The 20 Best Italian Restaurants in Taormina, Sicily

A family-run osteria adjacent to Taormina’s city gate Porta Messina, with terrace seating overlooking the Sicilian sea. The chef, with over 30 years of culinary experience, assembles a daily menu using local ingredients. Signature items include the original pasta “Linguine Riola”, homemade lasagna, and cannoli. Paired with local wines and house-made almond wine, you can enjoy the essence of Sicilian food culture in a warm, homely atmosphere.

La Capinera is a Michelin one-star restaurant showcasing contemporary Sicilian cuisine with creative tasting menus, often centered on seafood. Dishes balance subtle flavors and unexpected combinations, including refined use of ingredients like horseradish. An informed sommelier guides pairings with regional wines. The dining room offers a pleasant view near the railway, with service that is generally attentive, though pacing may vary on busy nights.

Ristorante di Lido Re del Sole pairs a scenic Taormina beach setting with traditional Sicilian cooking. The family-run kitchen focuses on fresh local fish, complemented by a selection of wines and homemade desserts. Colorful decor, flowering plants, and well-kept sun beds create a relaxed seaside atmosphere, while attentive, welcoming service adds to the experience.

Novè is a cozy Taormina shop specializing in pistachio-based treats, from rich gelato and affogato to granita and espresso. Guests highlight the quality of the nuts and the depth of pistachio flavor in both sweet and savory options. Generous portions and attentive, enthusiastic staff create a welcoming stop for pistachio enthusiasts.

I Giardini di Babilonia offers refined Italian and seafood dishes served in a spacious, well-tended garden setting. Guests appreciate the fresh fish and shellfish, house-made pasta, and carefully presented plates, such as tagliolini with prawns and pistachios. An open kitchen and widely spaced tables contribute to a relaxed, villa-like atmosphere, supported by attentive, courteous service.

La Romana Pizzeria offers flavorful pizzas made with quality ingredients in a quieter corner of central Taormina. Guests appreciate the quick, attentive service and charming, tranquil setting. Beyond the pizzas, creative Italian bites such as supplì and classic desserts add variety to the menu.

La Bottega del Formaggio is a family-run spot known for its house-made cheeses, cured meats, and local specialties. Guests can enjoy generous tasting boards featuring products from the family dairy and selected regional producers, along with local wines such as Etna white. The welcoming team creates a homely atmosphere, with seating inside and on a roof terrace.

La Napoletana is a pizzeria in Taormina known for its Neapolitan-style pies with light dough and high-quality ingredients. Guests highlight the harmonious blend of Campanian and Sicilian flavors, from classic pizzas to fried appetizers and traditional Neapolitan desserts. Service is described as quick, attentive, and well organized. The setting offers a pleasant view that adds to the overall experience.

Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto specializes in classic Sicilian pastries prepared with an emphasis on tradition and quality. Light, crisp cannoli filled with fresh ricotta are a standout, alongside almond pastries and other sweets. Guests describe generous tastings and welcoming, attentive service that creates a personal connection with the bakery. This spot offers an authentic flavor of Taormina’s pastry heritage.

Otto Geleng Restaurant offers Michelin-starred contemporary Italian cuisine in an intimate, romantic setting with striking views. Tasting menus and carefully presented courses highlight refined flavors, supported by a well-curated selection of local wines. Attentive, knowledgeable staff provide polished yet unobtrusive service.

Timoleone Cocktail Bar & Veggie Restaurant pairs vegetable-focused Italian dishes with a creative cocktail program. Guests dine on stone steps along a quiet lane, with some tables enjoying views toward Mt Etna. Homemade pasta, burrata, and tiramisu highlight fresh ingredients, including house olive and chili oils. Attentive staff provide informed recommendations for food and drinks.