Taormina may be famed for its sweeping Mediterranean vistas and chic designer boutiques, but this upmarket seaside resort is also a top spot for authentic Sicilian cuisine. An eclectic array of delectable restaurants reside around town, each offering a unique interpretation of Italy’s world-renowned gastronomic traditions.
Even so, not all Taormina restaurants are truly worthy of your hard-earned euros. Sadly, some unscrupulous tourist traps are in the business of grossly overcharging travellers for lacklustre service and uninspiring fare. That’s why we’ve gathered this list of Taormina's best restaurants, where you're promised good quality and a great culinary experience on your visit.
- 1
Osteria Nero D’Avola
One of Taormina’s highly popular osterias
- Food
Osteria Nero D’Avola is run by an amicable local man by the name of Turi Siligato, who catches most of the seafood-centric produce himself. Turi takes pride in explaining the spoils of the day to hungry guests. He has been known to belt out a tune on the grand piano from time to time.
The traditional Italian osteria is a hit among locals and visitors in the know for its fresh seasonal produce that comprises each dish. Give the shrimp with lemon and olive oil or the spaghetti alle vongole a shot, best washed down with a glass of local Carricante wine.
Location: Via S. Domenico de Guzman, 2B, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from midday to 2.30 pm and from 7 pm to 10.45 pm
Phone: +39 0942 628874
Map - 2
Trattoria Tiramisu Restaurant
Spare some room for dessert
- Food
Trattoria Tiramisu Restaurant is a local institution that attracts crowds with its eloquently prepared Italian staples. In fact, such is Trattoria’s allure, the upmarket venue is often fully booked throughout the year.
If you do manage to snag a table (book 3 days ahead in peak season), the delectable array of handmade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian mains are worth the while. Seabass and pistachio panna cotta, as well as pappardelle with fresh porcini mushrooms, are among the favourites here. Of course, you’ll have to save some room for dessert: their pleasing tiramisu.
Location: Viale Apollo Arcageta, 9, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Open: Daily from 1 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7 pm to 10.30 pm
Phone: +39 0942 388741
Map - 3
Da Cristina - Antica rosticceria
Authentic Italian cuisine that won’t break the bank
- Budget
- Food
Da Cristina is a must-visit for a cheap and filling feast full of authentic Italian flavours in Taormina. The beloved budget option’s signature dish is the decadent arancino: deep-fried and breadcrumb battered rice balls stuffed with ham, cheese, or veggies. Pizza is another popular choice at this unpretentious locale, either made to order or served by the slice.
Both these staples will set you back a mere 5 euros or so. They're available as takeaways if you want to enjoy them al fresco in the street. Should you prefer to dine in, Da Cristina also serves substantial pasta and fish dishes. Tables are limited, so try to arrive before the lunchtime rush.
Location: Via Strabone, 2, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Open: Daily from 9 am to 12 am
Phone: +39 0942 21171
Map - 4
Osteria RossoDiVino
Dine with a touch of Taormina history
- Food
Osteria RossoDiVino is one of the better seafood joints in town–the perfect place to go to savour the fruits of the sea. Set in a beautiful 14th-century edifice, the elegant restaurant serves a rotating menu of freshly caught produce that varies depending on the catch of the day. When they’re on the menu, the pistachio-crusted sea bream and the Sicilian style baby amberjack are both superb.
Non-seafood eaters can still enjoy the usual Italian delicacies of pizza, pasta, and sugar-laden pastries for dessert. A homely atmosphere, live traditional music, and fair prices make Osteria RossoDiVino an excellent option to consider in Taormina.
Location: Vico De Spuches, 8, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Open: Wednesday–Monday from midday to 3.30 pm and from 7 pm to midnight (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +39 0942 628653
Map - 5
Ristorante Pizzeria Al Saraceno
Dine and take in the views
- Food
Ristorante Pizzeria Al Saraceno is a dining spot with perhaps the most dramatic setting in Taormina. Carved out of a sheer cliff face above the town, tackling the steep uphill climb is worth the breathtaking views alone. When the weather is nice, you can choose to dine out on the sunny terrace, where you can gaze over the Ionian Sea.
As the name implies, pizza is the star of the show at Ristorante Pizzeria Al Saraceno, with fluffy wood-fired creations topped with locally sourced ingredients. You can find plenty of other options to tempt the palate – be sure to give the gnocchi with Sicilian pesto a try.
Location: Via Madonna della Rocca, 16, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Open: Daily from midday to 2.30 pm and from 7 pm to 11.30 pm
Phone: +39 0942 632015
Map