Tempio di Athena — Restaurant in Syracuse

I was disappointed with my experience at Tempio di Athena, which I would rate no more than three stars. This was my first meal in Ortigia, and I was excited to enjoy some seafood and wine after arriving in Catania just a few hours earlier. Unfortunately, things started on a sour note when I tried to get the waiter’s attention, only to be snapped at and told to wait. This created an uncomfortable atmosphere.

When the waiter finally approached, we were ready to order, and I requested a bottle of sparkling wine along with our meal. It’s worth noting that I often travel in September, which usually means fewer crowds and cooler weather, but also that restaurant staff might be burnt out after a busy tourist season. I try to be mindful of this, especially as a New Yorker who tends to value efficiency. I know I need to adjust to the slower pace of life, so I wasn’t too bothered by the initial impatience.

However, things didn’t improve. Despite placing the order, the wine never arrived. When my wife asked about it after the food was served, the waiter admitted he had forgotten. At this point, it was frustrating because the restaurant was quiet with only two other tables occupied, and the waiter wasn’t under any significant pressure, despite his curt behavior.

While the owner was pleasant and accommodating, and the food was just okay, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. To top it off, everyone else seemed to receive a complimentary granita at the end of their meal—except for us. Overall, the experience left me...

Awful service. Was waiting for paste with seafood for ~30 mins. Waiter said "your dish is arriving" 2(!!!) times and I was waiting for 20 mins more.

Then waiter came up with wrong pasta - without seafood but with with raisins and olives.

The reason - they translated in menu sicilian pasta as "linguini with seafood" what was mistake. Guys please translate menu correctly.

Waiter said "we will replace it in a few minutes". And left. I was waiting for ~15 mins more. And then I gone.

What's interesting, during that time they served other people which ordered later.

Waiter even was late to bring the cash register ta pay by card. I was forced to pay with cash.

Carbonara was good,...

We came here because of the reviews and because there were so many people sitting outside and inside. After we sat inside for a couple of minutes all the people left when we realized, they all belonged together because of a guided travel tour. The food came fast and the service was very friendly. But the food tasted like there was no love in it. The ravioli di ricotta a la Norma where too salty and the orange rib eye steak (from pork) was just not a good part and the sauce too sweet. The fries we ordered aswell where okay (nothing more nothing less). The service men reorganized the tables as if there was a next big group coming.. felt very touristy.

We would not go...