Best Outdoor Seating Restaurants in Capri for Dining Under Open Skies
Words by
Sofia Esposito
The best outdoor seating restaurants in Capri are not just places to eat. They are where the island reveals itself slowly, over a glass of Falanghina and a plate of ravioli capresi, with the Tyrrhenian Sea glittering somewhere in your peripheral vision. I have spent more summers on this rock than I can count, and the truth is that where you sit outside in Capri matters almost as much as what ends up on your plate. The light here is different. It hits the limestone cliffs and bounces off the water and turns every terrace into something that feels like it was designed by a cinematographer with a very generous budget.
This is my honest, street-by-street guide to the best outdoor seating restaurants in Capri, the ones where the al fresco dining Capri locals actually choose, where the patio restaurants Capri residents return to year after year, and where the open air cafes Capri visitors stumble into and then wonder why nobody told them sooner.
1. Da Paolino Lemon Trees and the Old Capri Way
Neighborhood: Via Palazzo a Mare, Capri town
You walk in through a canopy of lemon trees so thick that the sunlight comes through in pieces. Da Paolino has been here since 1968, and the outdoor garden is the kind of place where Capri's old aristocracy used to come to be seen. The restaurant sits on the road down toward the Marina Grande, tucked behind walls that hide it from the casual passerby.
The Vibe? A lemon garden that feels like a private estate party where everyone is welcome.
The Bill? Expect to spend between 45 and 75 euros per person for a full meal with wine.
The Standout? The lemon chicken, cooked under a dome of lemon leaves until the meat practically falls apart. Order it.
The Catch? The garden gets packed by 1:30 pm on weekends in July and August, and the wait for a table can stretch past 40 minutes even with a reservation.
Best time to go: Early September, late afternoon around 1 pm, before the lunch rush fully hits. The light through the lemon canopy in September is golden and less harsh than in midsummer.
What most tourists don't know: The lemons used in every dish come from the restaurant's own grove. If you ask nicely, one of the older staff members will walk you through the garden and show you the different varieties. This is not on any menu or tour.
Local tip: Take the taxi down from the Piazzetta rather than walking the steep hill from the center. Your knees will thank you, and you will arrive ready to eat rather than exhausted.
Da Paolino connects to Capri's history as a retreat for artists and writers. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis ate here. So did Tennessee Williams. The garden has not changed much since those decades, and that is precisely the point.
2. Il Riccio Cliffside Dining Above the Blue
Neighborhood: Via G. Orlandi, Anacapri
Perched on the cliffs above the Faraglioni rocks, Il Riccio is the kind of place that makes you put your phone down. The terrace faces west, which means sunset here is not just a meal, it is an event. The restaurant is part of a larger complex that includes a beach club below, but the outdoor dining terrace is where the real magic happens.
The Vibe? Sophisticated but not stiff, with a view that competes with the food for your attention.
The Bill? A full seafood dinner with wine runs between 60 and 100 euros per person.
The Standout? The crudo di mare, a raw seafood platter that arrives looking like a painting. The anchovies cured in sea salt and lemon are extraordinary.
The Catch? The terrace is relatively small, and tables near the edge go first. If you want the prime spot, you need to book at least two weeks in advance during peak season.
Best time to go: Late June or early July, arriving around 7:30 pm to catch the last hour of direct sun on the terrace before it shifts to open shade.
What most tourists don't know: The restaurant sources its sea urchin directly from local divers who harvest it from the waters just below the cliff. Ask your server about it. They are proud of the connection and will tell you which diver brought in that day's catch.
Local tip: After dinner, walk the path down toward the Faraglioni viewpoint. It is lit just enough to be safe, and seeing those rocks from below after dark is something most visitors never experience.
Il Riccio sits in the tradition of Capri's relationship with the sea. For centuries, this island's identity was built on fishing and maritime trade, and eating raw seafood on a cliff above the water feels like participating in that history rather than just observing it.
