Insider's Guide: Capri with Amedeo Scognamiglio

“Summer in my memories is only about Capri,” says jewelry designer Amedeo Scognamiglio. Every year, his family would spend the season on the island. “For us Neapolitans, Capri is our Hamptons,” he explains. “It’s a natural five-star resort, designed by Roman emperors and run by local people in a family style.”

Scognamiglio moved to New York with his partner, the late designer Roberto Faraone Mennella, in 2000. They would go on to launch their brands Faraone Mennella and AMEDEO together, gaining international attention—and partnerships with Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Harrods—after prominent appearances on Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Yet no matter how busy he was, Scognamiglio always felt the pull of Capri. So when he and Roberto were looking to open outposts of their boutiques outside of New York, the location was an easy decision: Capri. “Nothing compares to this heavenly mix of culture, mythology, luxury, history and glamor...The island has become my home.”

Here, Scognamiglio shares his recommendations on the island, including the best boutiques, classic dinner spots and local finds.

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer to start planning a safe and meaningful trip to Italy—this year and beyond. Our team can provide information on destination requirements, hotel policies and insurance options, transportation and much more.

Amedeo Scognamiglio’s Guide to Capri

When you approach Capri from Napoli on the boat, you will see this ‘sleeping lion’ shape rock appearing in front of your eyes. You immediately realize you have just started an evocative journey half way between mythology and la dolce vita.”

The Best Shops in Capri “Capri is blessed with both super luxury brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dolce&Gabbana, etc. for the most consummate shopper) but also, and especially, for its local fashion and accessories boutiques attracting the most chic and sophisticated clientele of the world,” he says. Some of his favorites:

For women’s resort wear and accessories: Eco Capri, Laboratorio, La Grua, La Parisienne and SUD For men’s and women’s linen clothing and accessories: 100% Capri, Autori Capresi For jewelry: Grazia e Marica Vozza For chic knitwear and textiles: Farella For men’s swimsuits: Bluemint

The Perfect Lunch in Capri “Torre Saracena, in Marina Piccola, is a charming beach club and restaurant run by the same family for generations. The view, the breeze, the sound of the waves on the rocks, the eclectic crowd of Neapolitan and international clients, the beautiful walk to get there...It all makes it special, but the real winner is their famous patate e piselli pasta, served in old-school pots, which should be a national treasure.”

The view from Torre Saracena. Courtesy Amedeo Scognamiglio

Run by the third generation of the same family, Aurora really is the hot spot...Mia, the owner, is like an orchestra conductor trying to find a table for everyone and greeting all the returning clients—from Beyoncé and Mariah Carey to Giorgio Armani and Bernard Arnault—like old friends. Her husband Franco is the Chef extraordinaire. The menu offers a sophisticated take on Italian classics. The cellar is like an art gallery of fine and rare wines. It’s a must visit!”

The Local’s Favorite “When I want to surprise friends and clients, I take them to Le Grottelle. It's a 20-minute walk up the hill from the main square, but you see a dream in front of your eyes: a beautiful terrace under little old-school lights, dining al fresco overlooking Sorrento and Positano from afar. The menu is very local, family-style, such as classic homemade pastas, grilled chicken or eggplant parmigiana, all cooked by the family chefs (who happen to be a grandmother and her niece, everyone else working there is family, too). Best time to book? When it's a full moon—pure poetry!”

The Can’t-Miss Moment in Capri “Coming back from a beach day at around 6:00 p.m. and sitting in one of the four cafés of the Piazzetta for a pre-dinner aperitivo. It makes you feel like part of a 1950s movie, experiencing what Fellini meant when he first coined the expression ‘La Dolce Vita.’”

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer to start planning a safe and meaningful trip to Italy—this year and beyond. Our team can provide information on destination requirements, hotel policies and insurance options, transportation and much more.