Imagine this: you’re transported to ancient Pompeii, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era. This isn’t a dream; it’s a reality at Caupona Restaurant!
Caupona, meaning “tavern” in Latin, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a time machine that whisks you back nearly 2,000 years to the heart of ancient Roman life. Just a short stroll from the Pompeii archaeological site, this magical eatery allows you to immerse yourself in history, from the flavors of ancient cuisine to the very atmosphere of the era.
A Taste of Antiquity
Stepping into the courtyard, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a Roman domus (house). The peristyle garden is meticulously recreated, with every detail carefully studied and reproduced. A gentle fountain cascades in the center, surrounded by flourishing cypress, fig, lemon, and olive trees, their branches interwoven with fragrant herbs and vines. Ancient music wafts through the air, and graffiti, price lists, and electoral writings adorn the walls, bringing the past to life. Dressed in period costumes, the staff welcomes you with warmth and hospitality, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The interior of Caupona continues to enchant the senses. Frescoes on the walls, meticulously reproduced in the vibrant colors and imagery of Pompeii’s golden age, transport you back in time. Candlelit tables are adorned with terracotta dishes, goblets, and amphorae, while waiters in period costume complete the authentic ambiance. You can even dress up in a Roman costume to fully immerse yourself in the experience!
A Dream Realized
The brainchild of Nello Petrucci, an artist and scenographer, and Francesco Di Martino, a food enthusiast, Caupona was born from their deep love for ancient Pompeii. As children, they would often explore the archaeological site, pondering on what it would be like to breathe the air of antiquity and experience the customs, traditions, and flavors of this once-thriving city.
Nello and Francesco dreamed of creating a place where visitors could continue their journey into the past after leaving the archaeological site. They wanted to breathe life into ancient Pompeii by recreating the authentic atmosphere in a modern setting, allowing guests to savour the forgotten tastes of antiquity. After years of meticulous research into ancient Roman history and food, their dream became a reality with the opening of Caupona Restaurant in 2016.
A Journey Through Ancient Flavors
At Caupona, you’ll savor the authentic dishes of ancient Rome, inspired by the renowned cookbook “De RE Coquinaria” by Marco Gavio Apicio, a prominent gastronomic expert of the Imperial era. These delicious and wholesome dishes feature the popular ingredients of the time:
- Vegetables: cabbage, dark leafy greens, chicory
- Legumes: beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils
- Grains: millet, farrow, barley
- Fruits: figs, pears, apples, berries, peaches, dates, olives
- Nuts: walnuts, almonds, pine nuts
- Seafood: sea bream, anchovies, mussels, shrimp
- Meats: pork, beef, chicken
- Dairy: eggs, milk, cheese
- Sweeteners: honey
- Spices & Herbs: exotic spices and aromatic herbs
Two menus await you at Caupona: the “menu of Apicio,” which offers a tasting of original ancient dishes, creatively revived with a modern touch, or the traditional menu featuring the typical dishes of the Campania region, subtly infused with the flavors of antiquity. To complete your culinary journey, you can enjoy the wines favored by the Romans, such as Pomepianorum, Fralernum, and “Mulsum,” a delightful aperitif made with white wine, honey, ginger, pepper, bay leaf, and other seasonal spices.
A Magical Dining Experience
Caupona Restaurant is an unforgettable dining experience that will delight your senses and transport you to another time! You’ll be served history and food, wine and excitement as you travel back to ancient Pompeii and savor the forgotten tastes of antiquity.
Here are a few examples of the dishes you can enjoy:
- Libum of Catone: An ancient Roman bread made with sheep’s milk ricotta, flour, and egg, topped with bitter greens and pine nuts, and lightly drizzled with honey.
- Chard brewed with Oriental spices: Hard-boiled egg with black sesame.
- Epityrium (olive spread): Made with black olives and fennel.
- Ossobuco marinated in Falenum wine: With cabbage, leek, apples, coriander, laurel, and rosemary.
Caupona Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12 noon to 5 PM and 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
