Relè Taormina — Restaurant in Taormina

HORRIBLE WAITER. the two stars is for the kind manger

We recently visited this restaurant as a family of four and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience. The food was okay—not bad, but certainly not worth the high prices they charge. That alone would’ve been forgivable, but the service was what really left a bad taste in our mouths.

From the moment we arrived, one waiter in particular was incredibly rude. He gave our group of four a small table meant for two people, and when we asked for a larger table since we planned to order a full meal, he simply walked away. He also aggressively removed two chairs from a nearby table and tossed them at ours, clearly irritated. It was a very uncomfortable start.

We noticed only three placemats had been set, so we tried politely to get someone’s attention to bring a fourth. The waiter ignored us completely, so I quietly took two spare placemats from an empty table nearby. The waiter returned and shouted at us, saying, “No! How dare you!” loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear. It was humiliating and upsetting.

Thankfully, the manager came out after hearing the commotion and calmly asked the waiter to go inside. The manager was kind and understanding—I explained the situation and apologized for taking the placemats, thinking it was harmless. He reassured us, and we decided to stay.

We ordered several dishes, including meatballs and asked if we could have a side of spaghetti for our child. The manager kindly told us it would be complimentary and even apologized again for the earlier behavior. We were grateful and continued with our meal.

However, we couldn’t help but notice that we were squeezed at a table for two while another couple—just two people—were seated at a large table for four. It didn’t make sense and felt unfair.

Throughout the meal, the rude waiter continued to ignore us, and we tried our best to stay polite and not let it ruin the evening. But when the bill came, we were charged €20 for the plain spaghetti that was promised to be free. We asked for the manager again, and the waiter rudely told us, “No, he’s on his break. That’s the price.” We didn’t want to create a scene, so we paid and left—disappointed.

To make matters worse, my 8-year-old son overheard the waiter telling another staff member that we were a “horrible family.” It upset him so much that he cried and asked why someone would say that about us. We are kind, respectful people who simply wanted to enjoy a meal as a family. This experience was incredibly upsetting for all of us.

We will absolutely not be returning. The unprofessionalism and hostility from that one staff member ruined what should have been a...

Very disappointed. Pretty awful service and would not recommend. I've had nothing but very considerate and kind service until this place.

I walked in for a drink, waiter said fine yes, sat down and the manager retracted and said no that I have to order food. When I had got up, I look around and there are multiple other people sitting and only drinking. The place was also half empty. I didn't have the energy to argue and for them to do this to someone on their own is poor, I agreed to order food. I asked different waiter taking ordered if any recommendations, he snapped back saying no all the food is good and half way walking away murmered linguine and something else I care not to remember. I ordered food, quality mediocre and did not enjoy. The only thing going for this place is the view which is severely let down by the waiting staff.

Side note is I felt it was a waste paying for drink food where there were random people coming into the entrance and to the front of the viewing spot to take pictures. I would have done that instead of the service I received...

The highlight of my evening at Rele Taormina was the kindness of a waiter named Orazio. After I badly hit my shin on a low concrete barrier in the dark, he immediately noticed, helped me to a seat, and brought the first-aid kit. He carefully sanitized my wound and made sure I was okay. Another senior gentleman also came over to assist. I asked Orazio his name because I felt he truly deserved recognition for the way he went above and beyond, and I hope the owner sees this comment and recognizes his great work.

Beyond this personal incident, the restaurant itself is outstanding. It sits in a perfect location overlooking the beach, and at night the view is magical. When we visited, Mount Etna erupted in the distance—the red glow in the sky and smoke drifting across the moon made it an unforgettable backdrop. The food was also excellent and completed the experience.

If you’re visiting Taormina, I highly recommend Rele Taormina—not only for the food and views, but for staff like Orazio his wonderful colleagues who genuinely care about...