Ravello Reimagined: Caruso Unveils Adagio Bar and Il Pantaleone

Announced June 5, 2026, Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Ravello, has expanded its allure with two new additions: Adagio, a botanical-driven bar, and the gastronomic destination restaurant Il Pantaleone. Nestled on the highest point of Ravello, Caruso is renowned for its cliffside perch and an infinity pool that, as Galerie Magazine describes, "slices into the horizon, mirroring the same sapphire shade of blue as the sky and sea below."

While nearby Positano and Amalfi teem with summer tourists, Ravello offers a more tranquil escape. This seclusion has long drawn luminaries from Virginia Woolf to Greta Garbo, who, according to Galerie Magazine, retreated there "to be alone." The hotel's emphasis on privacy dates back over a century, to when hotelier Pantaleone Caruso first converted the historic palace. Belmond's custodianship, spanning 25 years, has honored this legacy, notably through designer Federico Forquet's restoration of the 11th-century Palazzo d’Afflitto.

Forquet's vision, inspired by ancient Roman towns and the Amalfi Coast's natural palette, resulted in a modern interpretation of a 19th-century Neapolitan seaside palazzi. The hotel's 50 rooms feature neoclassical antiques amidst vaulted ceilings and 18th-century frescoes, many of which Forquet unearthed from under layers of lime plaster.

Adagio, the new bar, occupies a historic section of the palace, characterized by an ancient frescoed ceiling and period mirrors. Bar manager Tommaso Mansi told Galerie Magazine that with Adagio, the aim was to foster a "slower, more mindful ritual" around mixology, drawing inspiration from the Amalfi Coast. Cocktails, such as "The Wagner"—a blend of limoncello, Prosecco, and lemon sorbet—honor Ravello's musical heritage and local citrus.

Il Pantaleone, Caruso's new gastronomic restaurant, extends along one of the hotel’s most scenic terraces. Executive Chef Armando Aristarco, a Campania native, returns to the Amalfi Coast after a global culinary career. His "Antiqua Cucina Nova" concept reinterprets traditional regional cuisine, emphasizing local ingredients. Galerie Magazine notes that dishes are presented on handcrafted plates, creating a refined experience without the formality of a typical Michelin establishment.

Our take: Caruso's evolution with Adagio and Il Pantaleone reinforces its position as a luxury anchor on the Amalfi Coast. By leaning into local history, ingredients, and the region's inherent sense of cultivated leisure, Belmond is smart to elevate its F&B program. These additions promise to deepen the guest experience, offering exclusive access to local flavors and traditions that go beyond the typical poolside aperitivo.