Behind the Menu: The Story of Don Alfonso 1890's Culinary Evolution

Pork belly cooked at low temperature, sweet and sour sauce, chilli pepper, potato and carrot terrine

Recently, I had the opportunity to dine at Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant’Agata Sui Due Golfi, an iconic restaurant and boutique hotel in the Campania region near Sorrento. In a recent post, I mentioned that the restaurant closed for a season after 50 years to undergo significant structural renovations in pursuit of their dream of sustainability and a healthier planet for future generations.

Since 2011, I have been a loyal patron of Don Alfonso 1890, except during the COVID pandemic and restructuring periods. Every time I sit at the table and peruse the menu, I still feel excited. I was eager to discover Chef Ernesto Iaccarino's creations for Spring 2024.

Apart from an a la carte menu, the restaurant offers three tasting menus: La Tradizione/Traditional, Vegetariano/Vegetarian, and La Degustazione, which I opted for – a comprehensive menu featuring revamped signature dishes and new additions.

I shared my interview with Chef Iaccarino discussing his menu on my social media platforms in video format. Feel free to check them out here-

Part 1

Part 2

and Part 3

Personally, I'm looking forward to the summer- when their farm at Punta Campanella brings forth seasonal veggies like zucchini, eggplant and their prized tomatoes.

Are you with me??

Green Is the New Gourmet: How Don Alfonso 1890 is Redefining Sustainability in the Culinary World

Chef Ernesto Iaccarino
Don Alfonso 1890

Earth Day every day? You bet! That's the anthem of the Iaccarino family over at Don Alfonso 1890, nestled in the picturesque Sant'Agata Sui Due Golfi, a stone’s throw from Sorrento. Picture this: for half a century, these eco-warriors have been at the forefront of living sustainably. Their green initiatives even snagged them a coveted Green Michelin star, cozying right up next to the two Michelin stars their restaurant proudly flaunts. But hold the phone—by the end of 2022, they hit the pause button, deciding not to reopen for the 2023 season. Why? They set out on a mission to level up their green game even further. Yep, in a time when the hospitality world was just finding its feet after the pandemic, they made the bold move to forego not just business but those shiny Michelin stars too.

Fast forward to Spring 2024, and guess what? Don Alfonso 1890 is making a grand comeback. I got the scoop straight from Chef Ernesto Iaccarino, and let me tell you, their journey to being even greener is nothing short of epic.

So, here’s to making every day Earth Day, the Don Alfonso way! It's not just a motto; it's a lifestyle that’s paving the way for a greener, more sustainable world. And honestly, we’re all here for it. Welcome back, Don Alfonso 1890. We missed you, but we're totally digging your even greener vibe!