€€€Creative, Sicilian
Situated on the slope of Mt Etna, Sabir takes its name from an old dialect once in use in the ports of the Mediterranean as a means of communication between sea merchants. The recipes created by chef Seby Sorbello demonstrate the same blend of influences, showcasing a fusion of flavours and aromas from the Ionic coast and sea, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and wild herbs from this volcanic region. Choose from a selection of tasting menus and à la carte options.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Sabir in Zafferana Etnea offers creative Sicilian cuisine praised for ingredient quality and technical execution. Guests highlight the chef's creativity, allergy accommodations, and cozy courtyard atmosphere. However, service consistency varies, with complaints regarding slow response times and rushed pacing. Some diners find the menu limited for intolerances and question the value for money despite high food standards. While the culinary experience is generally excellent, service reliability remains a point of contention among reviewers.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality creative cuisine who can tolerate inconsistent service.
€€Sicilian, Meats and Grills
On the slopes of "a muntagna," one of the respectful nicknames for the volcano in the area, just outside the town with ample private parking, you'll find a family-oriented setting offering predominantly meat dishes, fresh pasta, and mushrooms. The dishes are carefully prepared, with generous portions, and meals are always enjoyed in a lovely glass-enclosed veranda. The wine list focuses mainly on Sicilian and particularly Catanese selections.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Da Rinuccio in Milo offers Sicilian cuisine and grills set against Mount Etna. Reviews highlight fresh ingredients and a balance of traditional and creative dishes. The ambiance is praised as cozy with scenic views. Service is generally courteous, though some note inconsistent pacing, rude staff, or strict pet policies. A few guests find the value low due to high prices. While most enjoy family-friendly meals, occasional service issues may detract from the experience.
Ideal for families seeking Etna views and traditional food; verify service details beforehand.
€€€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.
€€€Sicilian, Contemporary
Situated behind Acireale at the foot of Mount Etna National Park, this restaurant is located within the Relais San Giuliano. Deceptively uninteresting from the outside, this historic building and its inner courtyards boast a charm and grandeur that will take your breath away. A huge 16C wine press provides the backdrop for fine cuisine that is more than equal to its impressive setting. Here, the menu makes full use of vegetables and other Sicilian ingredients in dishes that are influenced by the island’s culinary traditions yet reinterpreted with a skilful contemporary twist by the chef.
€€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.
€€€Contemporary, Sicilian
In the baroque heart of the city, this small restaurant – comprising two dining rooms, one overlooking the bell tower of the Basilica Collegiata dei Santi Apostoli Pietro e Paolo, the other more intimate – welcomes guests with a contemporary style and cozy atmosphere. The cooking takes a modern and bold approach, offered either à la carte or through two tasting menus that trace journeys of travel and inspiration by way of forthright and intriguing flavours. To then end the meal with a touch of lightness thanks to the playful ‘tiratisù’. Here, you are not simply clients, but guests.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Alloro in Acireale offers contemporary Sicilian cuisine with a strong reputation for high food quality, elegant modern ambiance, and attentive service. Many diners describe the experience as a cohesive sensory journey, praising the refined flavors and thoughtful presentation. However, some reviews highlight issues with meal pacing, noting long waits between courses. A minority of guests expressed dissatisfaction with value for money, citing disproportionate prices and occasional lack of flavor, alongside complaints about booking discounts. While the majority of feedback is positive, potential visitors should be aware of possible delays in service timing.
Ideal for diners seeking a refined sensory experience and elegant ambiance, though those sensitive to pacing should proceed with caution.
€€€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.