Ristorante Il Principe, Pompeii
On Piazza Bartolo Longo in the modern town, Il Principe has been reimagining ancient Roman cuisine since 1986 — think garum-spiked sauces, spelt dishes and honey-and-wine reductions drawn from Apicius's first-century cookbook, all executed with the precision of a serious contemporary kitchen. It is a genuinely unique dining experience that makes the archaeology taste-able.
What to order
The tasting menu dedicated to Roman recipes is the reason to come: dishes like laganum (the ancestor of lasagne) with a rich meat ragù, or sea bass with a myrtle-berry and defrutum (reduced grape must) sauce, are grounded in historical research and taste both ancient and alive.
For something more straightforward, the à la carte menu leans on the finest Campanian produce — buffalo mozzarella from Battipaglia, Cetara anchovies, and pasta made with locally milled flour. The spaghetti alle vongole is a benchmark version.
The wine list focuses on Campanian DOC labels, including Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio — wine made from grapes grown on volcanic soil since Roman times and the most atmospheric bottle you can order in this context.
Booking and atmosphere
The dining room is elegant without being stuffy — terracotta floors, warm lighting and reproductions of Pompeian frescoes create a backdrop that feels earned rather than themed.
Reservations are essential, especially from May to October; book at least a week ahead via their website or by phone. Lunch is generally quieter and slightly less expensive than dinner.
Budget roughly €55–80 per person for the Roman tasting menu with wine; the à la carte lunch with a carafe of house wine comes in around €35–45.
More of Pompeii (Campania)
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Pompeii (Campania) →
