City dining guide

Best restaurants in Giarre

4 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 1

Zash

★ Michelin€€€€Creative, Seasonal Cuisine

Once through the entrance gate, make your way through an orchard planted with citrus trees to get to this restaurant occupying a charming, carefully restored 19C “palmento” (a building once used for fermenting wine) that has retained its magical and romantic atmosphere. Here, Giuseppe Raciti’s top-quality cuisine is showcased on themed tasting menus from which dishes can also be chosen à la carte. His dishes put Sicily centre stage, as does the excellent wine list, with specialities which the chef reinterprets in impressive, modern style. For us, the charcoal-grilled tuna ventresca with smoked

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 101 reviews

Zash, located just outside Catania, specializes in creative seasonal cuisine. Reviews highlight high food quality, emphasizing local ingredients, citrus notes, and artistic presentation. The ambiance is frequently praised, particularly the enchanting summer garden and natural setting. Service is generally professional and attentive, with some staff offering multilingual support. However, negative feedback points to inconsistent meal pacing, occasional service lapses such as mishandling allergy requests, and varying staff professionalism. While many find the experience valuable, some critics feel the execution does not fully justify the high expectations associated with its reputation, noting that not every dish leaves a lasting impression.

Suitable for diners seeking refined creative cuisine and a tranquil natural setting, provided dietary requirements are clearly communicated in advance.

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Other guide picks 3

Casu Osteria Contemporanea

€€Sicilian, Modern Cuisine

Situated on Giarre’s main street, this small, simple restaurant has just a few tables and an informal atmosphere. The menu offers a small selection of reasonably priced dishes with a focus on Sicilian cuisine made from top-quality ingredients that guarantee delicious flavours.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 54 reviews

Located in Giarre, Casu Osteria Contemporanea specializes in modern Sicilian cuisine. Reviews frequently praise the high food quality, highlighting fresh ingredients and precise flavors in dishes like caponata and pasta alla Norma. The atmosphere is described as warm, refined, and detail-oriented. Service is generally professional and welcoming, though some guests note issues with meal pacing, overly attentive staff, or initial aloofness. Despite isolated complaints regarding value and service consistency, the restaurant maintains an impressive 4.6/5 rating, offering a reliable and high-standard culinary experience.

Ideal for diners seeking high-quality modern Sicilian cuisine who can overlook occasional service inconsistencies.

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Vico Astemio

€€€Contemporary, Sicilian

Situated in the village centre surrounded by narrow alleyways, this attractive restaurant is housed in an old barrel warehouse. Here, self-taught chef Massimiliano Vasta serves colourful cuisine that is full of delicious flavours, showcased on two tasting menus and an impressive à la carte with an equal emphasis on meat and fish (despite the port being just a stone’s throw away). We focused on the main course and particularly enjoyed the Zuppa di Pietro, an updated version of the chef’s father’s favourite dish, as well as the tempting array of tasty welcome snacks. There’s an impressive wine l

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Riposto, Vico Astemio is recognized for contemporary Sicilian cuisine and its Michelin star. Reviews frequently praise the high quality of fresh ingredients, exquisite plating, and innovative flavors, particularly highlighting arancini and raw courses. The atmosphere is described as historic yet comfortable, with generally attentive and professional service. However, some guests report issues with meal pacing, value for money, and inconsistent food quality, noting that prices may be high relative to the experience. While many find it a delightful discovery, others feel it falls short of expectations. It suits diners seeking refined, creative dining, though patience regarding service timing is advised.

Ideal for diners seeking refined, creative cuisine and an elegant atmosphere, with managed expectations for service pacing.

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La Cucina di Donna Carmela

€€€Sicilian, Modern Cuisine

Generous Sicilian specialities reinterpreted with imagination and prepared using top-quality produce from the hotel’s orchards and vegetable garden, all beautifully presented in contemporary style, take centre stage here. There’s an extensive choice of meat and fish dishes showcased on tasting menus and an à la carte, which can be enjoyed either in the elegant dining room or on the attractive outdoor terrace shaded by palm trees. Courteous and professional service completes the picture.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews

Located in San Leonardello, La Cucina di Donna Carmela offers modern Sicilian cuisine. Most reviews praise the refined dishes, attentive service, and elegant garden atmosphere, noting a successful reinterpretation of traditional flavors. However, negative feedback highlights inconsistent food quality, including poorly prepared items and lack of seasoning. Some guests reported discrepancies between the online menu and actual offerings, along with inadequate handling of dietary requirements. While the setting is generally appreciated, a minority of experiences were marred by service lapses and perceived poor value, resulting in mixed overall impressions.

Suitable for diners seeking refined modern Sicilian cuisine in an elegant setting, but verify menu details and dietary accommodations in advance.

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