Best Restaurants in Taormina Sicily
There are many great restaurants in Taormina. Being on the coast of Sicily, fish dishes are popular along with traditional Sicilian dishes. You can also find Michelin-starred venues in the area. Italy has many of the most-starred restaurants in the world with over 370. These are must-visits when going on a luxury Italian holiday.
How we select the best restaurants in Taormina
When selecting the best restaurants in Taormina, we seek out establishments that seamlessly blend the town's rich cultural heritage with contemporary culinary innovation. Exceptional reviews from food critics and passionate locals guide our choices, highlighting impeccable service, vibrant flavours, and inviting ambiances that transport you to the heart of Sicily.
We favour eateries nestled within historic buildings or offering alfresco dining with breathtaking views of the iconic Greek Theatre, the rugged coastline, or the majestic Mount Etna. Particular emphasis is placed on restaurants that showcase locally sourced seafood and produce while putting a modern spin on traditional regional dishes. Our curated selection aims to provide an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Taormina's unique gastronomy and celebrates its captivating charm.
Michelin Starred Restaurants in Taormina
There are 10 Michelin restaurants in and around Taormina town. Since 1900 Michelin has been awarding restaurants with up to 3 stars for the best restaurants in the world. The success of a business can greatly vary when receiving a star or losing one. One star means "A very good restaurant in its category". Two stars "Excellent cooking, worth a detour". Three stars mean "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey". Make sure to check their websites well in advance to book or call them. Here are some of the top restaurants in Taormina:
St George by Heinz Beck
St. George by Heinz Beck has 2 Michelin stars. Located in the Ashbee Hotel, Salvatore Iuliano has led the kitchen here since 2022. It has a prestigious dining room with a British feel and also a terrace overlooking Taormina with an infinity pool for summer. It features a 5-course or 7-course menu with pairings. You will receive a unique culinary experience that is both modern and a refined approach to food. See the St George Restaurant Menu.
Address: Viale S. Pancrazio, 46, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Otto Geleng
Otto Geleng is a Mediterranean & Sicilian restaurant located in the Belmond Hotel Taormina with 1 Michelin star. It only had 8 tables on a terrace overlooking Etna, the bay of Naxos and the city. Chef Roberto Toro reinterprets typical Sicilian dishes where he modernises traditional ingredients and creates seasonal flavours. There are also 400 plus wines including many from Italy and France including local wineries to pair with your food. Some signature dishes are the cuttlefish risotto and the black suckling pig. See the Otto Geleng Menu.
Address: Via Teatro Greco 59, Taormina, 98039, Italy
La Capinera
La Capinera is a 1 Michelin-starred Sicilian restaurant owned and run by Pietro D’Agostino. The terrace overlooks the Ionian Sea. Pietro says: “My cuisine reflects my region”. The inspectors say something similar, that the cuisine has innovative yet regional roots. The menu has locally grown vegetables, and fresh fish and has a real slow food focus.
Address via: Nazionale 177, località Spisone, Taormina, 98039, Italy
Fine Dining Restaurants in Taormina
There are lots of fine dining restaurants in town for those who are foodies and want to enjoy some of the best & local food the town has to offer. Here are some top fine dining restaurants:
Raya Restaurant Taormina
Raya Restaurant Taormina is a traditional Sicilian cuisine in the heart of Taormina town. It serves local quality dishes with the freshest ingredients set in a picturesque courtyard. Items on the menu include pasta, seafood and cooked fish. The smoked catch of the day is always a favourite and for dessert the bavarese al pistacchio con caramello salato. See the Raya Restaurant Menu.
Address: Piazzetta Paladini, Piazza S. Domenico de Guzman, 2, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Nui Restaurant
Nui Restaurant is run by the Sicilian Chef Tino Privitera. The restaurant overlooks the Baia delle Sirene and offers a modern version of traditional cooking with seafood, pasta and cooked fish. A popular main is the Raviolo Variegato or the sea bass.
Address: Via Nazionale, 161 Atlantis Bay, 98030 Taormina ME, Italy
Villa Carlotta Restaurant
Villa Carlotta Restaurant is a rooftop venue with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Ocean & Mount Etna in Hotel Villa Carlotta. It features homemade pasta, seafood, meat and traditional Sicilian food. You can also get a class Dessert like a gelato or Sicilian cannolo. See the Villa Carlotta Restaurant Menu.
