Capri: "Da Paolino" restaurant license revoked

Capri – An earthquake is set to shake the blue island and the entire international restaurant scene. The Municipality of Capri has notified the revocation of the business license of one of its most famous and iconic establishments: the "Da Paolino" restaurant, the "temple of lemons" that has been a fixture of the global jet set for decades.

The decision, based on a heavy list of building violations, although it comes during the seasonal closure, is destined to cause a stir and call into question the future of a symbol of Capri hospitality.

The avalanche of contested abuses

The municipal order, which establishes the "forfeiture of commercial permits and the ban on continuing public business activities," refers to demolition orders issued by the Urban Planning Department last September.

These ordinances are the direct result of joint inspections by the Municipality and the Guardia di Finanza in early August, which led to the discovery of 19 building irregularities.

Among the illegal structures discovered at Via Palazzo a Mare, number 11, several structures stand out, either unconstructed or built without proper permits: Technical and Production Areas: A storage room with a ceiling height of approximately 2.83 meters and a floor area of ​​18,90 square meters. Areas intended for a pastry shop, dessert room, and gluten-free preparation area, with an average internal height of approximately 3 meters and a total floor area of ​​70 square meters.

Areas for preparing salads and storing raw products with an internal height of approximately 2 metres and 87 centimetres and a total surface area of ​​14,40 square metres.

Illegitimate Residential Unit

Also contested is the construction of a residential property at the back of the restaurant, with a surface area of ​​50 square metres and an average internal height of
approximately 2.40 metres for a net volume of approximately 120 cubic metres.

Aesthetic details under accusation

The list also includes work on pergolas, ornamental fountains, a fish pond, and the opening of an arch in the perimeter wall. All these works were carried out on a property subject to landscape restrictions, worsening the property's situation. The glamorous "Da Paolino" on Via Palazzo a Mare is no ordinary restaurant.

This famous venue, nestled in a charming citrus grove, has become an icon thanks to its unique atmosphere and the stellar clientele who have chosen it as their Capri retreat.

Countless celebrities have sat at its tables, including Tom Cruise, the Agnelli family, Michael Schumacher, Jim Belushi, Demi Moore, Michael Douglas, Edwige Fenech, and fashion designer Valentino, to name just a few of the most illustrious guests who have helped cement the restaurant's global reputation.

The defense: "We want to fix everything."

The initial orders had given three months to demolish all the illegal structures. Meanwhile, the revocation of the permit has exacerbated the situation. The measure can be appealed to the Regional Administrative Court (TAR).

Owner Michela De Martino, a third-generation member of the restaurant family, has expressed her desire to act in accordance with the law: "We are discussing with our lawyers what to do, but we want to resolve the situation in a manner compliant with the law," she told Corriere del Mezzogiorno, which reported the news today, confirming her intention to save the family's and Capri's symbol. The legal battle has only just begun, but the threat of demolition seriously threatens one of the island's most beloved and photographed corners.