Ristorante Pizzeria Porta Messina — Restaurant in Taormina

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!

Five ingredients: flour, salt, yeast, water and oil..... that's all we were taught.

We started out with the chef and was making "macoroni" but the chef left within the first 15 minutes of the class and we were left with a new "teacher" who acted as if he was teaching for the first time. After a short break to eat some cheese, olives, and, "bruschetta." There were pictures of wine and one single birkenstock of water for the 5 of us. We did not drink the wine.. No soda was offered.

We made the pizza dough from ingredients already on the table. After making the dough, it was taken away to rest over night and dough was brought out. (I am concerned that it might be the dough the class the day before made.) We were shown how to roll out the dough using our hands but we were rushed and did not actually have time to get the crust spread adequately so the crust was overly thick and ended up undercooked. We were then taken to the kitchen to make our pizza. They did not allow us to measure out the ingredients for anything. We were not given much information about the anything. I figured we would get recommendations about how to make the sauce, but that was not the case. Actual instructional/ preparing dough or making the macoroni dough totaled no more than 20 minutes.

The class seemed unorganized and the assistant was in over his head. We were left wondering what was happening more than half the time. The macoroni was finally prepared and sent out after the pizza was finished and the other table kept asking where it was. After asking for a box for the leftover pizza, nearly 15 minutes passed and we had to ask for our box. The certificates send like an after thought.

Among the most concerning, though, is the fact that they were running a restaurant at the same time as the class. We were told to reach into open bins for our toppings and all 13 of us reached in without gloves. Just general cleanliness and hygiene becomes a concern for me. I realize that standards are different from those in the states, but we still think the practice of allowing 13 "visitors" into the kitchen to possibly contaminate the food is something to consider.

The cost for 5 of us, 3 adults, a 10 and 8 year old, was extreme for the little interaction and minimal instruction we received. I would suggest you-tubing the process and spend your money on nice...

Went to visit the highly spoke about city Taormina! We worked an appetite and found this restaurant with good reviews. We get there and the place was empty save two other couples. Nevertheless the waiter seemed to be overwhelmed. You had to jump in front of him to get him to stop and listen. Even do this was not a big deal! I ordered the cliche so named Don Corleone, not for the name but it was described in the menu and seemed interesting. We ordered pizza, and we also ordered a red sauce eggplant pasta. The food came out promptly!!! The eggplant pasta and pizza was fairly decent. I was content with it. But the famously named Don Corleone pasta was a complete bomb. Let me start off by saying, I am not picky by any means, but sometimes it's the little things that restaurants do that can really make a difference in experience. By the way, this is the first food review I have ever done. So the Don was th most bland dish I have ever had? Really? I am in Sicily!!!!Taormina for that matter and I am eating this tasteless pasta. This was not even the worst part of it. All throughout the pasta was small pieces of bone or cartilage. In not sure what it was but if tried to bit through it or bit it just right. I assure you, you are going to chip a tooth. I have strong healthy teeth as well. I have lived in different parts of Italy for over 5 years so Italian cuisine in Italy is no mystery to me. The chef must have cooked the bacon that went into the pasta and left these pieces in the dish. I'm sorry but that is just plain sad when you have to chew cautiously and pick stuff out of every single bit of PASTA! If Don Corleone was real, he would have to end this insult of a dish! As I say, small things are what add up. If didn't have bone fragments in my pasta I would have five with the bland taste. If the waiter would have payed attention, feelings would be better. Other than that the good was OK. Overall the place was a disappointment for being in Taormina, Sicily. Maybe because the place is now a tourist trap!...

My visit to Ristorante Porta Messina in Taormina turned out to be an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, offering unparalleled value for money. As I stepped into the charming restaurant, I was immediately greeted by the warm smiles of the staff, setting the perfect tone for what was to come.

Upon settling at my table, I couldn't resist exploring their menu, and I was delighted to discover an array of mouthwatering options. Their pizzas, pastas, and pastries all beckoned, promising a delightful culinary journey ahead.

Opting for their famed pizzas, I eagerly awaited the arrival of my order. When the fragrant, freshly baked pizza was placed before me, I was taken aback by its sheer beauty. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with the perfect combination of toppings and a delectable crust that left me yearning for more.

The attentive staff made sure I was well taken care of throughout the meal, attentively refilling drinks and ensuring my dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Their genuine friendliness and generosity added an extra touch of warmth, making the entire experience even more special.

As I savored the last bite of my pizza and indulged in a heavenly pastry for dessert, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and satisfaction. Ristorante Porta Messina had truly surpassed all expectations, offering a dining experience that was not only affordable but also filled with genuine warmth and delightful culinary creations.

The combination of their delectable pizzas, sumptuous pastas, and heavenly pastries, paired with the heartwarming hospitality of the staff, left me with cherished memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. Without a doubt, Ristorante Porta Messina stands as a testament to the extraordinary value for money, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly special dining experience...