Best Restaurants in Taormina: A Tasty Guide from Granita to Cannoli

Ciao, amici! If you’re heading to Taormina and wondering where to eat, you’re in for a treat. We’ve spent days eating our way through the town’s sun-soaked piazzas and hidden backstreets—just to give you the inside scoop. From sweet, icy granitas that’ll save you from the midday Sicilian sun to pasta dishes so good they make you want to cry, Taormina has it all. Whether you’re after seafood kissed by the sea breeze, or crunchy cannoli filled with cloud-like ricotta, these are the places we fell in love with. Pull up a chair, order some Etna wine, and get ready to eat your way through this hilltop paradise.

1. BamBar – Taormina's Granita Paradise

If there’s one place you have to hit in Taormina, it’s BamBar. This spot is practically a legend—charming Sicilian tiles, cozy tables spilling onto the street, and the kind of granita that makes your eyes roll back with joy. We came here more than once, and yeah, sometimes there’s a wait, but it’s totally worth it. Whether you’re cooling down after climbing hills or just craving something sweet, BamBar serves up the freshest, most flavorful granitas we've ever had. And when paired with a fluffy brioche? Chef’s kiss. Morning carb-and-sugar fix, Sicilian-style.

Specialty: Almond granita with brioche—nutty, icy, smooth, and textured. Breakfast goals.

Local Tip: Come early or late for no wait and prime people-watching from the sidewalk seats.

Location: Via di Giovanni 45, Taormina
How to Get There: Walk 5 minutes from Piazza IX Aprile, just off Corso Umberto.

2. Licchios – Where the Locals Eat (and You Should Too)

We stumbled into Licchios thanks to a solid Airbnb host tip—and oh boy, it was a game changer. Set in a cozy square with major local vibes, this place brought out some of the most flavorful dishes we had in all of Sicily. Everything we tried was next-level good: big spaghetti with seafood, sweet shrimp dusted with pistachios, cherry tomatoes that pop with flavor. There’s nothing flashy about it—just honest Sicilian cooking, done right. And if you love wild fennel, this is your dream dish destination.

Specialty: Spaghetti with seafood and wild fennel—fresh, herbal, and authentically Sicilian.

Local Tip: Don't skip the secondo—shrimp with pistachio is unreal, even if you're already full.

Location:Piazza S.Caterina, 7 Taormina
How to Get There: A short uphill stroll from the Greek Theatre. Ask a local—they’ll point you there.

3. Ristorante al Duomo – Pasta, Pistachio, and Piazza Magic

Right in the heart of Piazza Duomo sits this gem of a restaurant, Ristorante Al Duomo. We sat under the open sky, right by the cathedral, and dug into one of the creamiest, nuttiest pasta dishes we’ve ever had. The vibe? Elegant but not stuffy, with the kind of meals that feel both rustic and refined. From the al dente paccheri to a red mullet stuffed with ricotta (yeah, you read that right), it’s the kind of place where you stay longer than you meant to—and maybe order dessert twice. We totally did.

Specialty: Paccheri with pistachio and swordfish cream—crunchy, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

Local Tip: Try the red mullet with ricotta—it’s surprisingly delicious and totally unique.

Location: Vico degli Ebrei 11, Taormina
How to Get There: Right in front of the Duomo; just follow Corso Umberto to the end.

4. Roberto Il Mago del Cannolo – The Cannoli Wizard of Sicily

Roberto Il Mago del Cannolo means "The Cannoli Magician," and honestly, it lives up to the name. This tiny pastry shop is tucked right behind the main action, but it’s home to some serious dessert sorcery. The owner, Roberto, has been crafting cannoli for over 40 years, and watching him fill and top each one by hand is a mini show in itself. He even gave us a full run-through—ricotta, toasted almonds, a dusting of sugar. Boom. It's magic. These cannoli aren’t just pretty—they’re crunchy, creamy, and mind-blowingly good.

Specialty: Cannoli with caramelized almonds and pistachio—crunchy, creamy, sweet perfection.

Local Tip: Ask to watch Roberto stuff the cannoli—it's part pastry, part performance.

Location: Via Calapitrulli, Taormina
How to Get There: Just behind BamBar, a short walk from Piazza IX Aprile.

5. Al Saraceno – Dinner With a Volcano View

Dinner at Al Saraceno felt like a dream. Perched way above the town, this spot offers sweeping views over Taormina and Mount Etna. We came up for the view but stayed for the food—and what a feast it was. Fritto misto that was all crispy seafood and zero grease, pasta with seafood bisque that tasted like the sea itself, and wines from the volcanic soil right beneath us. Add to that the breeze, the stars, and the rock face behind the tables, and it’s honestly a full-blown experience. This place is a must.

Specialty: Calamarata with seafood bisque and dry Etna wine—rich, oceanic, and bold.

Local Tip: Get there before sunset and grab a drink at the little kiosk next door first.

Location: Via Madonna della Rocca 16, Taormina
How to Get There: Hike up or take a cab—it’s steep but the view is unbeatable.

6. Trattoria Tiramisu – Comfort Food with a Sicilian Soul

Tucked into a side street just off the bustle of the main drag, Trattoria Tiramisu is one of those places that feels like home the second you walk in. It’s warm, welcoming, and packed with locals—which is always a good sign. We came for the name (who wouldn’t?), but stayed for the silky homemade pasta, melt-in-your-mouth swordfish, and yes, the tiramisu that lives up to the hype. It’s the kind of spot that doesn’t try too hard—just great food made with love and served with a smile. Come hungry, leave happy.

Specialty: Homemade tagliatelle with swordfish and cherry tomatoes—light, fresh, and bursting with Sicilian sunshine.

Local Tip: Save room for the tiramisu—it’s fluffy, creamy, and hits that perfect espresso-chocolate note.

Location: Via Apollo Arcageta 9, Taormina
How to Get There: Just a 2-minute walk from Porta Catania. Look for the cozy terrace and handwritten menu board.

Your Taormina Food Adventure Awaits

There you have it—our personal, taste-tested lineup of Taormina’s best bites. From that first icy spoonful of almond granita to the last sip of Etna wine under the stars, every place brought something special to the table. Taormina isn’t just about the views (though those are spectacular); it’s about the flavors, the people, and the joy of slow, delicious living. So go ahead, chase down the best cannolo, linger over pasta, and always—always—say yes to dessert. This little town has a big appetite, and now you do too. Buon viaggio and buon appetito!