Today, in this article, we’ll explore the best restaurants and pizzerias in Taormina so that, as soon as you find yourself on vacation there, you’ll already have some reliable dining options.
Let’s start with the Tischi Toschi restaurant, which evokes the story of ancient Taormina in black and white. Here, the cuisine features an old-fashioned style in an informal and distinctive setting, complete with yellow tablecloths, chunky wooden chairs, and hand-painted plates. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city and has only a few tables, so reservations are essential. There isn’t a fixed menu; instead, the offerings change with the seasons. The ingredients are local, ranging from tuna products from Trapani to cheeses from Ragusa, with mushrooms and fresh produce from the Nebrodi Mountains, and ending with fish from the Strait, such as delicious swordfish.
For a taste of typical cuisine in a lively atmosphere, you can book a table at Nunziatina from Tuesday to Sunday (dinner only). The establishment features a cozy indoor area and an outdoor terrace with a wonderful sea view, while the decor evokes the baroque homes of Sicily, with vibrant colors and sumptuous decorations. The kitchen uses many local ingredients, such as red tuna with Pantelleria capers and bottarga, daily fish soups, and brodetti. We also enjoyed a delicious risotto with red prawns from Mazara, eggplant, and fresh tomato.
The Best Restaurant-Pizzeria in Taormina
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Osteria Santa Domenica offers dishes that stay true to the flavors of yesteryear, though the menu is defined by the local catch. The recipes here are truly delightful, ranging from maltagliati with calamari and lemon to tempura cod served with legumes and cherry tomatoes. The pasta is freshly made daily, and it’s highly recommended to try the tagliatelle with Sicilian ragù made from Nebrodi piglet, enriched with toasted breadcrumbs and cheese fondue.
Another excellent option in this article is the Mazzarò Sea Palace hotel, located by the sea and home to one of Taormina’s most picturesque restaurants: the brand-new BLUM, a true culinary theater by Riccardo Fazio. Six transparent tables reflect the blue of the sky and appear to float on the water.
The gastronomic offerings are decidedly innovative, aiming to push boundaries by enhancing Sicilian tradition with global influences that broaden its horizons. The restaurant also offers a plant-based menu, specifically designed to cater to increasingly health-conscious customers. The risotto with almonds and citrus is superb, as are alternative dishes like pigeon with banana and coffee or cod with legumes and orange, which are delicately unique. The experience is complemented by an extensive wine list, featuring 80% local labels, including excellent varietals like Nerello Mascalese.
