The scent of lemons fills the air as Da Paolino Capri—the iconic restaurant nestled in a lush lemon grove on the island—arrives in Rome for a limited time, bringing the soul of the Mediterranean to the Orient Express La Minerva Hotel. It’s a meeting of iconic places and kindred spirits: on one side, the magic of Capri; on the other, the timeless elegance of Rome. For the coming months, La Minerva will host an exclusive menu by Paolino Capri, featuring dishes inspired by Mediterranean tradition. Available seven days a week until April 26, from lunch through late evening, Paolino Capri for Orient Express La Minerva—at the helm of the Roman hotel is the expert direction of Simone Giorgi—invites guests to slow down, savour the moment, and be transported by the flavours, aromas, and evocative atmosphere of a lemon grove suspended between sea and city.
A shared philosophy
At La Minerva Bar, located in the hotel’s lobby, yellow and green take center stage in an immersive setting. The space transforms into a bright and welcoming corner where the light seems to filter through lemon trees, creating a visual dialogue with the gentle rhythm of life in Capri. Every detail is designed to evoke the Mediterranean summer: handpicked ceramic pieces by Lino of Da Paolino and crafted by Caprese artist Sergio Rubino adorn the tables with artisanal elegance, telling a story of nature, tradition, and colour. The environment encourages conviviality and slowness, turning every meal into a complete sensory experience that engages sight, smell, and taste.
The flavour of Capri, reimagined in Rome
The culinary journey begins with dishes that instantly evoke the lemon grove atmosphere of Capri. Among the standout starters are Da Paolino’s grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves and the famous Bomba Paolino with fresh tomato and basil—dishes that celebrate simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Pasta takes center stage with Caprese Ravioli and Lemon Fettuccine with Sicilian red prawns, where technique and freshness come together in perfect balance. The menu also features seafood dishes, grilled meats scented with rosemary and lemon, and the great desserts of Southern Italy: from Torta Caprese to Delizia al Limone with wild strawberries, and Pastiera Napoletana. All of it paired with Paolino’s signature Limoncello, which closes the meal on a citrusy, lingering note.
Signature cocktails: Capri in a glass
To complete the experience, La Minerva Bar offers a selection of signature cocktails that turn the essence of Capri into a liquid journey. Essenza di Capri captures the citrus notes of limoncello with a mix of Altamura Vodka, citrus cordial, cucumber, and Italian bubbles—light and refreshing. La Dolce Isola pays aromatic tribute to basil and citron, featuring Tanqueray Ten and Venturo Aperitivo Mediterraneo, designed to evoke sunsets and sea breeze. Each cocktail is crafted as a sensory trip that amplifies the project’s Mediterranean identity, encouraging slow sipping and a dive into the island’s dreamy mood. Capri 360’s favourite? Without a doubt, Giardino Segreto, with Casamigos Blanco, pink grapefruit and cardamom sherbet, lime, Perrier, and tajín salt.
The story of Da Paolino
Just a short walk from the marina in the heart of Capri, Da Paolino began as a humble family gathering spot and, over time, has become one of the island’s most enchanting icons thanks to the vision of host Lino De Martino, along with Arianna and Michela. Famous for its spectacular lemon garden, it offers an intimate and atmospheric setting where Caprese hospitality and culinary tradition coexist in perfect harmony. The kitchen honours fresh ingredients and local recipes, telling the story of the Mediterranean through authentic flavours and intense aromas. Dining here means immersing yourself in a magical setting of dappled light and greenery-covered tables. This iconic venue has also captivated numerous international celebrities, drawn to its effortless elegance and timeless charm, making it a top choice for weddings and exclusive parties. The Roman collaboration is a natural extension of this philosophy: bringing the essence of Capri beyond the island, without losing its soul.
