Emily H.
Google
We stumbled upon Taverna Antonio by pure chance—and what a find. They were fully booked for the night, but graciously squeezed our party of two in, and thank god they did. As a foodie, I thought I had seen it all… but octopus carbonara? Game-changer. It’s been two days, and I’m still thinking about it.
We also shared the mussel scarpariello, which was packed with flavor, and what I believe was the Ischian bruschetta—a simple yet perfect mix of tomatoes, olives, capers, and sardines. We dug in so quickly I didn’t even get to photograph it. Everything was fresh, thoughtful, and rooted in local tradition with a creative touch.
The restaurant is family-run, and Antonio himself was our waiter—charming, attentive, and clearly proud of what they’ve built. You can tell the space was recently redone; both the interior and exterior are beautifully styled, blending modern polish with island soul. Even the pottery was custom and adorable—another detail that made the whole meal feel special.
The only (minor) downside wasn’t even their fault: the restaurant next door had harsh fluorescent lighting that interrupted the otherwise lovely ambiance. But once the food hit the table, we barely noticed.
Taverna Antonio is the kind of place you remember—not just for the food, but for the heart behind it. If you’re in Ischia, make a reservation. You’ll be lucky to get in.