Mad

We are planning a trip to Sicily this May. Does anyone have recommendations for restaurants in either Palermo, Erice, Agrigento, Ragusa or Taormina?

Any safety tips you might have would be appreciated.

johnb

Mad,
If you plan on visiting all these towns, add on Siracusa. Taormina is touristy and fine for a day or so. It has some good restaurants, but will probably be quite crowded in May. Head south to Siracusa, which is lower key, walkable, and has one of my favorite restaurants in all of Italy. Go to "Osteria Mariano" in the "old" section of town. It's terrific !

Patrick

I'm sure people here are getting tired of my saying it, but one of the most magical meals I've ever had was on the terrace of the Villa Athena outside Agrigento. It is in the almond groves. The temples on the hill were lighted, the moon was shining, the stars were out, and the food by candlelight was fantastic. A very memorable night. In Palermo we had a great "birthday" dinner at La Scuderie, again a wonderful outdoor setting and superb food and service. We were told it was extremely popular, but it was very quiet that night. In Taormina we enjoyed La Botte, but our favorite was the little family run place called U Busso on the street towards Villa Belvedere. And you WILL have drinks on the terrace at Wunderbar --we had to go every night we were there, both before and after dinner.

Dona

Mad,

We had a great dinner at A'Cuccagna in Palermo. The owner Sig. Sammarco Paolo couldn't do enough. In Agrigento, we stayed at Villa Athena, which is a great location - and had a terrific dinner at Le Caprice - excellent fish... In Taormina I had a memorable meal at La Giarra - has a wonderful view and dancing (at least when I was there) - and I can still taste the lobster risotto...

I agree about Siracusa - it's a really nice city.

Have a great time.

Dona

Mad

Thanks so much for all your advice. We do plan on staying at the Villa Athena in Agrigento as well as the Hotel Belvedere in Taormina so we will be able to take you up on your suggestions. By now you must know I have Karen Brown's guidebooks. Has anyone stayed at the Eremo della Giubiliana Hotel in Ragusa? We plan on staying two nights. Is that too much for that area?