Buca di Bacco

Buca di Bacco is an elegant seafood restaurant in Taormina, the cliff-top resort town on Sicily's eastern coast that has drawn travellers since the days of the Grand Tour. Set on Via Bagnoli Croce with a terrace that opens toward the sea and the bay below, it specialises in the kind of cooking Taormina does best: the freshest local fish and shellfish handled simply, alongside the classic Sicilian pastas. The kitchen's reputation rests on dishes such as spaghetti al riccio di mare, dressed with the prized sea urchins of the Ionian coast, and grilled swordfish, the emblematic fish of the Strait of Messina, here cooked over heat and finished with little more than oil, lemon and herbs. Pasta alle sarde and other island staples round out a menu that prizes ingredient quality over elaboration. The setting is a large part of the appeal: the terrace makes for a romantic evening, particularly at sunset, while the interior is comfortable and unfussy. Dress is smart-casual in keeping with Taormina's relaxed-but-stylish character, and the atmosphere is convivial without being raucous. The wine list is solid on Sicilian whites and the volcanic reds of nearby Etna, natural partners to the seafood. Because Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular destinations, the restaurant is busy through the long season from spring to autumn, and a terrace table at dinner should be reserved a few days ahead, more in July and August or during the Taormina film and arts festivals. Lunch is a quieter and often better-value alternative for those who want the view without the evening premium. The restaurant sits a short walk from the Corso Umberto, the pedestrian spine of the town, and the ancient Greek theatre, making it an easy addition to a day spent exploring one of the island's signature towns.