In a true Sicilian atmosphere, the travelers on the Publisher’s Tour enjoyed a memorable dinner at Ristorante Da Lorenzo in Taormina, featuring the outstanding Sicilian cuisine that the Island is justifiably known for. It is always a pleasure when the restaurant staff has just the right balance of warmth and professionalism – an atmosphere that makes one feel like a welcomed and valued guest. It creates the perfect ambience!
“After all the times I have eaten here I feel like family with the the Finocchiaro brothers and look forward to eating their special Sicilian dishes and enjoying the friendship we share,” said Publisher Buddy Fortunato. “I have recommended Da Lorenzo to readers for years and the experiences are always the same – exceptional service and cuisine.”
As one would expect, given the proximity of the restaurant to the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Taormina, fresh seafood features prominently on the menu. Appetizers included carpaccio di polpo (octopus), carpaccio of tuna with balsamic vinegar, fresh Sicilian marinated anchovies and perfectly prepared calamaretti fritti. Delightful pasta dishes included linguine with scampi, homemade pasta with swordfish and cherry tomatoes and two dishes made with one of the signature ingredients of the island – pistachios. Featured were agnolotti with shellfish served with a pistachio sauce and orecchiette with pistachio pesto. Da Lorenzo is also famous for their pacchieri, as well as their specials, including, when in season – Pasta with Sea Urchins, one of Buddy’s favorites.
Main courses included numerous seafood dishes caught fresh directly from the Gulf that afternoon. Whether baked, sautéed in wine or even fried, each of the fish dishes were distinctively prepared and delicious. Desserts included the restaurant’s specialty – Almond semifreddo. It had the texture of frozen mousse and the flavor of Sicilian Almonds and is a must for any traveler to Ristorante Da Lorenzo. Also highly recommended is the Sicilian Cassata with ricotta cheese and the rich flavor of the Sicilian lemon sorbet. The restaurant’s wine list is quite extensive and carefully selected. You will find that it includes the most important Sicilian labels; in other words, you simply cannot go wrong with your selections. A fine time was enjoyed by the group. The service was, as always, exceptional. When in Taormina, Ristorante Da Lorenzo is a must visit for lunch or dinner.
Ristorante Da Lorenzo is located at Via Roma, 12 in Taormina, Sicily. Make sure to book a table during your next trip to the city and give Santo and Giovanni all the best from Buddy, Marion and the staff at the Italian Tribune!