Best Craft Beer Bars in Capri for Serious Beer Drinkers
Words by
Giulia Rossi
The Best Craft Beer Bars in Capri, and Why They Deserve Your Full Attention
If someone had told me five years ago that I would be writing about the best craft beer bars in Capri, I would have laughed. Capri still feels like a place where limoncello and white linen rule the day. But after years of walking every lane from Capri town to Anacapri, I have watched a quiet shift happen. A handful of places now pour serious craft beer alongside the usual Aperol spritz, and they do it with a level of care that would surprise even a Bavarian purist.
This guide is not about tourist traps with a random IPA on tap. It is about the spots where the staff can tell you the IBU of what they are pouring, where the taps rotate with the seasons, and where you can actually talk to someone who knows the difference between a Belgian Tripel and a hazy New England IPA. I have sat at every bar stool, talked to every owner, and stayed until closing more times than I care to admit. Here is where the local breweries Capri scene lives, and where you should drink when you are tired of the same old limoncello routine.
1. The Craft Beer Revolution on the Island
Capri has always been about luxury, lemons, and the Blue Grotto. But in the last decade, a small but passionate group of locals and expats has started to push back against the idea that beer here means Peroni on every corner. The microbrewery Capri movement is tiny, but it is real, and it is growing.
You will not find massive tap lists like in Berlin or Portland. What you will find is a curated selection, often with a story behind each pour. Some bars work directly with small Italian craft breweries from the mainland. Others have started experimenting with their own small-batch brews. The scene is intimate, and that is part of its charm.
If you are a serious beer drinker, you will appreciate the attention to detail. Glassware matters here. Temperature matters. And the people behind the bar actually want to talk about what they are serving. It is a refreshing change from the usual "just give me whatever is cold" attitude you get at most tourist spots.
Local Tip: If you want to find the newest taps, follow the bars on Instagram. Many of them post updates when a new keg arrives, and some even do small tasting events that are not advertised anywhere else.
2. The Heart of the Scene: Capri Town
Capri town is where most visitors spend their time, and it is also where the craft beer taps Capri scene is most concentrated. The narrow streets around Via Camerelle and the piazza are lined with bars, but only a few take beer seriously.
One of my favorites is a small place just off the main square. It does not look like much from the outside, but inside, the owner has built a rotating selection of Italian craft beers that would make any beer nerd happy. He knows every brewer, and he is happy to talk about the differences between a Sicilian wheat beer and a Tuscan porter.
The best time to visit is early evening, before the dinner rush. You can grab a seat at the bar, order a flight, and actually have a conversation. Later, the place fills up with tourists looking for a quick drink, and the vibe changes completely.
Local Tip: If you are here in the off-season (November to March), you will find the owner more willing to open a special bottle or two that he does not usually pour. Just ask nicely.
3. Anacapri: The Quiet Alternative
Anacapri is where I go when I want to escape the crowds. It is quieter, more local, and the pace of life is slower. The local breweries Capri scene here is smaller, but it is growing.
There is a bar on Via Giuseppe Orlandi that has started to stock a few craft options alongside the usual Peroni and Moretti. It is not a dedicated craft beer bar, but the owner is passionate about beer and is always looking to add something new to the menu.
The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the light is golden and the streets are empty. You can sit outside, watch the locals go about their day, and enjoy a cold beer without the noise of the main tourist areas.
Local Tip: If you are walking up to Monte Solaro, stop here on the way back. The owner knows the best trails and can point you to some hidden spots that most tourists never see.
4. The Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path
Not all the best spots are in the main towns. Some of the most interesting craft beer taps Capri are found in unexpected places. There is a small enoteca on a side street in Capri town that has a surprisingly good selection of Italian craft beers.
The owner is a wine lover first, but he has started to add more beer to his menu after realizing that some of his customers were looking for something different. The selection is small, but it is well-curated, and the atmosphere is perfect for a quiet evening.
The best time to visit is after dinner, when the wine crowd has thinned out and you can have a beer in peace. The owner is happy to recommend a pairing with some local cheese or charcuterie.
Local Tip: If you are here in the summer, ask about the outdoor seating in the back. It is not listed on any menu, but it is one of the best spots on the island for a quiet drink.