3. Lo Scoglio Garden Patio in Anacapri
Neighborhood: Via Costa, Anacapri
Lo Scoglio is the kind of patio restaurant Capri locals recommend when they want you to have a good time without the Capri town markup. Located on the road between Anacapri and the Arco Naturale, the outdoor seating wraps around a garden that feels more like someone's backyard than a commercial establishment. The tables are spaced far enough apart that you can have an actual conversation.
The Vibe? Relaxed, unhurried, the anti-Piazzetta.
The Bill? A full meal with a carafe of local white wine comes in around 30 to 50 euros per person.
The Standout? The grilled octopus with potatoes and capers. It is simple and perfect.
The Catch? The garden has no sea view. You are in the hills, surrounded by bougainvillea and olive trees, which is beautiful but not what some visitors expect from Capri.
Best time to go: Mid-May or October, when the heat is manageable and the garden is at its greenest. Arrive for lunch around 12:30 pm.
What most tourists don't know: The owner's mother does most of the cooking, and the menu changes based on what she feels like making that day. There is a daily special that is never written down. You have to ask.
Local tip: Combine this with a walk to the Arco Naturale afterward. It is about a 15-minute walk from the restaurant, and the natural limestone arch is one of Capri's most dramatic geological features.
Lo Scoglio represents the Anacapri side of the island, the quieter, more agricultural half that most tourists skip entirely. Eating here connects you to the Capri that existed before the jet set arrived.
4. Ristorante Michel'Angelo Terrace Over the Marina
Neighborhood: Via Camerelle, Capri town
Michel'Angelo sits at the top of Via Camerelle, the shopping street that runs from the Piazzetta toward the Quisisana hotel. The outdoor terrace looks down toward the Marina Piccola and the Faraglioni, and the positioning means you get a panoramic view without the cliffside premium that some other restaurants charge. The food is solid southern Italian cooking with a Capri twist.
The Vibe? Elegant but approachable, the kind of place where you can show up in linen pants and a clean shirt and feel perfectly dressed.
The Bill? Expect 40 to 65 euros per person for dinner with wine.
The Standout? The ravioli capresi, filled with Parmigiana and local herbs, served in a light tomato sauce. This is the dish that Capri is known for, and Michel'Angelo does it well.
The Catch? Via Camerelle is one of the busiest shopping streets on the island, and foot traffic noise can be noticeable during the late afternoon hours between 4 and 6 pm.
Best time to go: Early evening, around 7 pm, after the shopping crowds have thinned but while there is still enough light to see the Faraglioni from the terrace.
What most tourists don't know: The restaurant has a small wine list focused almost entirely on Campanian producers. Ask for the Falanghina from a local vineyard. It pairs perfectly with the seafood pasta and costs a fraction of the island wines with bigger names.
Local tip: Walk down Via Camerelle after dinner toward the Quisisana. The hotel's garden is lit at night and visible from the street. It is one of Capri's most beautiful private spaces, and the public can see it from the sidewalk.
Michel'Angelo sits at the intersection of Capri's two identities, the luxury shopping world of Via Camerelle and the natural beauty of the Marina Piccola below. Eating on its terrace means you are literally between those two worlds.
5. L'Olivo at Capri Palace Jumeirah
Neighborhood: Via Capodimonte, Capri town
L'Olivo is the fine dining restaurant inside the Capri Palace Jumeirah hotel, and its outdoor terrace is one of the most refined open air cafes Capri has to offer. The terrace overlooks a garden that slopes toward the sea, and the Michelin-starred kitchen produces food that is as visually stunning as the setting. This is not a casual lunch spot. It is a place you come for a two-hour experience.
The Vibe? Polished, quiet, the kind of place where the sommelier knows more about wine than you ever will.
The Bill? The tasting menu runs around 150 to 200 euros per person, and wine pairing adds another 80 to 120 euros.
The Standout? The tasting menu changes seasonally, but the seafood courses are consistently the highlight. The presentation alone is worth the price of admission.
The Catch? The formality can feel intimidating if you are used to Capri's more relaxed trattorias. There is an unspoken expectation of dress, and showing up in flip-flops will earn you a polite but firm look.
Best time to go: Late September, when the summer crowds have thinned but the kitchen still has access to the best late-season produce and seafood. Book the first seating at 7:30 pm.
