Raya Taormina — Restaurant in Taormina

Beautiful garden ambiance with great food and presentation (the octopus was excellent). Prices are on the higher side, and while service was attentive, note that menu mistakes aren’t always adjusted from the bill. Still, a memorable stop in Taormina. ——————- We stopped in at Raya Taormina for a break and were immediately impressed by the atmosphere. The garden seating, surrounded by flowers and greenery, creates a relaxed yet elegant space that feels special the moment you sit down.

The food was very good the octopus was tender and flavorful, plated beautifully, and the salad was fresh and well-balanced. Presentation across the dishes was thoughtful and elevated. The only drawback was that the prices were on the higher end, though the quality and setting did make it feel like more of an experience than just a meal.

One small note: I accidentally ordered a salad that included bacon without realizing it. When I flagged it, the staff promptly removed the dish from the table but also pointed out the menu to show where it was listed. It wasn’t taken off the bill, which may just be a cultural norm, but it’s worth being extra careful when ordering.

Overall, Raya Taormina offers delicious food, attentive service, and an absolutely beautiful garden ambiance. A bit pricey, but a memorable dining experience if you’re in Taormina and want to enjoy both flavor...

From the moment you step into Raya Restaurant, you’re transported into a space where elegance, warmth, and culinary mastery come together effortlessly. The interiors are a reflection of refined taste — a perfect backdrop for what turns out to be an unforgettable dining experience.

What truly sets Raya apart, however, is the heart behind it: Valentina, the owner, whose presence is as graceful as it is passionate. Her attentiveness to every guest, her genuine warmth, and her clear love for what she does create a sense of intimacy and care that you simply can’t find everywhere. She doesn’t just run a restaurant — she curates an experience.

And then there’s the food. Every dish at Raya is a testament to the power of prime ingredients, executed with finesse and creativity. From the first bite to the last, the flavors are bold yet balanced, elevated yet comforting. It’s the kind of food that stays with you — deeply satisfying, beautifully presented, and made with purpose.

Raya isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a place to savor. A rare gem where passion meets precision, and where every detail, from the plate to the service, speaks of excellence. Highly...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Back in May, after a full day of surf kiting under the Sicilian sun, we found ourselves at Restaurant & Lounge Raya in the heart of Taormina—and it turned out to be the perfect way to wind down. Tucked into the lively streets of town, Raya had an effortlessly cool vibe with warm lighting, great music, and a welcoming energy that made us feel instantly at ease.

To our surprise (and delight), one of our kite instructors turned out to be a friend of the owner—so we had a great conversation starter and felt right at home from the moment we sat down. The food was pure Sicilian bliss: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and dishes that made us linger over every bite. The cocktails? Let’s just say they flowed as freely as the conversation. We definitely left with full hearts—and a little wobble in our step 😄

The staff’s attentiveness and charm brought everything together. Raya wasn’t just a dinner stop—it was a highlight of our trip. We’re still talking about it, and we’ll definitely be back.

We told the staff that we would like to give them a nice review, life is busy, but we never forgot. Sorry for the...