5. The Beer and Food Pairing Experience
One of the things I love about the best craft beer bars in Capri is how well they pair beer with food. It is not just about the drink; it is about the whole experience.
There is a restaurant near the marina that has started to offer beer pairings with their seafood dishes. The chef works closely with the bar to match each course with a different beer, and the results are impressive. A light wheat beer with a raw fish starter, a rich porter with a chocolate dessert. It is a new concept for Capri, but it is catching on.
The best time to visit is for dinner, when the kitchen is in full swing and the bar is fully stocked. You can book a table in advance and let the staff guide you through the pairings.
Local Tip: If you are here for a special occasion, ask about the private dining room. It is not on the regular menu, but it is available for groups of six or more.
6. The Seasonal Specials
One of the things that sets the microbrewery Capri scene apart is the focus on seasonal beers. Many of the bars here work with small breweries that produce limited-edition brews for the summer or winter.
In the summer, you will find light, refreshing beers that pair well with the heat. In the winter, the selection shifts to darker, richer options. The best time to visit is when a new seasonal beer arrives, which is usually announced on social media.
Local Tip: If you are here in October, ask about the Oktoberfest specials. Some bars do small events with German-style beers and traditional food. It is not widely advertised, but it is a lot of fun.
7. The Community Aspect
The local breweries Capri scene is small, and that means the community is tight-knit. The owners know each other, and they often collaborate on events or share rare bottles.
There is a bar in Capri town that hosts a monthly beer tasting, where locals and visitors can try new brews and meet the brewers. It is a great way to learn more about the scene and make some new friends.
The best time to visit is during one of these events, which are usually held on a weekday evening. You can sign up in advance and get a spot at the bar.
Local Tip: If you are here for a while, consider joining the local beer club. It is not official, but it is a group of locals who meet regularly to try new beers and share recommendations.
8. The Future of Craft Beer on the Island
The craft beer taps Capri scene is still young, but it is growing. More bars are starting to take beer seriously, and the demand from visitors is increasing.
I have heard rumors of a small microbrewery Capri opening in the next year or two, which would be a game-changer for the island. For now, the scene is driven by passionate individuals who are willing to take a risk on something new.
The best time to visit is now, while the scene is still small and intimate. In a few years, it may be very different.
Local Tip: If you are a brewer yourself, reach out to some of the bar owners. They are always looking for new connections and collaborations.
When to Go / What to Know
The best time to visit the best craft beer bars in Capri is during the shoulder seasons (April to June, September to October). The weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the bars are more relaxed.
In the peak summer months (July and August), the island is packed with tourists, and the bars can get very busy. If you are here during this time, try to visit early in the evening or late at night.
Most bars open around 5 PM and close around midnight, but some stay open later on weekends. It is always a good idea to check the hours before you go, especially in the off-season.
Local Tip: If you are here for more than a few days, consider renting a scooter. It is the best way to get around the island and visit some of the more remote bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capri expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
Capri is one of the most expensive islands in Italy. For a mid-tier traveler, expect to spend around €150-200 per day, including accommodation (€80-120 for a mid-range hotel), meals (€40-60 for lunch and dinner), and transportation (€10-20 for buses and ferries). Craft beer prices are similar to the rest of Italy, with a pint costing around €6-8.
What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Capri is famous for?
Capri is famous for its limoncello, a sweet lemon liqueur made from the island's famous lemons. It is usually served chilled as a digestivo after meals. Another local specialty is the "caprese" salad, made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Capri?
Capri is a fashionable island, and many upscale restaurants and bars have a smart-casual dress code. Avoid wearing flip-flops or beachwear in the evening. It is also customary to greet staff with a polite "buongiorne" (good morning) or "buonasera" (good evening) when entering a bar or restaurant.
Is the tap water in Capri safe to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?
The tap water in Capri is safe to drink, as it comes from the same sources as the rest of Italy. However, some visitors prefer the taste of bottled water, which is widely available. Many bars and restaurants will serve bottled water by default, so specify "acqua del rubinetto" (tap water) if you prefer it.
How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Capri?
Vegetarian options are widely available in Capri, with many restaurants offering pasta, pizza, and salads without meat. Vegan options are more limited, but some bars and restaurants now offer plant-based dishes, especially in the summer. It is always a good idea to check the menu in advance or ask the staff for recommendations.
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