Inspired by the idyllic Italian island of Capri, Mr. Capri brings the flavors of the surrounding coasts to New York City’s West Village. The 75-seat restaurant fulfills a lifelong dream of Capri-natives owner Alessandro “Ale” Passante and his brother Mario Passante, who serves as culinary director. The four Passante brothers grew up in Capri working at their family cafe and restaurant, where their mother was the chef, and their father was a local paparazzi and photographer. Specializing in regional cuisine from Capri, the restaurant offers seafood, pasta and seasonal dishes alongside a creative cocktail program and extensive wine list anchored on wines from Campania.
The decor by Studio Valerius will be bright and airy with nods to the legendary island beauty and decor elements imported from Capri.
Alessandro “Ale” Passante,
OWNER/OPERATOR
Alessandro Passante is owner / operator of Mr. Capri Restaurant and Bocca Cucina & Bar. Originally from the Island of Capri, he grew up with his three brothers working at their family café and restaurant, where their mother was the chef and their father was a local paparazzi photographer. “Ale” first came to the US in 1997 for one summer before returning to Capri, then realized New York was calling him and returned the following year. He has spent the last 24 years working in restaurant hospitality in New York at Naima Restaurant, Onda, Nisi Restaurant, Swine, and Sant Ambroeus.
Mario Passante,
CULINARY DIRECTOR
Mario Passante, who learned how to cook from his mother and Nonna Carmela in Capri, works with his culinary team to transform family recipes into the menu at Mr. Capri. The family restaurant Tavernetta 'Namari opened in 1994 in Capri, and Mario was assigned to the front of the house, while his interest in the kitchen continued to grow. In 1998 he moved to Buenos Aires to help a friend from Capri open a restaurant, and between 2015 and 2021, he worked as a private chef including events at the Mackintosh house and at various culinary consulting jobs, gaining experience in different kitchens. In 2021, he joined Alessandro at Bocca, where he worked with the current chef to create new seasonal dishes.
Cristina Bini,
MIXOLOGIST
Originally from Florence (Tuscany), Cristina Bini is an award-winning mixologist. She has won acclaim in the U.S. and Italy for her creative approach to cocktails and loves experimenting with new flavors, often making her own infusions using vegetables, herbs and other exciting ingredients beyond the typical fruit and juices. She initially studied at Florence’s Academy of Fine Arts and worked for many years at the Fusion Bar in Ferragamo's Gallery Art Hotel in Florence, foundations for her inventive approach. She has built cocktail programs at numerous New York City establishments. One of her specialties is making “liquid cuisine,” such as her La Sirene cocktail that is a martini with a different sophisticated twist–an anchovy garnish and a breadcrumb-and-butter rim.
