Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Multilingual waiters describe the origins of each ultra-fresh local ingredient as they serve
dishes such as red mullet fillets with grilled fennel, orange and saffron or risotto with
green peas, candied ginger and marjoram.
MODERN SICILIAN
€€€
La Giara
( 094 22 33 60; Vico la Floresta 1; meals €60)
A meal on the rooftop terrace at La Giara is a
Taormina classic. This is one of the best-looking restaurants in town, with a smooth art
deco interior and a piano bar worthy of Bogart in
Casablanca
. The food is modern but
grounded in island tradition, with dishes such as risotto with wild herbs, and squid served
in a Marsala reduction. Bookings are essential.
Drinking & Nightlife
Taormina's nightlife revolves around the town's numerous bars and cafes, most of which
have outdoor seating.
Shatulle
BAR
(Piazza Paladini 4; Tue-Sun)
An intimate square just off Corso Umberto, Piazza Paladini is a
perennial favourite with Taormina's young, well-dressed night owls. One of the best, and
most popular, of the square-side bars is this hip, gay-friendly spot with outdoor seating, an
inviting vibe and a fine selection of cocktails (from €5.50).
Wunderbar Caffè
( 0942 62 50 32; Piazza IX Aprile 7)
A Taormina landmark since the
dolce vita
1960s, this
glamorous and achingly expensive cafe has served them all - Tennessee Williams, who
liked to watch 'the squares go by', Greta Garbo, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
With tables spread over the vibrant piazza and white-jacketed waiters taking the orders, it
is still very much the quintessential Taormina watering hole.
CAFE
Shopping
