Malvasia — Restaurant in Taormina

During our stay in Brucoli, my wife and I decided to venture to Taormina on our last night. We arranged for a taxi through the hotel, and after a drive of approximately one hour and 15 minutes, we found ourselves in the charming town. We enjoyed a delightful dinner at one of the local establishments. However, when it came time to return to our hotel in Brucoli, an unexpected challenge arose.

To our surprise, all of the taxi drivers we approached declined to drive us back to Brucoli. Faced with this predicament, the compassionate owner of the Malvasia noticed our plight. He graciously invited us to sit in his restaurant, personally served us drinks, and dedicated over an hour to tirelessly making phone calls to arrange a taxi for us.

After what seemed like countless attempts, he managed to secure a taxi for us on what must have been his thirtieth phone call. Remarkably, he refused to accept any payment for the drinks or his assistance, requesting only a heartfelt handshake and our gratitude.

This restaurant owner's kindness and generosity shone brightly that night in Taormina, and he truly became our guardian angel in...

Ristorante Malvasia – A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Taormina

Tucked away in the charming streets of Taormina, Ristorante Malvasia offers a warm and welcoming escape into the heart of Italian cuisine. With its casual yet inviting atmosphere, this little gem captures the essence of Sicilian hospitality, making it a must-visit for both tourists and locals. Every bite felt like a nod to tradition. It was the seafood entrée that truly stole the spotlight. Fresh from the nearby coast, the seafood was delicately prepared, allowing the natural flavors to shine without overpowering seasoning. Each component was thoughtfully plated and to perfection, showcasing the kitchen's respect for quality ingredients.

Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the setting—just a short walk from Taormina’s historic center—makes it ideal for a relaxed lunch or an unhurried evening meal under the stars.

Verdict: Ristorante Malvasia delivers on all fronts: atmosphere, authenticity, and flavor. Whether you're a pasta purist or a seafood lover, this spot offers a delicious slice of Sicily that’s...

I was shocked at how poor the food was here. This place was recommended by two separate locals, has outstanding reviews, and yet the food was bland. In fact, I would bet money that our pasta was pre-prepared and reheated.

Upon being seated, our server expressed delight that we were Italian-speakers (I assume, a sign that few locals go here) and informed us with a wink not to order certain dishes that were out of season (and therefore frozen). Alarm-bells were ringing at this stage and we should have just left but unfortunately we decided to stay.

In the end we had the underwhelming l’Antipasto Malvasia, and two pasta dishes that clearly emphasised portion over flavour: Linguine al Limone, and Spaghetti alle Sarde.

We didn’t finish the pasta, which was enough to feed a village of people (although they wouldn’t return), asked for the bill and left as soon as possible.

I sincerely hope that our experience was an unusual one, but having eaten at a few restaurants in Taormina, my guess is that there is very little competition in the town, and so this is perhaps the best of...