Trattoria Il Focolare

We recently dined at a charming restaurant in the mountains of Ischia, highly recommended by locals. The experience was delightful, marked by exceptional service that was both friendly and warm. Francesco, our waiter, was notably attentive; he even noticed my struggle with a restaurant sticker and thoughtfully provided a replacement. Sylvia, another staff member, was equally helpful and amiable. She guided us through the menu, recommending a stellar mix of appetizers that I would suggest trying blindly for their uniqueness. The highlight of our meal was their top-selling dish, “Coniglio alla Ischitana,” which was simply exquisite. We ended our meal with a Crostata al Limone, a nostalgic treat that reminded me of my childhood. This restaurant combines beautiful ambiance with excellent food and wonderful people, making it one of my all-time favorites. I highly recommend a visit!

What a truly unique dining experience. Fine food and service by an entire team who take great pride in what they do. They truly want you to feel the passion they have for their restaurant and commitment to the food and atmosphere of Ischia.

We've eaten at some great restaurants around the world, ⁸but this one tops them all. From the genuinely warm welcome on arrival, the amazing food, thoughtful wine recommendations, attention to detail and PASSION that comes through in every carefully orchestrated move confirms that you are in the hands and hearts of professionals. Treasured memories forever. Regards Carl and Gabrielle.

Wow!! This place was an absolute gem! Spacious, clean and wonderful staff. No A/C. Our group ended up trying nearly everything on the menu and it was an absolute amazing feast. Family operated business which I have no doubt will continue to thrive!

Unmissable. Had a selection of small dishes followed by the famous Ischian rabbit. Loved the parmesan aubergine and mushrooms with cheese and truffle. The rabbit was tender and flavoursome with deliciously rich tomatoes. Just had room for some left for lemon tart which was creamy, zesty and sweet. Nestled in the hills, offering beautiful views from a homely setting. Warm and friendly service. Definitely keen to visit again on our next trip. Reservation recommended, we booked lunch with the kids and had the whole place to ourselves but was closed the day before and can be busy in evenings. Accessible by no. 16 bus from Casamicciola.

We had such a special night here!! This family run restaurant is so charming and full of life and love. Everyone is beyond welcoming and nice that it felt like we had been regulars. The food was incredible and the surprise tour at the end was the cherry on top. Cannot wait to return!

Bit of a trip up the mountain to get there but we'll worth it. It's no wonder Stanley Tucci went there too. Known for their meat and the island's traditional rabbit dish, this place does not disappoint. You can even take a quick tour/look at the kitchen, meet the chefs and see their wine cellar carved into the mountain. We were the last customers, so not sure if this is done also during peak rush hour dinner. But it's a lovely place and ambient and food. Highly recommend for a special night iut.

First time eating Coniglio all'Ischitana and was so delicious. Glad we tried it here. If you are in Ischia, try the dish from here! Book in advance as it takea couple of hours to cook.

The restaurant has a great family history and many celebrities visited across the years.

Lovely experience in a proud, fairly priced, and family owned restaurant. You can call the restaurant and make a reservation (in English) upfront.

I would recommend the mixed antipasti and the house wine, in addition to the famous rabbit (which we didn’t order but most tables did). The mixed starter is comprised of seven different vegetarian dishes, including a mushroom/pecorino/truffle cream, melanzana alle parmigiana, and zucchini flowers. The house wine was exceptionally good, which might have to do with the fact that the restaurant is located on top of a 200 year old winery.

Afterwards, the eldest of the eight children (of which five were working that night) took us down to the wine cellar and kitchen, a thing which I believe they do for all tourists.

There was also a bus stop but we took a taxi, which was a bit of a setback as drivers on this island generally charge you an arm and a leg.

Everything was super fantastic, you have to go there and try their food, and enjoy the super friendly service. Amazing experience🥰

Fantastic experience! Best restaurant on the island . The family that run it were very welcoming and gave us a great memory to finish our island stay!

Thank you !

A "must see" location, pristine presentation, and a menu that is both creative and succulent. There is a reason Stanley Tucci singled-out Il Focolare on Ischia. ps: the wine cellar is a treat!

Most memorable evening in Italy! We loved every moment of this restaurant. The food was incredible and the chef was wonderful. This gem has been a family run business for 200 years. We will never forget this special dinner!

One person in our group had seen this on Stanley Tucci. One of the best meals we have ever had. Simply fabulous. Each dish was exquisite. We even got a tour of the wine cellars cut into the limestone going back in family history. The family is simply great and make you feel like they have invited you in their home and not a restaurant.

Must stop if you are in Ischia and want great (sorry, no, amazing) local good made with the freshest ingredients. Add the warmth and service of the family and you sure have a winning combination!! Grazie per tutti!!

Excellent food, living up to its billing on Stanley Tucci's show. The rabbit was very good, but the antipasto selection was phenomenal (if very, very large). A must-visit if you are in Ischia and can get a reservation.

Visiting Il Focolare was like stepping into a delightful culinary haven. The traditional Ischia rabbit dinner was, without a doubt, fantastic. Every bite hinted at age-old recipes passed down through generations. The family atmosphere enveloped us in warmth and comfort, making the dining experience reminiscent of a gathering at a close relative's home. The service was impeccable, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. What truly stands out, though, are the people - their passion for authentic cuisine and their genuine hospitality shine through. A must-visit when in Ischia!

Absolutely amazing experience.
Authentic family run restaurant where the family values are really shown through their food and their service. Have been to many many restaurants of all kind and have rarely received such top level hospitality.
Their speciality is the rabbit which I highly recommend.
It must be said that the food is EXCEPTIONAL!
At the end of the dinner we were introduced to the chefs and taken to their 150+ year old natural wine cellar to be told the story of the restaurant. Once again have rarely received such level of customer experience and is a restaurant to NOT MISS for anyone who visits Ischia!

We absolutely adored this place - it was the best restaurant during our Italy trip so far. The food varied a lot (we took the antipasto) and each dish left is positively surprised. Our host recommended the place to us and it was definitely worth the drive (we rented a Moto and drove there ourselves).

This restaurant offers amazing food and service, well worth the price. The atmosphere alludes comfort and quality indicative of a family-owned and operated establishment. From what I understand the menu changes seasonally, we had the antipasto which had the depth and variety of the menu, in short, it was an easy way to sample everything and everything was delicious! The blending of flavors was exquisite (example: fennel with citrus or fried risotto with lemon) without an excessive use of salt. The location seems pretty although we went in winter so probably it's nicer during the summer. It's easy to access with a car. Highly recommend!