Travel Guide by Shuttle Direct
  • Home
  • WHAT WE OFFER
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Guides
    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Bulgaria
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Korea Republic
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukranie
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • News
    • Web Discounts and Coupons
MY BOOKING
  • en
HELP

The Fine Diner’s Guide to Taormina

Italy, Travel Guides | 7 May, 2017 | 2 | by Polly Hayes
The Fine Diner’s Guide to Taormina

Sicily is famous for its delicious, unique cuisine. Influenced over the centuries by settlers from across the water like Greece, Africa, the Middle East and, of course, Italy, what has emerged is an island with a cuisine all of its own.

The Sicilians are rightly proud of their culinary traditions, in which rich Middle Eastern spices mix with vibrant Mediterranean flavours, so most of the restaurants here serve local dishes, prepared with the very freshest local ingredients.

With the kind of bullish self-assurance the islanders are famous for, the locals are happy to export their produce around the world but are reluctant to import food (why would they when they considered what they raise on the island to be the best?). The result is that Sicily is pretty much the ‘home’ of local cooking. Even the island’s Michelin-starred chefs prefer to buy their produce from the excellent local food markets rather than importing from abroad.

Despite being part of Italy, you can’t really begin to understand Sicily itself until you have eaten here, drunk its wine and relaxed in the welcoming, friendly atmosphere of its many restaurants. And there’s no better place to do just that than in the luxury resort of Taormina.

Dishes to Try

Thanks to its special location at the toe of Italy, just a short stretch of Mediterranean from Africa, Sicily has experienced a turbulent history of settlers and invaders with everyone from the Greeks, Romans, Moors and Normans settling at some point on its shores.

Of course, each group of settlers left something in the melting pot of the island’s culinary traditions. Today you can still identify which area was settled by who, just by reading the local menus: in the west couscous is a staple, while on the east coast there is a strong Greek influence. All over the island, however, you will find ice cream – which, most Sicilians will inform you, is better than you’ll find on the mainland.

There is so much delicious food to try in Sicily that it’s difficult to recommend just a few dishes, but here are some of my personal favourites.

Arancini

You’ll find these delicious rice balls all over the island, but what you discover when you bite into them will change depending on which part of Sicily you visit. Different towns have different traditions: In Catania they stuff their arancini with ragu, while in neighbouring Syracuse they use mozzarella and tomato. Travel inland and you may well find your arancini stuffed with delicious chicken liver.

Sfincione

This Sicilian street food is very like the Italian pizza except that the topping is laid on a thick bread base. These are usually topped with cheese, anchovies and onions and are a delicious snack to bolster you up on a sight-seeing excursion or walk around town.

Caponata

Every chef in Sicily has their own special recipe for their caponata which will make use of what grows locally. It is basically a warm aubergine salad in which the aubergine is cooked until sweet and then combined with tomato. Delicious!

Best Fine Dining in Taormina

While I always recommend sampling the local street food and eating in good local restaurants, in Taormina you have the opportunity to eat at some of the world’s best restaurants in which the local chefs are taking Sicilian food to a whole new level. While you’re here it is definitely worth booking a table at some of the world-class restaurants the resort has to offer.

Principe Cerami

For a stunningly authentic Sicilian fine-dining experience, make sure you book a table on the terrace of the two-Michelin starred Principe Cerami at the San Domenico Palace Hotel. Not only is the setting in an old converted monastery on a hillside looking out over the Mediterranean simply divine, the elegant Sicilian food created by local Taormina chef Massimo Montaro is out of this world.

La Capinera

Just outside of Taormina, with equally stunning views out over the sea, is the one-Michelin starred La Capinera. The pared-back modern style of the restaurant fits perfectly with the elegant minimalism of the delicious Sicilian dishes created by its world-class chef.

Insider Tip: Consider booking a cookery class with Pietro d’Agostino at La Capinera and you’ll be able to wow your friends back home with your Michelin-star Sicilian cooking.

