TRATTORIA DO SCOGGHIU SRLS — Restaurant in Syracuse

Closed Mondays Lunch on Sunday 27 September 2020 We arrived too early and had to wait around until they were ready to serve! One bottle of water, one bottle of excellent white wine (Principe di Corleone at €14.00), one starter of Insalata di Pomodoro, two mains of Spada alla Siracusana (swordfish) and Spigola Grigliata (sea bass) as they were not serving Sarde a Beccafico (sardines), one side dish of Patate Fritte and two coffees cost €65.00. Quite expensive but worth it as the fish portions are both very big and very fresh and tasty.

Lunch on Thursday 9 May 2018 We were seated straight away even though today the restaurant was a bit busier. One of the two gentlemen who run everything was confused when he saw me writing down our order until I explained that I always review good restaurants on Google Maps! One bottle of water, one litre of good house red wine (€10.00), one starter of Olive, Pecorino Siciliano e Pomodoro Secchi di Pachino (olives, sheep cheese and sun dried tomatoes), one starter of Insalara di Aranchia e Cipolla Fresca (orange and raw onions salad), one main of Spada alla Siracusana (swordfish with cherry tomatoes, capers and mint), one main of Pasta Fresca alla Norma di Mare (fresh pasta with aubergines, cheese, tomatoes and swordfish) and two espressos (at no charge) cost €55.00

Lunch on Tuesday 7 May 2019 The staff remembered us from last year! The wine list has changed so we ordered the house red wine instead. And it was really good! One bottle of water, one litre of house red wine (€10.00), one starter of Verdure Grigliate (grilled vevetabkes), one starter of Caponata Siciliana, one main of Spada alla Siracusana (swordfish with cherry tomatoes, capers and mint), one main of Sarde a Beccafico (sardines with raisins, cherry tomatoes and parsley) plus a side dish of Patate Fritte (fried potaties) and two coffees cost €65.00. (The bread was really soft and fresh but with a lovely crust and the house red wine was really good )

Lunch on Friday 13 April 2018 We were recognised from our previous visit and treated like welcome guests. One bottle of water, one bottle of white Principe di Corleone (€15.00), one starter of Olive, Pecorino Siciliano e Pomodori Secchi di Pachino (olives, pecorino cheese and dried cherry tomatoes) to share, one main of Sarde a Beccafico (sardines stuffed with raisins and pine nuts in breadcrumbs) and one main of Spada Arrosto (roasted swordfish), as tuna is not available until May, with one side dish of Patate Fritte (fried potatoes) to share and two coffees cost €61.00.

Lunch on Tuesday 10 April 2018 Wonderful and authentic little Sicilian restaurant with friendly banter between the front of house staff. One bottle of water, one bottle of white Principe di Corleone (€15.00), two mains of Sarde a Beccafico (sardines stuffed with raisins and pine nuts in breadcrumbs) with two side dishes of Patate Fritte (fried potatoes) and two coffees cost €57.00.

Lunch on Friday 12 May 2017 We had exactly the same as above because you cannot improve on perfection! One bottle of water, one bottle of Corvo Bianco (€14.00), one Misto di Verdure Arrosto (melanzane and zucchin1), two times Patate Fritte, two times Sarde a Cotoletta and two coffees cost €56.00.

Lunch on Tuesday 9 May 2017 Think the English can do fish and chips? Unfortunately, the Italians do it much better. Light and crispy chips with the skins still on and delicate little sardines done in a butterfly or cutlet style. One bottle of water, one bottle of Corvo Bianco (€14.00), two times Patate Fritte and two times Sarde a Cotoletta...

Not bad but not that great either. We went here as everywhere was booked and full. It was quiet empty so was a bit sceptic but with a little one we wanted to go somewhere fast as possible to eat. Based on reviews was an average, so have it a go. When we entered the “host” I believe was really busy texting and took her a good 5minutes to acknowledge the fact that we were actually waiting to be seated. The waiting staff was working hard but some of the waiter looked very confused as few times we saw them taking food to the wrong table including ourselves. Food was average, pizza was an ok level. Starter could have been better, was too oily and quiet small portion compare to places we have visited before. Not a bad place but definitely could do some...

They seemed unable to control the crowd when we entered at 13:30. However, despite looking disorganised, they actually have a system to know the seating and order. The food is one of the best I have eaten in Sicily so far (over Palermo, Agrigento, Trapani, Piazza Armerina, etc.). Recommendations will be their "Pasta with Sea Urchins" and "Risotto of the Sea". The former: simple, plain, yet tasty where you will be able to appreciate the flavor of each ingredient that they use. The latter: fresh seafood, juicy prawns, top quality olive oil; the risotto served fresh on the sweetest seafood broth/sauce.

I'm really torn to write this review; as I don't want it to be overcrowded the next...