Overview

La Cantinola di Zio Jack, nestled high on Via Santa Maria al Monte in Forio, Italy, offers more than just a meal—it delivers a full sensory journey into the heart of Ischia’s culinary tradition. This rustic restaurant, set among sprawling grapevines and boasting panoramic island views especially stunning at sunset, creates an enchanting atmosphere that complements its authentic menu.

The standout dishes reflect a deep connection to local heritage and seasonal ingredients. Noteworthy are the rabbit-based specialties: Coniglio All'ischitana and Bucatini Al Ragù Di Coniglio Ischitano, which showcase tender local rabbit slow-cooked with robust, traditional flavors. Another highlight, the Pasta E Patata, presents a humble yet satisfying combination of pasta with potatoes, offering a filling, heartwarming experience. For those who enjoy a rich antipasto, the Antipasto Del Contadino paired with curated local salumi and cheeses, alongside fried vegetables and bruschette, frames a true farmer’s table—simple, fresh, and grounding.

The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond its food. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness create a welcoming environment, enhancing the intimate dining experience. Guests appreciate the seamless shuttle service the restaurant offers from Forio, a necessity given its hilltop location that is otherwise difficult to reach by foot. This thoughtful touch shows attentiveness to the overall guest journey, transforming logistics into part of the charm.

La Cantinola di Zio Jack also takes pride in producing its own wine and cultivating fresh vegetables on-site, ensuring every plate tells a story of terroir and tradition. This connection to the land is palpable in the vibrant flavors and the genuine rustic ambiance. The setting, paired with a menu that highlights local ingredients like rabbit and fresh produce, positions the restaurant as a prime destination for lovers of authentic Italian countryside cuisine.

Perfect for couples seeking a romantic evening or travelers yearning for a true taste of Ischia’s culinary roots, this cantina-style eatery stands out for its harmony of food, place, and service. The experience from the moment you arrive until the last bite resembles more a heartfelt invitation into the island’s culture than just a night out.


Amenities & Services

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Late-night food
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

What Customers Say

Regon Aavik
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Food was amazing and so is the view. When reserving a table call them, they will come and pick you up on a shuttle from Forio. 3 course meal for 2 was around 80€.
Alex Moore
Dec 11,2025
5/5
The experience was so perfect from start to finish. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier, the food was divine, the location was magical. This was the best meal we ate in Ischia. Have your hotel call the restaurant and ask them about their shuttle service, it is the only way you can get there you can’t walk up the hill - we tried and it almost killed us..! We had our hotel drop us at the ‘meeting point’ and the restaurant shuttle picked us up from there. They also make their own wine which was very good quality, and they grow their own ingredients. Delicious fresh vegetables complemented every dish. It is the true Ischia cantina experience! For me the best thing was the rabbit pizza :) but you should also try the pasta with potato, it is very filling though.
Nicolas Bngz
Dec 11,2025
5/5
My favorite restaurant on the island. You eat among the grappe vine, the place is very romantic especially during the sunset. Lovely staff and the food is just incredible. The best I tasted here. Well done !
Kamil Gracki
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Located very high. Very nice view of an island. Good food. No fish as a main dish
Kuba Carda
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Really amazing experience. Highly recommended, great food, staff and view when you get there. Make sure to book in advance like 2 weeks (we were lucky to get in on a short notice). The ride to the restaurant is quite an experience (super steep hill, the restaurant comes to pick you up and drive you there with their jeeps free of charge). Here's the menu https://tumblerice.webnode.it/l/menu-cantinola-di-zio-jack/ You can get to Forio by bus if you're not accomodated there, and walk like 500m to the pickup destination. Taxi is insanely expensive in Ischia 3km ride 25-30€ and our experience of booking a day in advance hasn't been reliable.
Paul Perrone
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Beautiful experience. Amazing food, wonderful atmosphere, incredible views and sunset. Perfect evening in Ischia.
Scott Millstein
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Don’t miss this place. I could have left happy after we got the antipasti platter which is exactly the dish you dreamed of eating when you first thought of traveling to Italy. Rest of the meal was fantastic too. All the dishes are made with ingredients from their farm so not only delicious but fresh. And that view! Pro tip: ask your cab to come back and take you home after dinner. The restaurant will shuttle you up and down but drops you in the middle of Forio and you won’t want to go hunting for a taxi after that wonderful dining experience.
Maria A.S.
Dec 11,2025
5/5
This place, the food and the staff all deserves a 5 stars. I would recommend to make a reservation also because they pick you up down so that you don't have to walk or go with your private car up as it is quite steep. The food is really delicious, one of the best parmigiana that I have ever had. Let yourself recommend by the waiters, but all that it is in the menu will be worth to try!!

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