Ethica Chef’s Table and Garden — Restaurant in Taormina

We had an unforgettable dinner tonight at Ethica Chef’s Table in Taormina—a true highlight of our Sicilian journey. From the moment we arrived, the service was seamless, every member of the team moved with precision, warmth, and purpose, like a perfectly choreographed dance. It was a joy to watch such a well-oiled machine in action, especially while dining with my seven-year-old daughter, who was treated with the same care and attention as any other guest.

We began with a grilled Icelandic oyster, dressed in a stunning grapefruit dashi, Lao Gan Ma, and finger lime, an extraordinary balance of brightness, heat, and brine that set the tone for the meal.

The pasta courses were beyond anything we imagined. One featured delicate langoustine, perfectly cooked and deeply flavorful. The other, an earthy, soulful goat ragout, was layered and rich, yet still refined. We paired everything with a bottle of Passobianco, a local white wine from Etna that was mineral-driven, expressive, and beautifully suited to the cuisine.

For our main, the dusky grouper was grilled to perfection with the skin on which made it so crispy on the exterior yet delicate and moist on the interior, served with carrots, broccoli rabe, and a whisper of ’nduja-infused EVOO, a dish that showcased both restraint and boldness in equal measure.

Dessert was no afterthought, each creation was a work of art, with depth of flavor and beautiful craftsmanship. Even the simplest elements were executed with intention and finesse.

An exceptional experience from start to finish, elevated yet unpretentious, and unforgettable for myself, my winning companion and my daughter. Ethica is doing something truly special in Taormina....

We booked a table for 7 PM and were warmly welcomed by the entire team. From the very beginning, we were given a thorough introduction to both the team and their dishes. Even though the menu isn’t huge, it offers so much incredible food. We chose the Chef’s Tasting Menu, and it was truly exceptional — we’ve never experienced a dinner like this before, which made it a unique and unforgettable evening.

This was without a doubt the best meal we’ve had during our whole trip. The prices may seem a bit high at first glance, but what you get in return is outstanding quality, fresh ingredients, and a team that’s not only talented but genuinely passionate about what they do and how they take care of their guests.

We tried the tasting menu with oysters (which we were most skeptical about since none of us had ever tasted oysters before), but to our surprise — they were absolutely delicious and definitely worth trying!

Every dish was beautifully prepared and tasted heavenly. Sitting at the bar and watching the chefs work was such a fun and different experience — we loved seeing the dishes come to life right in front of us. It’s a meal and a show combined, and something we’ll always remember.

Make sure to set aside enough time — we spent around 2.5 to 3 hours on the whole experience, but it truly flew by. We’re deeply thankful to the entire team for making us feel so welcome and taken care of. You made the evening feel personal, joyful, and incredibly special. We’d love to come back one day. Thank you for a one-of-a-kind dining...

If you are a foody nut, a culinary freak, a connaisseur, a Michelin chaser, or just a profane who's up to here with pasta and pizza during an Italian trip, look no further: the culinary and hosting experience at Ethica will be the highlight of your journey in Taormina.

The maître d'hôtel and all the line chefs are warm, yet professional. Full of smiles but no clowns. Working on display, but no marionettes. And they'll never look down on you whether you're a donna dressed for Sunday church or a loud American with hat and sneakers.

The food is creative but not unatainable. Tastes fabulous and looks expensive, yet completely affordable.

Choose to eat at the bar: this one is much larger than your common sushi/tapas place. No breathing into the prep food. Yet accomodating with plenty of room and a nice view of the action.

The decor is slick and modern peppered with loungy music that isn't too loud. But it doesn't feel ostentatious nor rococo. Everything feels just right.

Opt for the best Sicilian wine the Maître D will advise. I promise you'll be blown away. That Contrada (terre Sicilienne) 2022 was from another planet.

Plan your evening there. Make it an event. Don't go there for a quick diner before a show. The show is happening right in the front of you, and you'll never feel the hours passing.

What an absolute masterpiece of a restaurant. What a crew. And what food! Any restaurant owner would be proud to own this joint. Any stomac and heart will leave this place full...