How to Get to Taormina

Flights from the UK to Catania airport take just over three hours, and the drive from the airport another hour (although you’ll pass through such beautiful Sicilian coastal landscape that you might find yourself wishing it were longer). Travel in luxury with a private car transfer from Shuttle Direct and a driver will be at the airport to meet you when you land and drive you directly to your hotel in Taormina.

Where to Stay:

San Domenico Palace – The San Domenico Palace may have been a monastery but today it more closely resembles a palace with ornate art, marble floors and stunning gardens looking out over the sea. There are three excellent restaurants here including the two Michelin-starred Principe Cerami.

Hotel El Jebel – For an elegant blend of traditional Sicilian architecture and modern style, the five-star Hotel El Jebel in the heart of Taormina is a great choice. Guests can sample the excellent Sicilian food on the roof terrace during the summer months with its views of both the town and the sea.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – Opposite the ancient Greek amphitheatre, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is another beautiful palatial five-star hotel set in the hills but just a short walk down to the beach. Enjoy excellent Sicilian and Mediterranean food in the restaurant with its stunning terrace looking out over the water in one direction and towards Mount Etna in the other.

 

About Shuttle Direct:

The leading provider of private and shuttle transfers in Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct is the most convenient way to get from the airport to your accommodation. Simply book a private executive car online before you set off and your own personal driver will be waiting to meet you when you land, so that your luxury holiday truly begins as your plane touches down.

 

 

CTAItalyTaormina

About the Author

Polly Hayes

Polly Hayes

Polly has a wealth of journalistic experience, having begun writing for weekly and monthly magazines more than 15 years ago. But while she’s always loved words and writing, her other passion has been for travel. Having journeyed around South East Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean, three years ago she decided to combine her two loves and become an online travel writer. Today she is lucky enough to write about the things she loves, from skiing in the Alps to finding the best family-friendly attractions on the Spanish Costa del Sol, for LeadGeneratorsDigital. When she’s not writing or travelling she loves just ‘hanging out’ with her partner and their two lovely daughters in North London and taking her slightly crazy labradoodle for long walks on Hampstead Heath.
View all posts by Polly Hayes →
Previous
Calpe with Kids: A Mom Recommends
Next
What to Do in Bustling Calella: A Family Guide

Related Posts

  • Travel to Rome In February; The Advantages of a Winter Break in The Eternal City

    Travel to Rome In February; The Advantages of a Winter Break in The Eternal City

  • The Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Rome

    The Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Rome

  • Make the Most of Mestre (Even if You’re on a Budget)

    Make the Most of Mestre (Even if You’re on a Budget)

  • From Affordable to Fanciful: Venetian Bars for Every Budget

    From Affordable to Fanciful: Venetian Bars for Every Budget

2 comments

  • Kathleen Bello 8 August, 2017 at 11:12 am

    Taormina is a beautiful town, rich in Roman and Greek remains and also the best of Gothic and other architectural sightseeing experience.
    Amphitheatre is the place of my dreams. Last month I visited the place and it was breath taking experience . A must visit place for all explorers!!

    Reply
    • Verónica Batllés 14 August, 2017 at 2:14 pm

      Thaks for your recommendation, Kathleen

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Origin not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

Destination not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

You should at least select 1 passenger.

No

Additional Luggage?

Passengers Done
  • + -

  • + -

You should at least select 1 adult passenger.

Please indicate child age.

