Ischia is a beautiful island in the Campania region that is very popular among tourists. Therefore, there are many restaurants around the island where you can try mostly seafood cuisine but also some quite unique dishes like Ischia-style rabbit. On the island, you can find a few towns and villages, but the most popular and the biggest town has the same name as the whole island. So, in this article, we will stick to the best restaurants that you can find in the town of Ischia.

The town itself has many eateries, so picking the right restaurant is not the easiest job. Also, because of its popularity, there are many tourist traps that the inexperienced eye cannot spot. Furthermore, Ischia is most visited during the summer months, so many restaurants are not open throughout the whole year. Therefore, we decided to make a list of high-quality restaurants where you can enjoy your meal whenever you visit this lovely island. Here are the best restaurants in Ischia:

(This article contains 5 restaurants in Ischia, which are best in our subjective opinion. The order of the restaurants is not related to the quality they offer. Every restaurant has its pros and cons, so choose the one based on your personal preferences.)

Pazziella Beach Bar & Restaurant

Pazziella Beach Bar is a tiny beach hut restaurant with quite limited tables and a small menu. However, it has been for years one of the best restaurants, not only in Ischia but in the whole Campania region. Don’t be fooled by the humble external appearance because the culinary experience it offers is nothing short of excellent. Even though the portions are small for those who are very hungry, they are still more than enough, and when the quality is so high, you can live with that.

The main star of this restaurant is the homemade pasta made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The menu, though short and simple, is a testament to their ability to turn even the most basic recipes into culinary masterpieces. The lemon pasta with shrimps and the delightful lemon cake for dessert is recommended if you want to try authentic dishes. On the menu, you will mostly find pasta and seafood dishes, so if you are into pizza and meat specialties, this place is not for you.

Another big advantage of Pazziella Beach Bar is its beachfront location, which adds to the charm, creating a serene and calm ambiance that is perfect for a relaxing evening. Furthermore, its hosts, Emilia and Francesco, contribute significantly to the intimate atmosphere, making guests feel like they are dining with close friends. If you are a romantic soul, you will love the wooden verandah on the beach adorned with candles.

Though the place is tiny, the excellent dishes and the warm hospitality of the hosts make it a must-visit for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle. It is an intimate and unique experience that leaves a lasting impression, making Pazziela Beach Bar a standout choice for those who value quality over quantity. Pazziella Beach Bar is open every day except Monday from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 12:00 AM (00:00 hours).

Trattoriva Sapori Ischitani

Trattoriva Sapori Ischitani is another great restaurant in Ischia that deserves to be on our list. It is located on the right bank of the quay where the hydrofoils dock in Ischia Porto. Therefore, you can enjoy a delicious meal just a few meters away from the sea but still far enough from the ships. This lovely restaurant is known for a warm welcome, a stunning view, and the smell of delicious food in the air.

The menu, with its wide variety, made choosing a delightful challenge. From the divine seafood platter to the mouthwatering Ischia-style rabbit, every dish will satisfy even the most demanding guest. For pizza lovers, there are also various pizzas with fresh and soft dough made in the wood-fired oven. Furthermore, we recommend ordering calamari or octopus, which are really fresh and perfectly cooked.

Just like in most quality Italian restaurants, the staff here is very professional, friendly, and welcoming without being intrusive. They made the dining experience feel personal like you were part of their extended family. The transparency on prices, even for the daily specials, is a refreshing touch.

The menu is changed daily, based on the freshest raw materials, so you can visit Trattoriva Sapori Ischtani more than once and always be surprised. And let’s not forget the homemade desserts, they are also delicious and a great choice for those with a sweet tooth. The restaurant is open every day except Monday from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 3:00 PM (15:00 hours) for lunch and from 6:30 PM (18:30 hours) to 12:00 AM (00:00 hours) for dinner.

Portobello

Just like its name says, Portobello is a lovely restaurant located at the port with wooden interiors and wine bottles on display. It also offers its visitors a breathtaking view of the harbor, especially at sunset. However, food is the number one reason why many guests flock to this place every day. Therefore, don’t be surprised that it is always crowded with people.

