La Terrazza del Grand Hotel Ortigia. Ristorante vista mare - Cucina Mediterranea - Ortigia (Siracusa). — Restaurant in Syracuse

Let me set the scene: it’s 19:30 on a warm June evening, the kind where the sky melts into gold, a breeze wraps around you like a silk scarf, and swallows swoop through the air like they were choreographed just for your arrival. You take a tiny glass elevator to the top floor of the Grand Hotel Ortigia and boom—you step into one of the most elegant rooftop settings in Sicily.

We had called just the day before to book and were lucky to find a spot (end of June = still doable, but I’d reserve ahead if you’re coming in high season). We were seated on the terrace—front-row seats to the most cinematic sunset over Ortigia, with boats drifting in the background and the sea stretching endlessly before us.

The food? Let’s talk about that polpo. “Polpo doppia cottura su crema di patate” sounds poetic—and it is. Tender, rich, and the kind of dish you order as a secondo but secretly wish you could eat for every course. Then came the pasta: pistachio pesto and shelled clams swimming in a vibrant green sauce. Balanced, bright, and exactly what summer on a Sicilian rooftop should taste like.

Service was very professional. We sat outside on the terrace, but there’s also refined indoor seating if the weather doesn’t play nice.

We parked at Parcheggio Molo Sant’Antonio using EasyPark (about a 10-minute scenic walk along the lungomare) it’s large, easy, and feels like part of the experience. There may be closer options, but the stroll is worth it.

Would I go again? In a heartbeat. And next time, I’m ordering...

We had a romantic dinner. The restaurant is located on the third floor, terrace with beautiful views of the sea and sunset. In Syracuse in the evening it is a big problem to find parking. The restaurant provided a free parking space. My husband and I were greeted at the reception as friendly as dear guests. The staff speaks fluent English and German. The attentive staff made our stay at the restaurant comfortable throughout the evening. Special respect to the chef. The food is cooked at a high level, an incredibly subtle combination of flavors and spices. Octopus with the most delicate carrot puree with hints of saffron was incredibly delicious! The mussel soup was a hit, as my husband said. For the main course we took fish, sea bass and dorado. Flawless! The waiter suggested white wine for the fish, which was excellent. We enjoyed delicious food, impeccable service and pleasant music. Thank you! We will definitely return to your...

A place with a breathtaking view that is possibly the best spot to watch the sunset in Oritigia but with a very low level service and no attention to details or product presentation. We paid 18€ for a gin tonic (Hendrick's gin, nothing fancy) served in a rocks glass with the tonic already in it. As garnish we get a giant piece of cucumber very badly cut. It's a pity to see a beautiful location so badly managed and expensive for no reason. How much would cost to get a real Bartender that is not a dinosaur back from the worst bar of the 80's? Nothing compared to having people never gettin' back after just a drink at the sunset. Dear Hotel Owner/Manager, how long do you think you can make your fortune last at the expenses of ignorant people? Your new clientele is people who actually understand what they want and how should it be done. Get yourself ready, the location beauty is not gonna be...