Casu Osteria Contemporanea — Restaurant in Giarre

Not extravagant, just everything done rather well. We wanted a place to get a taste of the local food in the best way we could and got exactly that. We walked past this subtle place 4 times without knowing it was there, but we are glad we did. Each dish was well balanced, with good quality, each its own unique flavour, not over salted, and just the right size to enjoy as part of a full Italian meal. Note that while the antipasti and primo were on the smaller side (although not such a small price), the primo was a surprisingly large portion for the price and so while this isn't a cheap restaurant, overall you will not regret paying for a good meal and will leave very well sated We paid 130 euro for 2 people, including dessert, and one of us had wine and digestif (a very nice local Amero which finishes things off nicely) Also, special mention to the chef's background music: I have never heard such a mix of classic rock anthems outside of my own personal car playlist (actually spookily close to my list?). Linkin Park, Led Zeppelin, Chilli Peppers, Iron Maiden, Cranberries, Guns n Roses... Quiet enough to not stop conversation but clear enough that I did perhaps sing along to some quietly. Probably not quite authentic Sicilian, but...

We happened upon this truly lovely restaurant via the Michelin guide as we are staying nearby - was exactly the kind of meal that makes a happy holiday memory. Unassuming and convivial the moment you step inside - the food was excellent. From the delicious house breads and the tomato/garlic/almond relish that accompanies them to the very last morsel of desert. We had the special of raw langoustines, which were served with a subtle candied peel and fresh herb sauce, a delicious caponata and the artisanal mortadella. The pastas were top notch - our kid devoured the mussel clam and prawn, while the local speciality of handmade busiate with fresh anchovy, wild fennel and raisins, and the white ragu tagliatelle were devoured by us. The beef tagliata with chard was perfectly cooked and so flavoursome, and the finish with the warm and very light chocolate and almond cake with vanilla cream, and the daily special of lemon jelly with strawberries was perfect. Easily the best meal we had all week across Sicily. It's a tiny restaurant with really kind staff - just 3 including the chef - and who speak very good...

Our experience at the Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant didn't quite live up to our high expectations. The ambiance was lacking, with music blaring from the kitchen, giving off a cold warehouse vibe. While the appetizers, Mortadella on bread and artichoke with pulled pork, were delicious, the main courses disappointed. The risotto felt hastily prepared, lacking the creaminess that butter and cheese would have provided. The pasta with white ragout (salzicha) was good but didn't justify the Michelin mention. Perhaps it was due to the season, as there weren't many guests present. Overall the experience didn't fully align with its Michelin...