Italian Antipasti Santa Rosa — Capriciano Osteria
Begin every great Italian meal the way it was always meant to start — at the heart of Santa Rosa’s wine country.
At Capriciano, antipasti are far more than an opening act — they are the first expression of who we are. As an authentic Italian restaurant in Santa Rosa, our cold starters draw from Sicilian and coastal Italian traditions, while our warm dishes emerge from the wood-fire kitchen. From oysters on the half shell to grilled octopus over open flame, every antipasto is designed to awaken the palate and set the tone for a long, lingering wine country evening.
What Makes Our Antipasti Special?
The Italian Tradition
Antipasti — literally “before the meal” — has welcomed Italian guests to the table for centuries. At our Santa Rosa osteria, we honor this tradition with both cold and warm preparations made fresh in our kitchen each day. Our raw bar features East and West Coast oysters with seasonal mignonette. Our warm Italian starters, from golden Calamari Fritti to grilled octopus over open flame, are cooked to order and arrive just as they should: unhurried, perfectly seasoned, and made to be shared with the whole table.
Highlights From the Antipasti Menu
- Oysters on the Half Shell — East and West Coast varieties with seasonal mignonette
- Carpaccio di Gamberi Rosso — Sicilian chili, passion vinaigrette, avocado purée, croutons, arugula
- Beef Carpaccio — Sicilian chili, truffle vinaigrette, croutons, dijonnaise, arugula
- Grilled Octopus — warm grilled octopus, tomato caper sauce, lemon, crushed potatoes, arugula
- Calamari Fritti — Pt. Judith calamari, lightly breaded and fried, spicy aioli, lemon
- Capriciano Graze Platter — chef’s selection of three cheeses, prosciutto, mostarda di frutta, toasted bread
Is Antipasti Right for Your Evening?
Our starters pair beautifully with:
- An Italian aperitivo to open the evening
- Wine country date nights
- Family-style sharing for the whole table
- Large group celebrations
- A glass of crisp Italian white wine
- Sonoma County anniversaries and milestones
- Pre-theater dining before a night out
- An intimate evening for two
Whether you are building toward a full Italian feast or simply stopping in for a glass of wine and a few bites to share, our antipasti course in Santa Rosa is always the right place to begin. There is no wrong way to enjoy the table — only better and best.
What to Expect at Your Table
Our antipasti arrive as you would expect at a proper Italian osteria — unhurried, beautifully plated, and sized for sharing. Cold preparations come chilled from the kitchen; warm dishes arrive straight from the firewood flame. Your server will always be nearby to recommend a wine pairing from our Italian and California wine list, or flag the evening’s specials. No rush, no shortcuts — just the pleasure of a table done right.
Why Start With Antipasti?
The Art of the Beginning
In Italian dining, the first course sets the rhythm for everything that follows. Our antipasti are designed to slow the meal down, open the senses, and ease everyone into the evening. Order a few and let the table linger — that is the whole point.
Designed for Sharing
Italian food is communal by nature. Our starters are portioned for the table, not the individual — generous, family-style, and easy to pass around. Order a little extra; in Italy, no one regrets one more antipasto.