The many international awards that are conferred to the town each year further prove Vico Equense’s status as a go-to destination for food lovers. The prestigious Michelin Guide has awarded its coveted star many times to local restaurants: to Gennaro Esposito’s “La Torre del Saracino”, Peppe Guida’s “Antica Osteria Nonna Rosa”, and Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s “Laqua Countryside”. The ice-creamer “La Cremeria Gabriele” was awarded 3 cones since 2017 by the Gambero Rosso guide to Italy’s gelato shops.
The incubator of local excellence is certainly the De Gennaro Institute for Hospitality and Gastronomy, a public school based in Vico Equense that for 50 years has been training the most award-winning Italian professionals and chefs such as Gennaro Esposito (2 Michelin stars), Antonino Cannavacciuolo (3 Michelin stars), and Peppe Guida (1 Michelin star).
The Institute’s prestige is evidenced by numerous awards. Among them:
Italian Champions of Cuisine – 2nd in 2023; 1st, 2nd and 3rd in 2022; 2nd in the 2017 edition.
Mediterranea Awards – 1st,2nd and 3rd in the 2023 edition.
Grand Prix of Pastry – 2nd in 2023 edition.
The focus on food and cooking is also embodied in the many dedicated events held in Vico Equense each year. Festivals that attract thousands of visitors, industry professionals and award-winning chefs. These include Festa a Vico and Pizza a Vico, food and wine events that take place in the city streets and whose proceeds are donated to charity.
