Page 285 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

RESTAURANTS

Casa Grugno Via Santa Maria dei Greci 0942 21 208, casagrugno.it. Still finding
its feet after the departure of Michelin-starred chef Andreas Zangerl, but the courtyard
remains a lovely romantic place for fine dining. There are three fixed-price menus, at
€40, €50 and €60, excluding wine. Closed lunchtime; Nov–April closed Sun, also
closed Jan & Feb.

La Cisterna del Moro Via Bonifacio 1 0942 23 001. This is basically an all-day
pizza joint – they are good and crisp – though with the low lights and a bougainvillea-
draped terrace it’s also a romantic spot for local couples on a night out. Pizzas €6.50–
10. Daily noon–midnight; closed Nov.

Al Duomo Vico Ebrei 11 0942 625 656, ristorantealduomo.it. Pleasant restaurant
with a commitment to local ingredients and local dishes such as maccu (broad bean

soup), lamb stew and pasta with sardines and wild fennel. Mains cost €20–23, and the
tasting menu rings in at €60. There’s a lovely terrace above the Duomo square and a
simple, pretty interior. Daily lunch & dinner; closed Mon Nov–March.

Al Giardino Via Bagnoli Croce 84 0942 23 453, algiardino.net. With pasta at €8–
10 and standard meat and fish dishes from €10, this is what passes for inexpensive in
Taormina. It’s in an out-of-the-way spot opposite the public gardens, and is usually

busy, with amiable and enthusiastic service. Daily lunch & dinner.

Maffei’s Via San Domenico de Guzman 1 0942 24 055, ristorantemaffeis.com.
If you want one really good fish meal, this formal but not overpowering restaurant is
the place. From sea bass to lobster, the day’s specials (from €18, whole fish €6 per
100g) are written on the board, while oysters, sea urchins, pastas and carpaccios are
offered as appetizers. English-speaking staff guide you through the menu, and all you

can hear on the bougainvillea-covered terrace is the gentle clatter of cutlery and
contented murmurs. It’s small, so book ahead in the evening. Daily lunch & dinner.

Mamma Rosa Via Naumachia 10 0942 24 361. This does a roaring trade in forno a
legna pizzas (€6.50–10), served at tables spilling down the stepped alley. There’s
also a full menu, though you’ll easily pay €30 a head for a couple of courses and wine.
Daily lunch & dinner; closed Tues Nov–Feb.

Vecchia Taormina Vico Ebrei 3 0942 625 589. This bustling pizzeria has a stack

of olive wood outside the door for the fire, and tables outside in a sheltered courtyard.
Pizzas (from €6.90) are light, crispy, blisteringly hot and also available at lunchtime.
Daily lunch & dinner.

Vicolo Stretto Vicolo Stretto 6 0942 625 554. Reached up the slimmest of alleys
off the Corso, by Piazza IX Aprile, this is a chic place to try “real Sicilian cuisine”,