The best Italian pizzerias and restaurants East

If you have never eatenarancini, those fried rice balls filled with various typical Sicilian ingredients, this is the place to go. And even if you have already tasted them! Because these arancini don't have many competitors. So much so that the online shop ships them all over Europe. In the shop, you'll find them ready to munch on in the window: beef ragout, parmesan and tomato, cheese or pistachio, or ham and mozzarella, or aubergine or spinach and fennel... All tastes are allowed.

This is a good restaurant born from a family history that has lasted for 150 years, located in the small village of Santa Maria della Scala near Acireale, which is worth a stop, below the nature reserve of Timpa. The restaurant is traditional and very well cared for. Exquisite dishes such as insalata di mare, a bouquet of octopus, squid and prawns simply boiled and served in lemon and parsley, fish of the day priced by weight. A picturesque outing appreciated by the Catanese and at a low price to stuff yourself without counting the cost.

A friendly Sicilian family offers simple, tasty home cooking and excellent pizzas at modest prices. Try the delicious parmigiana (fried eggplant, tomato and mozzarella in the oven), the polpette (meatballs with vegetables and tomato sauce) or the home-made cannoli and tiramisù. A very pleasant terrace will welcome you with a surprising view on the bay of Taormina and on Etna. A very warm welcome, you would think you were in a family or even at the theatre, as the members of the family are real characters!

The Razmataz spreads its beautiful shady terrace in the historic centre of Catania. Very lively in the evening when the latter is taken by storm ataperitivo time, this place is a wine bar appreciated for its trendy bistro atmosphere, its simple but tasty cuisine and its low prices. Try the copious red wine risotto! The desserts are just as enticing as the dishes. It is also a good address to discover the local wines or sip a good cocktail. The service is a bit rushed, but that's understandable given the crowds in high season.

Below Piazza Duomo, in the heart of a small fish market where fishmongers sometimes sing bel canto. The chef also tells you the dishes "by voice"! Typical Sicilian cuisine with seafood specialities. This restaurant enjoys a good reputation. The terrace is next to the fish stalls. Very picturesque. Best to book in high season. Of course the fish is extremely fresh. The antipasti are worth the detour. The house has also created its own brand of delicatessen that promotes local products.

The house has been in existence since 1877, that's saying something! In an authentic décor of an old 19th century wine press, this restaurant offers traditional seasonal cuisine. Specialty risotto, meat such as Nebrodi pork or game; here, everything is homemade and Antonella will often surprise you with pleasant culinary attentions. The risotto with pistachio or the caponata with bitter chocolate are worth a visit. A good address at low prices.

A small address known to the locals, hidden in a recess near Piazza Cutteli. A large room and a small patio-like courtyard nearby allow you to enjoy delicious pizzas cooked over a wood fire. The house's signature pizzas are particularly original, such as the Santa Daniela, which is particularly good, with mozzarella, philadelphia, tomatoes à la carrettiera, speck and pistachio kernels. You can also order take-away to eat in a park. Friendly service, fresh and well prepared products.

A little way from the other restaurants between the cable car and the Pensione Svizzera, this traditional trattoria serves hearty, good, typically Sicilian food, especially fresh pasta specialties. The linguine with shrimps and pistachios is a signature dish to try, as well as the assortment of crudo of the sea as antipasti: tuna in carpaccio, oysters, gambas, scampi, salmon tartar..., everything is divine! Very pleasant little terrace with a phenomenal view. It is advisable to reserve, however, as tables are scarce.

As its name indicates, this restaurant offers grilled specialities, but the rest, especially pasta, is equally good, without forgetting the final cassata. Beautiful room overlooking green.

For pizzas in Taormina, head to the Tiramisù trattoria! They are crispy, generous in quality ingredients and golden to perfection. Or go straight to dessert without going through the main course if you're dreaming of an excellent tiramisù! The Italian dessert par excellence is to die for! However, it would be a shame to miss out on, for example, fresh pasta with prawns and seeded pistachios, with confit tomatoes, courgettes, basil and lots of deliciously cooked flavours. The execution was perfect.

Well situated in the heart of the medieval village, this old tavern offers a pleasant welcome for tasting local specialities such as hot antipasti or rabbit alla Paolina (capers, tomatoes, olives, onions, white wine). The great speciality is beef, which is available in various recipes. We recommend the slices of beef on a bed of rocket with local cheese and a green pepper and rosemary sauce. The restaurant also offers an interesting vegetarian menu. Very nice wine list. Friendly service. Not to be missed.

An old lemon press from the last century, converted into a restaurant with a charming decor. You are immediately impressed by the size of the press and its massive wooden beams. The restaurant serves traditional local cuisine, including fresh pasta and mushroom specialities, which are a real treat. Lemon is a favourite ingredient of course! The prices remain affordable, especially the unique evening menu. Here we like simplicity and family recipes. Ideal for a hearty dinner after an excursion on Etna.

The hotel restaurant of the same name. The service and presentation are impeccable, worthy of the large tables, the wine list is varied and the kitchen oscillates between typical dishes and other influences of Mediterranean and international influences. A wide choice of fish and home desserts.

This restaurant exists since 1972. This Botte is located just in front of the famous Bam Bar where you can have an aperitif before a table becomes available. You can also approach the problem the other way around: go and have dessert at the Bam Bar after the pizza at the Botte. In any case, this is one of the very touristy addresses. Yes, it's crowded, but it's good and the service is friendly. The terrace under its arbour and its trees is full of charm. However, the cuisine has been very disappointing for a few years.

The kitchen is in the dining room under your eyes. Very good atmosphere and excellent address for fish (fresh and weight according to your wishes). It is also advisable to book festive days! The boss is very supportive.

Located not far from Piazza Duomo, in a small and quiet street, this restaurant offers ancient Sicilian cuisine. Try the spaghetti cà muddica (anchovies, breadcrumbs), the penne Donna Lola (tomatoes, zucchini, salted ricotta), the spaghetti turiddù (capers, anchovies, tomato filet, breadcrumbs). Or the orange salad, the tuna cà cipudolata (with red onions), the suckling pig fillet with spicy sauce, etc. Add a charming welcome and a quality wine list to enjoy a nice portion of Sicilian culture. Pleasant terrace.

The hotel is a good place to stay. The specialty of the house is pizza: they are worth the detour here! A good address.