Ristorante La Grotta Di Ulisse — Restaurant in Taormina

This place is unfortunately a scam. Let me explain. There is absolutely nowhere on the outside menu billboard that indicates a 10% Service charge. Basically they get you in with it being less expensive than the competitors. Just say it / advertise it and then its up to the customer if they want to go in or not! On the inside actual Menu, its hidden in very small letters over a picture and virtually impossible to notice, classic. We did not notice until we received the bill. To add insult to injury, they take you for fools because they Add the service charge ON TOP of the "Coperto/cover charge" (3 euro cover charge which in Italy this is normal practice, some places 1 euro per person, some places more like this one, but not complaining about that but also would be nice if they show it in the board outside). Also, what they do, when you ask for the bill, they do NOT give you an official receipt (Its a Non fiscal bill) which means if you do NOT ask for an official receipt when you pay, especially if you pay cash, very easy for them NOT declare it for Government taxes. I am not saying that's what they do, but I am sure the "Guardia di Finanza/Government finance" would be VERY interested to know this practice! Never have I written this bad of review but just wanted everyone to know how they get you in to their place. DECEIVING. Honestly, go somewhere else. The food is so..that's it. Not something at all you brag about being in such a beautiful country that is renowned for great food. You will be disappointed. Pasta, passable. Thank God I did not order the Pizza because it basically looked like a "fast food frozen" pizza you get anywhere in the world when I saw the table next to us and they did not look to impressed when they ate it.

That'll teach me to not check the reviews. My mistake.

Enjoy beautiful Italy and...

This was the worst experience of my life. We were celebrating my father's birthday, and from the moment we sat down, it was a disaster. They seated us at a cramped table next to a station where servers were constantly bumping into us and even splashing alcohol on us. We asked to move to a nearby table that became available, and they said we could in five minutes. But when another waiter gave the table to someone else, I had to explain the situation to five different staff members. They were extremely rude, and even after I said I wanted to leave, they insisted we couldn’t because our food was "almost ready." Finally, after more mistreatment and only when I threatened to leave, they moved us to a different table. We ended up eating and paying an outrageous amount for terrible service. I don’t recommend this place at all—awful service, bad food, and ridiculously high prices. Avoid it at all costs! we could hardly enjoy our meal, constantly feeling anxious from the awful treatment. On top of that, the food was incredibly overpriced! They charged 12 euros per person just for the cover, plus a 10% tip. Avoid this place at all costs!

Ho avuto la peggiore esperienza della mia vita! Era il compleanno di mio padre e sono quasi uscita in lacrime. Il servizio è stato assolutamente orribile—scortese e irrispettoso fin dall'inizio. Siamo stati trattati così male che non siamo riusciti a goderci il pasto, costantemente angosciati dal pessimo trattamento. Inoltre, il cibo era incredibilmente caro! Hanno addebitato 12 euro a persona solo per il coperto, più il 10% di mancia. Evitate questo posto a...

❌WORST ❌dining experience in Taormina, AVOID at all costs

We have spent four days in Taormina and this was by far the WORST place we ate. I truly regret not checking the reviews before walking in — we were fooled by the seemingly nice terrace, which turned out to be very uncomfortable. The seats were tiny, squeezed between the wall and the fixed tables, leaving no room to sit properly.

From the very start, service was unacceptable. We waited 20 minutes without even receiving menus, and I had to call the waiter myself. When food finally arrived, it was a complete disappointment: • Pasta with truffle: portion the size of a fist, broken tagliatelle ,overcooked, served almost cold — for 18 euros. • Spaghetti with pistachio: equally small and unimpressive. • Mixed salad: nothing more than packaged leaves in a tiny bowl with three slices of cucumber and two pieces of tomato. No oil, vinegar, salt, or pepper provided.

The waiter simply dropped the plates and disappeared. Nobody checked on us, nobody asked if we were satisfied. When we finally commented that the food was not worth the price, the waiter showed zero reaction — no apology, no concern — and immediately turned to serve new customers, leaving us behind.

We left hungry, frustrated, and 64 euros poorer. It is shocking that in a place like Taormina, which thrives on tourism, a restaurant can operate with such poor food, inflated prices, and complete lack of respect for customers.

I rarely write negative reviews, but in this case I feel compelled: 👉 Avoid this place. Don’t waste your time, money,...