Must do experience Capri

5
Jun 9, 2025
Yes it’s expensive. So is everything in Capri. It is the quintessential Capri dining experience. After all of the day trippers leave, it’s you and the eccentric people who come in for dinner from their yachts and it’s a perfect setting under the lemon trees. The food was delicious, the ambience and other diners are truly a sight to behold. This is a place to be seen and do some people watching. The outfits, the jewelry, the occasional bachelorette party. Decent service, take a cab- it’s not centrally located. Kind of a must do when visiting Capri and sleeping there.
Soraya A

Stunning restaurant !

5
Jun 2, 2025
I was going to cancel when I saw the reviews but soooo pleased I didn't. It was the highlight of our trip Italy! Everything was beautiful to the condiments, plates even the lemon towels in the toilet!!! Food was delicious and the service was great to! Highly recommend . Don't miss this if you are going to Capri!
giovaxx8

Che spettacolo..

5
May 29, 2025
Tutto perfetto...Dalla location magica, al servizio che ti fa sentire coccolati in ogni aspetto. Qualità altissima delle portate...Abbiamo festeggiato il compleanno di mia moglie e posso confermare la scelta fatta...Ristorante di livello molto alto, con rapporto qualità prezzo giusto...Ti alzi dalla sedia soddisfatto e con la voglia di tornarci!

Map

Ristorante Da Paolino is located in the Palazzo a Mare district of Capri, opposite Villa Bismark.
A 5 minute walk from Marina Grande, the restaurant is just a short taxi or bus ride away from the Piazzetta and the center of Capri.

Via Palazzo a Mare, 11 - Capri

Ferries to Capri (updated 2025 prices and schedules)