Additional Luggage Done

Each passenger may carry one standard piece of luggage and one small item of hand luggage (for example a handbag or laptop). If you have additional or extra large baggage or sporting equipment, select from the options below:

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

Outbound journey Done
Flight arrival date
Flight arrival time

Please insert the date and time of your flight arrival (not take off), as informed by the airline. The driver will take into account luggage collection and inmigration formalities.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

Return journey
Done Flight return date
Flight departure time

Please insert the date and time the flight takes off, as informed by the airline. The pick-up time will be calculated automatically taking into account journey time and check-in time at airport.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

ShuttleDirect

    banner

    Search

    Follow

    Categories

    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Azerbaijan
    • Bahrain
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Country Profile
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Discounts & Coupons
    • Dominican Republic
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • Foodie Posts
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Indonesia
    • Infographics
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Katar
    • Korea Republic
    • latest news
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macau
    • Macedonia
    • Mallorca
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Recipes
    • Romania
    • Route Guides
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Sin categoría @en
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Travel Guides
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukraine
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • vietnam
    • vietnam
    • Discover Sitges’ Nightlife and its 4 Best Places to Party Hard!

      Discover Sitges’ Nightlife and its 4 Best Places to Party Hard!

      5 July, 2016 | 0
    • Costa Teguise: Perfect for Memorable Family Holidays

      Costa Teguise: Perfect for Memorable Family Holidays

      7 January, 2019 | 0
    • Discover the Culture and History of the Andalucian White Village

      Discover the Culture and History of the Andalucian White Village

      9 April, 2018 | 0

    Archives

    • May 2023 (6)
    • April 2023 (6)
    • March 2023 (6)
    • February 2023 (6)
    • November 2020 (3)
    • October 2020 (2)
    • September 2020 (2)
    • August 2020 (3)
    • July 2020 (5)
    • June 2020 (13)
    • May 2020 (6)
    • April 2020 (6)
    • March 2020 (8)
    • February 2020 (6)
    • January 2020 (7)
    • December 2019 (11)
    • November 2019 (8)
    • October 2019 (8)
    • September 2019 (10)
    • August 2019 (15)
    • July 2019 (13)
    • June 2019 (15)
    • May 2019 (22)
    • April 2019 (22)
    • March 2019 (21)
    • February 2019 (20)
    • January 2019 (22)
    • December 2018 (33)
    • November 2018 (32)
    • October 2018 (34)
    • September 2018 (35)
    • August 2018 (35)
    • July 2018 (30)
    • June 2018 (32)
    • May 2018 (31)
    • April 2018 (30)
    • March 2018 (31)
    • February 2018 (34)
    • January 2018 (30)
    • December 2017 (33)
    • November 2017 (26)
    • October 2017 (23)
    • September 2017 (24)
    • August 2017 (37)
    • July 2017 (23)
    • June 2017 (26)
    • May 2017 (27)
    • April 2017 (27)
    • March 2017 (28)
    • February 2017 (24)
    • January 2017 (23)
    • December 2016 (20)
    • November 2016 (29)
    • October 2016 (30)
    • September 2016 (32)
    • August 2016 (41)
    • July 2016 (38)
    • June 2016 (40)
    • May 2016 (34)
    • April 2016 (36)
    • March 2016 (58)
    • February 2016 (33)
    • January 2016 (69)
    • December 2015 (37)
    • November 2015 (45)
    • October 2015 (50)
    • September 2015 (36)
    • August 2015 (33)
    • July 2015 (31)
    • June 2015 (28)
    • May 2015 (37)
    • April 2015 (35)
    • March 2015 (34)
    • February 2015 (17)
    • January 2015 (13)
    • December 2014 (5)
    • November 2014 (5)
    • October 2014 (6)
    • September 2014 (1)
    2003 - 2016 Shuttledirect operated by Viajes Alameda CV-Mm037A

    SHUTTLEDIRECT.COM

    • Service types
    • About us
    • help & FAQ
    • Sitemap

    LEGAL INFORMATION

    • Credit card security
    • Privacy policy
    • Terms & conditions

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • google +
    • linkedIn
    • YouTube
    • pinterest

    BUSINESS SERVICES

    • website owners
    • transport companies

    This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience.

    Find out more or adjust your settings.

    Powered by GDPR plugin
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

    3rd Party Cookies

    More information about our Cookie Policy