La Capinera

On the Spisone seafront, La Capinera offers a quieter perspective on Taormina: close to the Ionian Sea, yet removed from the livelier tourism of the town centre. The setting is intimate, balancing elegance with simplicity rather than spectacle. In the warmer months, a terrace brings the coastal surroundings into sharper focus. This is a restaurant for making the meal itself the occasion, whether that means dinner for two or a celebration with the emphasis firmly on food and conversation.

Chef Pietro D'Agostino's cooking interprets Sicilian tradition with precision and creativity. Seafood is central, but the restaurant's culinary vocabulary extends beyond the day's catch to vegetables, Slow Food Presidia ingredients and snail caviar. Sicilian oils, with their differing intensities, also form part of that approach. These details make La Capinera distinctive: its connection to the island comes through ingredients as well as its position beside the water, with a contemporary interpretation rather than a straightforward reproduction of familiar regional cooking.

The official website lists both à la carte and tasting menus, alongside dessert and wine selections. Look at the current options before deciding how you would like to dine, rather than arriving with a particular dish in mind. For a warm-weather visit, ask about the terrace when reserving; its seasonal character is worth considering if the outdoor setting is a priority. The intimate atmosphere particularly suits travellers who prefer a quieter table away from the crowds.

Plan your journey for Spisone, not Taormina's hilltop centre: the address is Via Nazionale, 177. Reserve through the official website and check the current service schedule before travelling. July and August have dinner-only hours, so a summer lunch should not be part of your plans.