At Gemma Restaurant Lounge Bar, excellence returns to Capri

With the arrival of spring, Capri prepares to awaken in all its beauty, amidst the scents of the sea, bright days, and an elegant atmosphere that once again enlivens the island. In this unique setting, the new season of Da Gemma Restaurant Lounge Bar begins: April 18th is an unmissable event for those who love good food, style, and authentic hospitality. Da Gemma is more than just a restaurant, but a true terrace overlooking the sea, ideal for those seeking a complete experience in the heart of Capri. The new season brings with it a menu waiting to be discovered, designed to highlight local flavors with a contemporary twist, without ever losing its connection to Mediterranean tradition. The culinary offering is renewed with dishes that celebrate the freshness of the ingredients and the creativity of the kitchen, where each course tells a story of sea, sun, and passion: appetizers, first courses, second courses, and desserts will accompany Italian and international tourists in their discovery of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Particular attention is paid to seasonality: carefully selected ingredients, refined pairings, and a constant search for the perfect balance between flavor and presentation. The result is elegant yet never overdone cuisine, where every detail is designed to offer a memorable experience. Alongside the culinary offerings, the lounge bar is the ideal space for relaxing and convivial moments: whether it’s a sunset aperitif or an after-dinner drink with friends, the drinks list offers sophisticated cocktails, classics, and new interpretations, designed to perfectly complement every moment of the day. The April 18th opening marks the beginning of a new season of flavor, elegance, and innovation, an invitation extended to those who already know and love Da Gemma Restaurant Lounge Bar, as well as to those wishing to discover it for the first time, allowing themselves to be captivated by one of the most iconic establishments on the island of Capri.

“At Da Gemma, More Tradition on the Plate” – Chef Emiliano Neri Reveals the New Menu

There’s a deep connection between food and memory, between taste and the emotions we carry with us. That’s exactly where Chef Emiliano Neri begins again, now in his fourth year leading the kitchen at Da Gemma Capri, with a clear message: rediscover tradition by celebrating the authentic flavors of the territory.

We sat down with the chef to explore what’s new this season. The result is a story of passion, research, and a profound respect for Caprese and Mediterranean cuisine.

Chef, what’s the common thread running through the new menu?

“Definitely a stronger return to tradition. We want to reinforce the identity of our cuisine by making conscious choices, guided by flavor memory and the quality of local ingredients.”

Let’s start with the appetizers: what’s the standout new entry?

“We’ve created our own Parmigiana Gemma: a baked eggplant roll filled with cooked ham and fiordilatte from Agerola. It’s our tribute to the classic parmigiana, but with our own identity. Simple, direct, flavorful.”

And among the first courses?

“We wanted to go even deeper into our roots. This year we’re offering a pasta and potatoes dish with fiordilatte from Agerola—no provola—but with a rich, authentic flavor. Of course, our Nerano returns—it’s become a must. And we’ve introduced a new linguine with seafood, staying true to traditional inspirations.”

Is the catch of the day still central to your menu?

“Absolutely. Our fresh fish display is one of our hallmarks, and from there, we create a different second course each day—baked or grilled—depending on the guest’s preferences.”

Speaking of second courses, what are the latest additions?

“For fish lovers, we offer turbot with a celery root purée, baked with thyme, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil, served with sautéed Swiss chard and basil oil. For meat, we’ve replaced the fillet with a ribeye steak, served with seasonal vegetables. Once again, it’s all about seasonality and ingredient quality.”

What about the classic appetizers?

“The Parmigiana Gemma is our big news, but some beloved dishes remain—like the mozzarella filled with prawn tartare, and the ceviche, made with marinated fish, lime, tomato, avocado, spring onion, and red onion. A fresh combination that still surprises.”

Are the famous Spaghettone Gemma and Fritto Misto Gemma still on the menu?

“The fritto misto absolutely—it remains a symbol of our kitchen. The spaghettone isn’t on the regular menu, but when our loyal guests request it, we’re always happy to make it for them. Our guests are a part of our story.”

And for dessert? Do you have a pastry chef this year?

“Yes, we’ll have a new pastry chef, Nunzio. He’s not yet fully operational, but we’ll be focusing on traditional desserts: delizia al limone, Caprese cake (both chocolate and lemon versions), and tiramisu. We want to stay true to what represents our territory and Italy as a whole.”

What do guests—especially tourists—look for the most?

“Tradition. The most requested dishes are the Viola Caprese and the Nerano. No doubt about it: simple, genuine, recognizable flavors remain the most loved.”

And how do you approach the wine list?

“We favor Italian labels, with special attention to regional excellence. We want every pairing to tell a story—a piece of our land.”

Gemma, the authentic taste of the sea

Fresh ingredients and culinary mastery allow us to be considered the best seafood restaurant on Capri. On the azure island, where the waves crash on the rocks and the sunset becomes an unmissable appointment stands the Da Gemma restaurant. An intimate and welcoming atmosphere, enveloped by the scent of the sea and the wonderful view of the Gulf of Naples. A spectacular panorama is the backdrop to authentic flavors, freshness and hints of seafood cuisine.

Da “Gemma” treasures traditional recipes inherited from Grandma Gemma, a historic icon of dining on Capri. For eighty years, seafood specialties have still conquered many palates, even the most discerning. The cuisine is based on top-quality local ingredients, with a variety of dishes that capture the authenticity of Mediterranean flavors. The catch is strictly of the day, selected directly from local fishermen to ensure freshness and quality. The menu is rich and delicious: appetizers, first courses, main courses and desserts to be tempted and delighted by.

Gemma’s menu is a real journey to discover the flavors of the sea. Dishes prepared with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, sourced directly from local fishermen. Gemma’s proposals are a tribute to Capri’s seafood cuisine, reinterpreted with flair and originality by the chef.

That it is the best seafood restaurant on Capri?

There are many who claim so. The crudi are prepared with the catch of the day, while Gemma’s Fritto Misto is a true house specialty. First courses are made with top-quality ingredients and expertly cooked according to traditional Capri recipes. The main courses are the right choice for those who want a strong yet refined taste. The chef plays a lot on the combination of two elements: land and sea that continues to be successful. For example, the combination of cheese and fish. Daring while respecting tradition is the culinary philosophy of Da Gemma restaurant.

Dishes that start from Capri and take a trip around the world, following the lines of the sea.