Ischia help requested

[salsadoc]

Hi CH folks. My DH and I will be in Ischia mid-May for 6 days. Looking for recs on where to and (not to ) eat. I will be 5 months pregnant... looking for good and clean places - organic when possible. Low-mid/moderate range in price no $$$$$ places.... we'll save that for a splurge on my bday in Rome.

Have checked the forums for Rome and Firenze recommendations and have to say I am a bit overwhelmed :-) So many differing opinions...

THANKS!!!!

[erica]

I wrote this a few years back, but expect that the restaurants I visited are still there. Much of the restaurants produce is grown in the volcanic soil of the island so should be of exceptional quality, if not organic. (Although I did have rather poor tomatoes in a Caprese salad at one establlshment, noted in the report below; In my experience, purely organic restaurants are few and far between in southern Italy, at least in the areas I've visited)

One key here is the location of your hotel/apartment; are you willing to travel to other locations to dine and if not, where are you staying? The bus routes cover much of the island and it is easy to rent a car.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/677585

[salsadoc]

Erica, Thank you so much for your reply!!!! We will be staying by ischia porto - but totally willing to tour around the island and scope things out over our 6 days there. Especially for something special. Not sure about day trips, that's a possibility - to Pompeii and/or Amalfi. Aside from a few places mentioned in your report, it seems like the remainder of your meals were not so memorable. I was hoping for a nice market to grab fruit and sandwiches for day trips to the beach. I saw you mentioned one. Any other tips on the island? Thanks so much!!! We're going to be there mid-May... getting excited.
I will post a recap report once we get back stateside...
Jo

[erica]

You will find food shops in Ischia Porto..there is a cluster at the end of the commercial district closest to the port, along Via Roma and its side streets. There was a good "gastronomia" on Via delle Terme, but I seem to have failed to jot down the address. There is also a daily public market in that area. Ischia Ponte also has a range of food shops, bakeries, etc.

I did not write up many places because I generally do not eat lunch, so did not have too many sit-down meals on the island. Note that I had two dinners at Da Peppina and I urge you to go there, despite the trek by bus and the very steep walk up the hill from the bus stop. (you could take a taxi from Porto, but taxis are expensive on the island). Il Limoneto was also very good and also entails a bus ride and a walk, but the walk from the bus is fairly level in this case.

Il Focolare always gets mentioned as a restaurant highlight, especially as a place to try the famous local rabbit, but you might need a car, or to take a taxi. http://www.trattoriailfocolare.it/

There was a vending truck parked at the bus stop above San Angelo when we visited. He also sold honeys and a few other seasonal food items.

There is a lot to see on the island, and with 6 days you might not want to take any off-island trips, except perhaps to Procida (I did not have time to do that).

I'll be very interested in your thoughts once you return! And happy to offer any help before you depart!

[salsadoc]

Erica, Thank you again for your generous help! It is much appreciated. All of your tips are quite helpful. Any must sees/dos on the island? I've read of the major attractions... like you said, lots to take in. Favorite beach spot?
Jo

[erica]

We did not have great weather, so beach time was very limited. But we did spend one memorable afternoon at Negombo, which despite the clouds, was one of the best days of the week! A fantasy of warm pools, grottoes, fountains--all linked by meandering paths winding through lots of greenery. You can eat there but we did not. The beach there is exquisite..set in a cove between rocky headlands.

La Mortella shold also be on your list, but you probably already know that. You should spend a morning in Ischia Ponte, wandering around and ferreting out the various little food shops.

Carla Capalbo's food and wine guide to Campania has good information on the island.

http://carlacapalbo.com/books/

[salsadoc]

Thanks again!!!! Will keep you posted :-)

[vinoroma]

I usually would never send someone from chow to tripadvisor, but in this case it might be helpful: on the roman forum of trip advisor there is a user called abritinischia and i think he is qualified to give you good advice. Note that you should either contact him directly or post on the ischia forum to attract his attention, not on the rome forum.

[salsadoc]

Vinoroma,
Thank you for your suggestion. TA did have some tips on Ischia as well. Will keep on the lookout on that message board too.
Much appreciated.
Jo