What most tourists don't know: The hotel's garden contains olive trees that are over 300 years old. If you arrive early for your reservation, ask to walk through the garden before you sit down. The trees predate the hotel by centuries.
Local tip: The Capri Palace is a short walk from the Piazzetta, but the walk back uphill after a multi-course dinner and several glasses of wine is steeper than you remember. Budget for a taxi.
L'Olivo connects to Capri's history as a destination for European aristocracy and, later, international wealth. The Capri Palace has hosted everyone from Picasso to Claudette Colbert, and dining on its terrace places you in that lineage.
6. Bar Grotta Azzurra Simple Food by the Famous Cave
Neighborhood: Grotta Azzurra road, Anacapri
This is not a restaurant in the traditional sense. It is a small bar and snack spot near the entrance to the Grotta Azzurra, the famous blue grotto that has drawn visitors to Capri since the Romans. The outdoor seating is basic, plastic chairs and tables under an awning, but the location is extraordinary. You are eating a panino within sight of one of the most photographed natural wonders in the Mediterranean.
The Vibe? Functional, touristy, but with a view that makes up for the lack of ambiance.
The Bill? A panino and a beer will run you 10 to 15 euros.
The Standout? The fresh mozzarella and tomato panino, made with local bread and eaten while watching boats come and go from the grotto entrance.
The Catch? The outdoor area is small and shared with a constant stream of tourists heading to and from the grotto. Privacy is nonexistent, and the noise from tour groups can be overwhelming between 10 am and 2 pm.
Best time to go: Late afternoon, after 3 pm, when the grotto tours have slowed and the light on the water turns from harsh white to soft gold.
What most tourists don't know: The grotto was known to the Romans, who used it as a private swimming hole. Emperor Tiberius reportedly kept statues in the cave, and some were recovered by divers in the 1960s. The bar staff sometimes mention this if you ask.
Local tip: Skip the grotto boat tour if the sea is rough. The cave is only accessible when the water is calm, and on choppy days the boats do not run. The bar is still worth the trip regardless.
The Grotta Azzurra area represents the Capri that the outside world sees first. It is commercial and crowded, but it is also genuinely beautiful, and eating a simple sandwich here connects you to the millions of visitors who have made this same trip since the 1800s.
7. Ristorante Le Grocche Cliff Patio with a View
Neighborhood: Via Grocche, near Marina Piccola
Le Grocche sits on the road above Marina Piccapicola, the small beach cove that is one of Capri's best swimming spots. The outdoor terrace is built into the cliff face, and the tables are arranged so that almost every seat has a direct view of the water. The food is straightforward Capri cooking, grilled fish, pasta with cherry tomatoes, local salads, and the setting does most of the heavy lifting.
The Vibe? Casual seaside, the kind of place where you can show up sandy from the beach and nobody cares.
The Bill? A seafood lunch with a glass of wine costs around 35 to 55 euros per person.
The Standout? The spaghetti alle vongole, made with tiny local clams that taste like the sea distilled into a shell.
The Catch? The road to get here is narrow and winding, and there is almost no parking. If you are coming by scooter, which is how most locals travel, you will be fine. By car, it is stressful.
Best time to go: Late morning, around 11:30 am, before the lunch rush. The light on Marina Piccola at that hour is clear and bright, and the water looks impossibly blue.
What most tourists don't know: The restaurant's name, Le Grocche, refers to the small caves in the cliff below the terrace. Some of these caves were used as boat storage by local fishermen for generations. You can see them from the lower tables.
Local tip: After lunch, walk down to Marina Piccola and swim. The water is clean and the cove is sheltered from wind. It is one of the best swimming spots on the island, and having lunch at Le Grocche means you are already halfway there.
Le Grocche represents the working Capri, the island of fishermen and small coves that existed long before the luxury hotels arrived. Eating here feels like stepping back into that world, even if just for an afternoon.
