Caponata

Caponata in Katsura serves authentic Italian cooking in an unpretentious atmosphere, ranging from antipasti to pizza and pasta. The owner-chef handles the kitchen single-handedly, dialing in the seasonings of each dish precisely to produce bold, distinct flavors that pair effortlessly with a drink.

At midday, lunch sets cater to different occasions and appetites, starting with the straightforward Lunch A featuring pasta of the day alongside bread and salad, moving up to Lunch B with appetizers and dessert, and Lunch C, which extends all the way to a main course. The à la carte menu is well stocked for sharing, with selections such as classic Margherita pizza, prosciutto-and-salad pizza, seafood pescatore, and hearty risottos loaded with ingredients.

Evenings lend themselves to lingering over a glass from the wine list alongside an assortment of antipasti or a warm mini cheese fondue. The full dinner courses pair an appetizer platter and the day's pasta with a choice of meat or fish, making them well suited for an engaging meal enjoyed dish by dish over conversation.

Seating is split between counter and table seats in a quiet, subdued dining room. Because the restaurant is run as a solo operation, serving times can stretch out during busier stretches, but it remains a rewarding choice when you want to settle in and savor Italian food at a measured pace, right through to homemade dessert and coffee.