There are places where cuisine and landscape seem to speak the same language. At Al Faretto, overlooking the shimmering waters of Naples, this dialogue becomes an integral part of the dining experience. On one side lies the magnificent seascape; on the other, a kitchen that brings the aromas and flavours of the Neapolitan tradition to the table, interpreted through a contemporary lens.
We spoke with the restaurant’s manager, Giuseppe D’Agostino, who described the vision behind the project: a concept both straightforward and ambitious.
The goal is to create an outstanding restaurant founded on premium-quality ingredients and a distinctive culinary identity, without succumbing to passing trends or excessive experimentation. Neapolitan tradition remains the cornerstone of the menu, while innovation is introduced with elegance and restraint through presentation, flavour pairings, and plating techniques.
Alongside him are Giancarmine Cotugno, the restaurant’s owner, and Executive Chef Raffaele D’Alessio, both committed to crafting an experience that celebrates not only the cuisine itself but everything that surrounds it.
The restaurant’s privileged location provides a stunning backdrop that accompanies every moment of the visit, transforming a meal into a fully immersive sensory experience. The sea view becomes a natural extension of the kitchen: the beauty observed beyond the windows mirrors the beauty presented on the plate, each enhancing the other.
The sea is unquestionably the protagonist of Al Faretto’s culinary offering. The decision to focus exclusively on seafood stems from a desire to showcase products of the highest quality, carefully selected and sourced through access to certified suppliers and premium ingredients.
At the heart of this philosophy lies a balance between excellence and accessibility. The aim is to work with exceptional products without allowing quality to become something exclusive or unattainable.
The result is a seafood cuisine that requires no excesses to leave a lasting impression, relying instead on carefully chosen ingredients, harmonious combinations, and the ability to transform dining into an experience.
The journey begins with the Seafood Risotto, a rich and generous composition featuring squid, cuttlefish, octopus, prawns, shellfish, and langoustine. It is a tribute to the most authentic maritime tradition, where the diversity of the catch takes centre stage in a dish deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture.
More delicate and aromatic is the Chargrilled Amberjack, served on a citrus-infused potato velouté and accompanied by semi-dried datterino tomatoes. The charcoal grilling enhances the fish’s natural character, while the accompanying elements bring freshness and refined contrasts to the dish.
Amberjack also returns in the Amberjack Sashimi with Andalusian gazpacho, where exceptional raw ingredients meet international inspiration, resulting in a dish that feels both fresh and contemporary.
Striking a balance between tradition and creativity are the Lime-Infused Swordfish Meatballs, coated in crisp panko breadcrumbs and served on a fondue of Agerola provola cheese. A combination that brings together the delicacy of the fish, the satisfying crunch of the coating, and the distinctive character of one of Campania’s most emblematic dairy products.
Rounding off the selection is the Creamed Salt Cod, accompanied by crispy polenta crostini and a velvety pumpkin purée. A dish that plays with textures and contrasts while keeping at its heart an ingredient deeply rooted in Italy’s gastronomic heritage.
Complementing the culinary offering is a carefully curated wine list, designed to provide a wide range of choices and pair seamlessly with the many interpretations of seafood cuisine.
Pride of place is given to Italian labels, representing every region of the country and complemented by a selection of international wines. Particular attention is devoted to sparkling wines, with a collection ranging from Prosecco and Franciacorta to prestigious Champagnes. The white wine selection spans some of Italy’s most renowned wine-producing regions, from Veneto and Friuli to Trentino and Tuscany, while also embracing a number of distinguished French labels.
For its water service, Al Faretto has chosen the purity and lightness of San Benedetto Millennium Water, appreciated not only for its quality but also for the elegance of its bottle. Its understated design and neutral colour palette blend naturally into the table setting, harmonising with both the surrounding seascape and the presentation of the dishes.
At Al Faretto, it is a detail that completes the picture: outstanding cuisine, breathtaking views, impeccable professionalism, and an elegant bottle gracing the table. Because when every element exists in perfect harmony, even a dinner can become an experience worth remembering.
