Capodiferro: Fish Restaurant and Lake Views in Genzano

Combining nature, a refined modern design and a dose of romantic enchantment, Capodiferro completes  its identity with an elegant and artful fish menu. Located on the edge of Genzano di Roma town, the restaurant hangs on the crater lip of Lake Nemi, offering a 180° unobstructed view over the lake all the way to the neighboring town of Nemi.

Chef Salvatore and his sommelier wife Pamela are friendly and welcoming hosts who offer suggestions on the menu and extensive wine list; many wines are from Lazio, including my Jacobini IGP Lazio white wine.  I have been here on numerous occasions—from celebrating a romantic anniversary dinner with my husband, to impressing international journalists and showing out of town visitors the beautiful offerings of the area.

The menu is fish based; it offers a welcome alternative to the typical dishes of the Castelli Romani.  I would recommend their tasting menu for the full experience,  but ordering a la carte works  just as well if you don't want to go all in.

Tasting menu appetizers

You are welcomed with their homemade bread sticks, fresh bread and their olive oil. For starters you can order a selection of antipasti cotti  (cooked) or crudi (raw) fish or their baccalà ( cod) mouse with violet potato chips.  One of my favorite pasta dishes is the Bottoni stuffed pasta with prawns, candied lemon and marjoram.  Fresh fish can be grilled, as well as served Tempura style.

Crudo  appetizers

The palate cleansing, pre-dessert sorbet is a refined touch, and not to miss is the rose scented sponge cake  served with cream and local, wild, mini fragoline (strawberries ) from Nemi (pictured below).  

The lake is visible from the outside patio, as well as from inside the restaurant: The main dining room is enhanced by large glass panels, which offer much light and panoramic views. On a clear evening,  you can catch the sky hues change from pale blue to bright pinks and oranges, all the way to midnight blue as the sun goes down over the lake. In springtime, the beautiful wisteria decorates the outside.

The price is above the average costs for restaurants in the area, but the quality/price ratio is excellent (eg. Tasting menu 60€-70€).  Their full menu  with costs, can be found on their website.  Booking recommended.

Capodiferro
Via Fratelli Cervi, 1, 00045 Genzano di Roma RM
tel +39 06 9337 6332
www.ristorantecapodiferro.it/