Address: Hotel Villa Carlotta Via Luigi Pirandello, 81, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Traditional & Local Restaurants in Taormina
Nothing beats a traditional meal from a local cuisine in Taormina. This is great for the family, a night out and is usually less known by the tourists meaning you can get an incredible meal for great value and enjoy some good family service. One of my tips is always to check when they are open and when they close and be there early as if some are family run they can close without notice if they are having a slower day. These are some of my favourites:
Trattoria Da Nino
Trattoria Da Nino is a traditional restaurant in town with Sicilian home cooking. It has been a favourite for the locals and has been through 3 generations and open for over 50 years by the Nicita family. With good portions of pasta, fish and meat with a terrace overlooking the sea this a must-see. There is also a private renovated hall for parties of 6-12. Open most days for lunch or dinner so make sure they are open and book in advance. See the Trattoria Da Nino Menu.
Address: Via Luigi Pirandello, 37, 98039, Taormina, Italy
Ristorante Malvasia
Ristorante Malvasia is another traditional venue with classic Sicilian dishes and is based in the town. It is family run which makes it a little bit more special and is almost always busy so try and get here early. Some of the most popular dishes are linguine al limone, spaghetti alle vongole, and the ravioli di crostacei con gamberetti e pistacchio.
Address: Viale Apollo Arcageta, 8, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Trattoria Tiramisu Restaurant
Trattoria Tiramisù Restaurant is a traditional venue with a unique modern twist. They feature a different daily special based on the ingredients available in the local markets they go to every day. As the name says they are known for the world's best Tiramisu, but also have the favourites on the menu like lobster, mussels seafood pasta and much more. See the Trattoria Tiramisu Restaurant Menu.
Address: Via Apollo Arcageta, 9, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Dessert Places in Taormina
At dinner sometimes you don't always want what is on the menu so I have put together a list of independent places. Sometimes you just pick up a cannoli whilst walking around. As mentioned before always check when they are open as depending on the season they may close early or on certain days. Here are some delicious places to go for dessert in Taormina:
La Pignolata Guiness Cannoli
La Pignolata Guinness Cannoli is the go-to place for traditional Italian cannoli. They are known as one of the best cannoli shops in the whole of Sicily with the original old recipe & made with love. There is lots to choose from but the most popular cannoli is the pistachio. Open from lunch to early evening most nights. Being in the centre it is also close to most accommodation in Taormina.
Address: Viale Apollo Arcageta, 15, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Nove
Novè is a family-run shop that has been around for 3 generations. It is easily accessible and centred in the town near the famous Greek theatre. Every item has a pistachio inside with many people calling it the "Pistachio heaven". You can buy many gifts like panettone & liquors or just grab an ice cream and some pistachio cannoli. Open late morning to early evening.
Address: Via di Giovanni, 27, Taormina ME, Italy
Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto
Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto has been around since 1989 and is a family business that offers Sicilian treats to all. It was founded by Michele in the 60s who was the head pastry chef at the Hotel San Domenico, now his son Roberto and his 2 children run the business. It is off the main road down a narrow street making it even more special to find. Popular desserts are marzipan fruit delicacies, cannoli, mafiosi and many more pastries. Open early and close late.
Address: Corso Umberto, 87, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurants in Taormina
What are the best restaurants in Taormina?
The top restaurants in Taormina are St. George by Heinz Beck, Otto Geleng, and La Capinera.
What are the most affordable restaurants in Taormina?
Trattoria Tiramisù Restaurant and Ristorante Malvasia are the top restaurants that have a superb menu at a good price.
What are the most popular restaurants in Taormina?
Trattoria Tiramisù Restaurant, Trattoria Da Nino, and Raya Restaurant Taormina are the most popular restaurants in Taormina.
What are the best restaurants in Taormina for families?
If you are dining as a family Raya Restaurant Taormina and Villa Carlotta Restaurant are the top restaurants in Taormina.
What are the best restaurants in Taormina for couples?
If you are traveling as a couple you will love Trattoria Da Nino, St. George by Heinz Beck, and Otto Geleng.
What are the best restaurants in Taormina with a view?
St. George by Heinz Beck, La Capinera, Otto Geleng, and Villa Carlotta Restaurant are the top restaurants with amazing views.
What are the best restaurants in Taormina for traditional Sicilian cuisine?
If you are looking for local cuisine in Taormina be sure to visit Trattoria Da Nino, Trattoria Tiramisù Restaurant and Ristorante Malvasia.