The chef of Don Alfonso 1890 shares the story of a family legacy that has reached the highest levels of excellence in both hospitality and fine dining
A story of memory and identity. A place where the pace slows, marking every moment, and beauty opens its doors. A place where every single detail preserves the memory of an authentic time.
Welcome to Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, home to Don Alfonso 1890, on the stunning Sorrentine Peninsula. Here, the Iaccarino family has created a jewel of exclusivity, weaving tradition with the essence of a contemporary vision.
Chef Ernesto Iaccarino and his brother Mario represent the latest generation in a family story that began with their grandfather and was carried forward by their parents.
Today, the thread that runs through their remarkable journey can be summed up in a single word: authenticity. Do you agree? “Absolutely. We’re deeply connected to the legacy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and southern Italy. What sets Don Alfonso apart is also its design: a historic 19th-century Neapolitan home whose identity we wanted to preserve while transforming it into a modern space.”
The most recent renovation focused especially on sustainability. “It was a comprehensive challenge, involving all façades and interiors, led by architect Fabrizia Frezza, and the garden, redesigned by architect Filippo Marsigli.”
Ernesto also holds a degree in Economics and Business from Bocconi University. Has that helped in managing restaurants worldwide? “Definitely. But what’s really helped me is the human side, my ability to engage with people on every level. When your partners are top-level international figures, and you’re able to connect over a wide range of subjects, it becomes much easier to build meaningful relationships.”
Visiting Don Alfonso means slowing down, in close contact with nature and evocative design… “It’s all true. At 450 metres above sea level, suspended between the coasts and gulfs of Naples and Salerno, guests find a natural gym for the body and the soul.” An experience that brings the magnetism of an unparalleled landscape to your plate.
The interview continues on DENTROCASA on newsstands and online.
Project Director RITA BAIGUERA
Graphic Designer CRISTINA ZANACCHI
Stefania Vitale
Caporedattrice
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