We (two sets of families with children ranging from 11 to 16) plan to have lunch at Taormina, and our private driver/tour guide is suggesting lunch at a local restaurant for €30 per person (same price for the children and we are still awaiting for a reply on the restaurant's name). The meal includes wine. This price sounds a little high, considering that our party of 7 has three children and only two of the adults drink. We would like to explore other restaurants in Taormina that serve authentic and excellent Sicilian food. Also, we'd like to know if €30 per person for lunch is reasonable in this area. I've been to other parts of Europe, and this sounds high to me for lunch, but then again, I have never been to Taormina. We will be in in July as part of a cruise. Thanks for your help.

Even many aguturismo's only charge 20E per head and thats for Five/Six courses. Perhaps its a VERY fancy place but excellent Sicilian food PER ADULT can be found cheaper! Often they do not charge for Little kids and will gladklyt bring you a plate for them to share some of the adults food - also many kids may well share a pizza instead or have childrens portions available. Perhpas this is a deal via the tour guide?

OOPS - here's a couple of restaurants suggestions we have enjoyed:
'a Zammàra
Via F.lli Bandiera 15 (down a narrow lane from the Corso)
classy
3 courses and mineral water approx. 23 euros each. It's advisable to book ahead on 0942 24408. (WEBSITE: http://www.zammara.it/homeen.html)

I would go it on your own...pick a place and have the driver take you there. I think the 30E sounds high for lunch at a place you have no knowledge of. One place we liked with good food in the center of town is Al Duomo, a SlowFood member. They feature authentic local food with lots of fish. At any restaurant in the town, ask if ricci (sea urchin) is in season. If it is, order a dish made with it which may not be on the menu. At Al Duomo we had it with spaghetti. You might pay 30E pp with wine here if you have a few coursesw but it will be worth it. There is a nice view from the outside tables.

I was in Taormina in October and had a great lunch at a restaurant on one of the main streets - and it was much less than €30. I had salad, pasta and wine for about €18 - could have spent more (if I had ordered seafood, which I didn't want that day) - and could have spent less. It was a very nice restaurant, outside with a view. I'd shop around!

Thank you so much for your responses. We did find out that the restaurant is Licchio's and also found one lousy review in tripadvisor. I'm so glad we posted here to get your opinions. We will look into your suggestions and decide which one we will go with.

Yes, there are many, many places on the main street, Corso Umberto. If you want an upscale place with excellent local food, check Al Duomo, as I mentioned before (reserve in advance...you can eat on the terrace or inside; if on the terrace, ask for a table with a view of the piazza) In general, I would not choose a place on the Corso in the middle of town as most of these are geared toward foreign tourists. Also, you say that the price quoted includes wine but remember that wine is not expensive at all if you order the house pour. there are some nice local wines in that area. Again, I would do some reserach and choose your own place where you can pay according to what you order at the moment.