Taormina: where to wine and dine
You can’t beat Italy for its food scene. We love to immerse ourselves in the rich culinary tradition, savouring authentic dishes bursting with fresh flavours. Here’s a list of some of our standout places from classic pasta and pizza to regional specialties like risotto, seafood and artisanal cheeses, accompanied by fine wines and finished with delectable desserts like gelato and tiramisu.
This was the first restaurant we discovered in Taormina back in 2018 and we have gone back multiple times since. Sitting opposite the famous BamBar, this place has people queuing down the street for a table. Adorned with photos of celebrities that have visited over the years, La Botte focuses on the Sicilian classics making it so popular with its visitors. We usually go for the Pasta alla Norma and Caponata which hits the spot every time. You’re even serenaded by street singers singing ‘volare’ whilst you eat if wasn’t already authentic enough.
Piazza Santa Domenica, 4 - 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
A Sicilian family-run trattoria that is a favourite amongst locals. The perfect place to come if you’re a pasta lover like us, they do an unbelievable carbonara/seafood gnocchi and vongole accompanied by a bottle of Etna wine, you can’t go wrong. Everything is always *chefs kiss* from the food to the service, the ambience is warm and welcoming and has such a family feel. We make sure to visit here every time we’re in Taormina however they’re almost always booked up so make sure to make a reservation - you won’t regret it.
Via Luigi Pirandello, 37A, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Gambero Rosso
Hidden down a little side street on the Umberto Corso, Gambero Rosso is a little gem. Another place which is always busy with people queuing down the street. The food is incredible and the ambience feels like an authentic Italian vibe with the echoes of diners singing ‘Volare’ over a bottle of red wine. It feels like you’re in a movie.
Via Naumachia, 11, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
If you’re looking for somewhere special, then look no further. Part of the Atlantis Bay hotel and overlooking the Baia delle Serine, we would eat here for the picturesque sea views alone. It’s not cheap but you do get the full fine dining experience with traditional Sicilian dishes and fresh Mediterranean produce. The food quality is amazing along with the service and overall ambience. After dinner, head poolside to the Kori Bar to catch the sunset whilst sipping on cocktails - simply stunning.
Via Nazionale, 161, 98030 Taormina ME, Italy
A restaurant and pizzeria offering stunning panoramic views from the terrace. We couldn’t recommend this place enough. The food is out of this world with so many meat, fish and pizza/pasta options and having Mount Etna as a backdrop whilst the sun sets is the cherry on top.
Via Madonna della Rocca, 16/18, 98039 Taormina ME
The clue is in the name - quite literally the best tiramisu we have ever had. The end.
Viale Apollo Arcageta, 9, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
You can’t come to Taormina without visiting the iconic Bam Bar. Start your day the Sicilian way with a fresh, warm brioche bun and frozen granita. The granita is the best you can get so it’s no surprise that it’s always adorned with people and so popular amongst locals and tourists. This place is a must.
Via di Giovanni, 45, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Another place to add to your list if you’re looking for something special. Grand Hotel Timeo brings a touch of luxurious glamour to proceedings with the most stunning views overlooking Taormina and Mount Etna. As you would expect from a Belmond hotel, everything is incredible from the food to the service. The perfect choice for a date night, even if you plan to skip dinner and go straight to Bar Timeo, Grand Hotel Timeo is not to be missed.
Via Teatro Greco, 59, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Off the beaten track and tucked away down a quiet back street, Casamatta is one of our favourite little wine bars in Taormina. With amazing wine and cocktails at reasonable prices, antipasti and live music, we love the overall vibe here and we hear it was also popular with the cast of The White Lotus whilst they were filming season 2. This place needs to be visited.
Via S. Maria de Greci, 14, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
From dinner to disco - Morgana is a cool lounge bar with chic aesthetics (it’s like stepping into an Assouline book), an outdoor area where you can sip cocktails under the moon, live music and a spinner wheel for a menu. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a young, fresh, fun feel that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Sicilian indulgence.
Scesa Morgana, 4, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy