Lemon Tapas & Drinks Ortigia — Restaurant in Syracuse

I tend to avoid Ortigia when eating out, especially in August, as it is the peak of the tourist season. And being a major tourist attraction restaurants can be high on price and low on quality. This new little restaurant is a surprising exception. It's tucked away from the main tourist traffic, but it is run by a lovely young couple who clearly love producing quality food. The tapas concept is hardly new, although it does more resemble a menu of antipasti, which is not a bad thing. Regardless, it is what you expect from Sicilian food, fresh ingredients that are simply prepared. We were in a group of five, which made it even easier to share and sample a good range of offerings from the menu, with a good balance of vegan, vegetarian, seafood and meat options. Total cost including drinks (cocktails) and a delicious frozen ricotta parfait dessert was €100. Both hosts speak excellent English and are happy to chat about the food and other things. The menu is also written in plain English, with no strange translations, making it ideal for tourists, but with quality food the locals will relish. It seems a shame to reveal how good it is, so as to keep a quiet place to eat, but the food is too good not to talk about, and the owners deserve to succeed in such a...

What a wonderful discovery! The Italian Tapas Restaurant exceeded my expectations by far. From the very first moment, I felt welcomed, thanks to the warm and friendly service.

A highlight was undoubtedly the food. The chef is a master of his craft, conjuring up taste experiences that are simply heavenly. Both the tapas and the pasta are a true delight for the palate. Every bite tells a story of fresh ingredients and sophisticated flavors.

The tranquil location of the restaurant in a picturesque alley adds a romantic atmosphere to the whole experience. Here, you can peacefully savor the delicious food and escape from the everyday hustle. I also appreciate the staff's recommendations, passionately describing the dishes. Moreover, they cater to individual requests, such as a nut allergy.

This restaurant has everything you need. The combination of a talented chef, friendly service, serene environment, and sensational food makes this place an...

Sicily #19, Ortigia #8, Italian #9, Tapas #1: came here for my birthday dinner due to the resounding positive reviews on Google Maps.

We started off with some aperitivos (negronis and aperol spritzes) before ordering the tuna tartare, grilled octopus, and the grilled shrimp.

The drinks were solid whereas the food was more miss than hit. I enjoyed the grilled octopus, but it was a bit on the smaller side. The tuna tartare was disappointing. It was a bit flat and the flavors were off; I got more apple and bitterness than I got the flavor of the tuna. The shrimp were fine.

Our waitress was very personal and friendly but the owners/chefs seemed to argue with her any time she tried to accommodate us--it was a bit bizarre. You can take my review with a grain of salt as most people seem to enjoy. I'd likely not return here as there are several restaurants in Siracusa/Ortigia I prefer (Farì, Sicily Pizzeria, and Forneria siciliana to...