Meet Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri

Words by
Corrado Lamanuzzi

11th August 2023

Zuma, the iconic izakaya restaurant, has landed in Capri for summer 2023, making it the place to see and be seen on this exclusive ands breathtaking Italian island. We catch five minutes with Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri, to find out more.

Zuma has landed on the glamorous island of Capri! Blessed with breathtaking panoramas of Ischia Island and the Gulf of Naples, its latest location is perched on the rooftop of the luxurious Capri Palace Jumeirah, situated in the picturesque town of Anacapri, and we have the inside scoop on how to maximise your time there with Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri.

Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri
Thee new Zuma is perched on the rooftop of the luxurious Capri Palace Jumeirah, situated in the picturesque town of Anacapri

Five Minutes with Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri

Right now, I’m... standing on our terrace looking over the Gulf of Naples and Ischia and watching the most breathtaking sunset. It really is one of the best views on the island.

Zuma is at Capri Palace Jumeirah, it felt like the right time to bring it to Capri because... we have had great success in Rome for several years and Sven, our CEO, believed it was the right time to open in locations that our guests take their holidays. As a result, last year we opened Porto Cervo and this year Capri! Italy has been very good to Zuma, long may that continue!

Anacapri is...the most authentic and unspoilt part of the island. It sits on one of the highest reaches of the island so makes for the best views.

Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri
Lobster sushi at Zuma Capri

Creating a beautiful nightlife experience is in my blood... I was born in Bisceglie in Puglia and I’ve been fascinated by the restaurant business for as long as I can remember. The role I have now at Zuma is one I have dreamed of since I was fifteen – I am operations director for Italy which means I oversee the three locations here. Zuma Capri is a very exciting new addition to the collection of restaurants, guests can expect the elements of Zuma that they know and love from our other locations – just with a Capri flavour.

Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri
Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma, Capri.

We chose to partner with Capri Palace Jumeirah because... the hotel has a reputation for great dining on the island, including Capri’s only two Michelin- starred restaurant L’Olivo. It also has the perfect location and a great rooftop where we could have the restaurant, giving unobstructed sea views.

Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri
Zuma in Capri makes use of the local Capri lemons for some of its signature dishes

The food is... classically Zuma but with a taste of Capri. Our signature dishes are of course available with highlights such as the marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf and roasted lobster with shiso ponzu butter. In addition to the classics, there are several dishes available exclusively at Zuma Capri, inspired by the famous Capri lemons, including sliced lobster with Capri lemon and oscietra caviar, Capri Lemon Mochi for dessert, and a refreshing Kakigori lemon cocktail.

My personal favourite dishes at Zuma Capri are... sliced lobster with Capri lemon and oscietra caviar.

For me, an evening at Zuma Capri is all about... enjoying great food and drink in a relaxed yet cool atmosphere with the best view in Capri and listening to great music.

We encourage all our guests to come with... glamour! Zuma is a destination that has it all - guests start their night with dinner and drinks and then stay with us into the early hours for the great music, dancing and happy vibes.

Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri
Capri lemon cocktails are exclusive to the menu at Zuma in Anacapri

Highlights of our summer at Zuma will be... a sunset aperitivo and dinner on any day this summer! The upcoming Ferragosto from August 15th is always a high energy moment when everyone is celebrating, so a great time to come to Zuma!

Personally, my perfect Capri Day involves... breakfast at a local coffee spot in town, going to the gym before having a few hours relaxing on the beach, my favourite is Gradola, which is only 20 minutes away from Anacapri town. It is the best spot to relax and enjoy some diving.

I highly recommend... a boat trip to the famous Faraglioni, and to see the famous Blue Grotto.

Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri
One of the must-see tours to take while visiting the island is Capri is to the Blue Grotto, weather permitting!

The music I last downloaded...is KOKA REBRN, melodic techno. I love this music because my soul dances when I listen to it.

My guiltiest pleasure is...there is nothing guilty in pleasure, life is beautiful, enjoy it as much as you can.

The next question on my mind is.... where will Zuma expand next? I love snow, it would be great to explore some more winter locations!

Corrado Lamanuzzi of Zuma Capri
Zuma, Capri is blessed with incredible views looking over the Gulf of Naples and Ischia