City dining guide

Best restaurants in Messina

5 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.

Bib Gourmand 1

Vecchio Porto

Bib Gourmand€Seafood, Contemporary

Although travellers may know Villa San Giovanni for its ferry port to Sicily, fans of gourmet cuisine are familiar with the port as the home of the “Vecchio Porto”, one of the best restaurants in the region and one which boasts spectacular views of the Straits of Messina from its second-floor terrace. The menu features classic dishes including fish cooked on the grill and more imaginative options such as the raw antipasti (snapper flavoured with sea-urchin sauce, lumpfish roe, onion and diced cucumber). The remarkable quality of the fish is a constant theme here.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Villa San Giovanni, Vecchio Porto specializes in contemporary Mediterranean seafood. Reviews frequently praise the high quality of fresh ingredients, refined cooking techniques, and cozy atmosphere, with Chef Vincenzo Marra receiving specific acclaim. Service is generally described as warm and attentive, including an instance where the owner assisted guests with transportation. However, mixed feedback highlights concerns regarding value, with some diners citing small portions relative to price. Occasional negative experiences include cold service, inconsistent meal pacing, and quality fluctuations, such as poorly prepared oysters. While the overall rating is positive, discrepancies between the appealing exterior and occasional poor internal responsiveness suggest that travelers seeking consistent value and service should manage expectations accordingly.

Suitable for diners seeking refined seafood and ambiance, though value-conscious visitors should note potential inconsistencies.

Website

Other guide picks 4

Marina del Nettuno

€€€Creative, Contemporary

As its name suggests, this restaurant and lounge bar is situated right on the jetty of the Yachting Club Messina. Elegant and minimalist - style decor, as well as creative cuisine with a focus on fish dishes.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews

Marina del Nettuno in Villa San Giovanni offers creative contemporary cuisine with stunning Strait of Messina views. Reviews highlight its elegant atmosphere, professional service, and high-quality ingredients, particularly noting the fish burger and Sicilian sparkling wines. However, some guests criticized inconsistent food quality, citing flavor imbalances and limited menu options like non-à-la-carte dining. While the ambiance and staff receive praise, culinary execution varies. It suits travelers seeking a sophisticated setting for socializing, though those prioritizing consistent gastronomic excellence may find the experience mixed.

Ideal for travelers valuing scenic views and social ambiance, though those expecting consistent culinary excellence should manage expectations.

Website

Modì

€€€Sicilian, Contemporary

This restaurant has moved from its previous location in central Torregrotta to a more secluded setting slightly above the town centre, where it aims to offer its guests an even better dining experience. The owner-chef has more than achieved this, serving excellent Sicilian dishes reinterpreted with careful precision and a contemporary twist. A good wine list completes the picture.

Website

La Ristobottega

€€Calabrian, Contemporary

As the name suggests, this restaurant is divided into two sections: a shop on one side, which sells local products such as tempting salumi and cheeses (they also serve informal lunches at midday); and on the other, in the evening, an attractive bistro with wooden tables and soft lighting, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine. Among the fish dishes (aged on site), we particularly recommend the grouper fillet with vegetable caponatina and raw scampi on a bed of mashed potato, while the meat options include top-quality cuts such as Wagyu beef. A small outdoor space on the pavement completes the

Website

L'A Gourmet L'Accademia

€€Seafood, Modern Cuisine

From the restaurant on the first floor (no lift) of this early 20C building, you’ll enjoy fine views of the sea and the Strait of Messina. Here, skilled chef Filippo Cogliardo prepares fish-based dishes which include classic recipes (raw seafood) as well as more modern options (amberjack, red turnip with honey, fennel mayonnaise and lime gel). A few meat dishes also feature on the menu.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Catona, L'A Gourmet L'Accademia is a Michelin-listed modern seafood restaurant praised for its fresh ingredients and technical precision. Guests appreciate the elegant atmosphere within a historic building, offering views of the strait, alongside professional and friendly service. Chef Filippo Cogliandro is noted for his culinary skill and social commitment. However, experiences vary; some diners report issues with meal pacing, undercooked rice, or bland flavors, particularly in dishes like tuna tartare. While many find the quality remarkable, others feel the high bill does not justify the experience, citing unmet expectations regarding taste intensity and value for money.

Suitable for diners seeking refined seafood and elegant sea views, though reasonable expectations regarding flavor intensity and value are advised.

Website