8. Caffè Michelangelo Piazzetta People Watching
Neighborhood: Piazzetta Umberto I, Capri town
No guide to the best outdoor seating restaurants in Capri would be complete without the Piazzetta. Caffè Michelangelo has one of the best outdoor seating arrangements on the square, with tables positioned to catch both the shade of the clock tower and the constant flow of people that makes this tiny piazza one of the most entertaining places in southern Italy. This is not where you come for a full meal. It is where you come to sit, drink, and watch the island perform itself.
The Vibe? Theater. The Piazzetta is Capri's stage, and Caffè Michelangelo has front row seats.
The Bill? A coffee and a pastry will cost 8 to 15 euros. A light lunch of salad and a drink runs 20 to 30 euros.
The Standout? The people watching. Seriously. Order a Campari spritz and a seat facing the square, and you will see more interesting characters in an hour than most cities offer in a week.
The Catch? The prices are inflated even by Capri standards. You are paying for the location, not the food quality, which is decent but unremarkable.
Best time to go: Early evening, between 6 and 8 pm, when the heat has broken and the piazza fills with locals and visitors in equal measure. The light on the clock tower at this hour is warm and photogenic.
What most tourists don't know: The Piazzetta was originally the marketplace of Capri. The clock tower was built in the early 1900s, and the square has been the social center of the island for over a century. Sitting here connects you to every generation of Capri residents who have gathered in this same spot.
Local tip: If the Piazzetta is too crowded, walk two minutes up Via Vittorio Emanuele to the terrace of the nearby Quisisana hotel. It is quieter, the view is similar, and the prices are only slightly less painful.
The Piazzetta is where Capri's identity as a social destination crystallizes. Every era of the island's history, from Roman emperors to 1960s movie stars, has passed through this square, and sitting at Caffè Michelangelo means you are part of that continuum.
When to Go and What to Know
Capri's outdoor dining season runs from April through October, but the best months for al fresco dining Capri style are May, June, September, and early October. July and August bring crushing heat, especially on south-facing terraces, and the island's population triples with tourists. If you can only visit in summer, book outdoor tables for lunch before 12:30 pm or dinner after 8 pm to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds.
Most patio restaurants Capri offers accept reservations by phone, and during peak season you should book at least a week in advance for dinner. Walk-ins are possible at lunch, especially in Anacapri, but the best tables go to those who plan ahead.
The open air cafes Capri is famous for often add a coperto, a cover charge, of 2 to 4 euros per person for outdoor seating. This is standard and not a scam. Tipping is appreciated but not expected at the same level as in the United States. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5 to 10 percent is generous.
Getting around the island for meals requires planning. Capri town is best reached by bus from Anacapri or by taxi from the marina. Scooters are available for rent but the roads are narrow and steep. Walking is possible but the hills are relentless, especially after a long lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Capri is famous for?
Ravioli capresi is the signature dish, filled with Parmigiana cheese, egg, and marjoram, served in a light tomato sauce. The local lemon granita and limoncello are also essential. A glass of Falanghina, a white wine from the Campanian coast, pairs perfectly with most seafood dishes on the island.
How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, or vegan, or plant-based dining options in Capri?
Vegetarian options are widely available at most restaurants, with pasta dishes, caprese salads, and grilled vegetables appearing on nearly every menu. Fully vegan options are more limited. Most kitchens will prepare a pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables if requested in advance. Dedicated vegan restaurants are rare on the island.
Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Capri?
Flip flops and beachwear are acceptable at casual seaside spots but not at finer restaurants. Covering shoulders and knees is expected at churches and some upscale venues. Greet staff with "buongiorno" or "buonasera" when entering. Do not snap fingers to call a waiter.
Is Capri expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers?
A mid-tier daily budget runs approximately 150 to 250 euros per person. This covers one meal at a mid-range restaurant (35 to 60 euros), one casual meal (15 to 25 euros), coffee and snacks (10 to 15 euros), local transport (10 to 20 euros), and a beach club entry (20 to 35 euros). Accommodation is additional and ranges from 100 to 300 euros per night for a decent hotel.
Is the tap water in Capri to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?
Tap water in Capri is safe to drink and comes from municipal sources. Many locals and restaurants serve bottled water by default, but there is no health risk in drinking from the tap. Refill stations are available in some public areas for those carrying reusable bottles.
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