Even though it can sometimes be annoying seeing so many people, it is a good sign that you are in the right place. The menu is not only extensive but impressive, too, offering a nice selection of dishes. It is mostly based on seafood, but there is also a great choice of non-seafood, such as fresh pasta, various types of lasagna, and meat specialties. We guarantee that every bite will be a delight.

We recommend trying the seabass carpaccio with pistachio, truffle and hazelnuts, oysters, lobster linguine, and coconut lime cheesecake, paired with their award-winning house wines. Worth mentioning is that the staff is very calm, friendly, and professional, and the atmosphere is cozy despite many guests.

Most guests are so impressed that they usually return again. Other great foods that are on our recommendation list are spaghetti with clams, grilled squid, octopus and potatoes, baked seabream fillet, and grilled mussels. Portobello is open every day from 11:30 AM (11:30 hours) to 3:20 PM (15:20 hours) for lunch and from 6:30 PM (18:30 hours) to 12:00 AM (00:00 hours) for dinner.

Taverna Antonio

Taverna Antonio is another well-known restaurant nestled right on the harbor. It is located on the “Rive Droite”, the most trendy street in the town. This wonderful restaurant serves mostly Mediterranean fish cuisine and lots of healthy and gluten-free options. They are proud to offer traditional ingredients and innovative recipes, so you can expect that every dish has a pleasant twist of creativity.

It is actually one of the oldest restaurants on the island. It is a lot classier than other restaurants on the harbor despite being actually cheaper. The house specialty is homemade pasta with tomatoes and mussels. We also recommend trying pulpo burger or grilled octopus. There is also a good selection of wines and delicious cocktails, among which are Mojito and Aperol Spritz, the most popular.

Portions are quite big compared to other restaurants in Ischia, so you won’t leave this restaurant hungry. You can choose between sitting outside and having a lovely view or inside and enjoying a cozy atmosphere enhanced by pleasant background music. If you stroll near restaurants in the port, you will see that almost every restaurant has a hassle guy who stands outside and tries to guilt you into entering. Well, Taverna Antonio doesn’t do that, which really speaks for itself about how good this place is.

Worth mentioning is that this lovely restaurant not only provides delicious food for reasonable prices but also offers take-away and home delivery with eco-friendly packaging. Taverna Antonio is open every day of the week from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 3:00 PM (15:00 hours) for lunch and from 7:00 PM (19:00 hours) to 11:00 PM (23:00 hours).

Bagno Tre Stelle

Bagno Tre Stelle is the perfect restaurant for those who want to have a casual lunch or dinner. It is located directly at the beach, so you can even eat your meal with your feet on the sand. Mostly locals eat here, which is a sign that the restaurant has quality food and reasonable prices. The menu consists of various dishes, so there will be something for everyone.

If you want to try something authentic, opt for the rabbit, which is a famous dish in Ischia. We also recommend ordering grilled swordfish or anchovies with vegetables, calamari, oysters, or pasta dishes. If you are not sure what to order, just ask the waiter, who will be happy to help you with your choice. The portions are generous, so Bagno Tre Stelle is a great place for those who are very hungry. There are also a few types of desserts, among which we recommend Tiramisu.

Furthermore, this restaurant has a romantic vibe, with the seating overlooking the beach where you can watch a beautiful sunset. You can come here only for a glass of local wine or cocktail, so even if you are not hungry, you can enjoy amazing views with your loved ones. Bagno Tre Stelle is open every single day from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 4:30 PM (16:30 hours) for lunch and from 7:00 PM (19:00 hours) to 10:30 PM (22:30 hours) for dinner.

Where to find the best restaurants in Ischia?

Ischia is full of restaurants, but the majority of them are located right in the port. However, there are many tourist traps, so it is advisable to check the restaurant online before entering. Also, there are many hassle guys in the town who will try to lure you into some restaurants. Usually, this is a huge red flag. There is no specific place or street where you can find the best restaurants in the town.

They usually don’t have a flashy exterior because they don’t have to do it to attract guests. You can also always ask locals for recommendations rather than workers in your hotel because they might have a deal with a specific restaurant that you don’t know about.

Check out more articles about Ischia:

• Things to do on Ischia island
• Best pizza in Ischia