
Al Saraceno
Perched high above Taormina, Al Saraceno offers a romantic dining experience with stunning sea and Mount Etna views, serving authentic Sicilian specia...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Al Saraceno

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Perched high above Taormina, Al Saraceno offers a romantic dining experience with stunning sea and Mount Etna views, serving authentic Sicilian specialties and wood-fired pizza.
"The most stunning view I’ve ever had while eating a meal, and the food lived up to the setting."
Visit for Sunset
Time your visit for sunset to witness a truly magical and unforgettable dining experience.
Hike or Taxi
Consider the rewarding hike up for stunning views or arrange a taxi for convenience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Sicilian, Mediterranean
Price
$$$
Phone
+39 334 722 4790
Address
Via Madonna della Rocca, 16, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Website
alsaraceno.it/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Panoramic Views
Dine with unparalleled vistas of Taormina, the Ionian Sea, and Mount Etna, especially magical at sunset.

Authentic Sicilian Seafood & Pasta
Savor traditional dishes like boar ragu with truffle, scialletelle gambero, and fresh seafood specialties.

Wood-Fired Pizza Perfection
Enjoy authentic Italian pizza baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, a true taste of Sicily.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit for Sunset
Time your visit for sunset to witness a truly magical and unforgettable dining experience.
Hike or Taxi
Consider the rewarding hike up for stunning views or arrange a taxi for convenience.
Pasta Recommendations
Don't miss the highly recommended pasta dishes like boar ragu with truffle or scialletelle gambero.
Daytime Views
Visit during the day to fully appreciate the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit for Sunset
Time your visit for sunset to witness a truly magical and unforgettable dining experience.
Hike or Taxi
Consider the rewarding hike up for stunning views or arrange a taxi for convenience.
Pasta Recommendations
Don't miss the highly recommended pasta dishes like boar ragu with truffle or scialletelle gambero.
Daytime Views
Visit during the day to fully appreciate the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Al Saraceno consistently garners praise for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views, especially during sunset, creating a magical dining atmosphere. Diners rave about the exceptional traditional Sicilian dishes, with specific call-outs for the boar ragu, scialletelle gambero, and fresh seafood. While the food and views are highlights, some reviews mention prices are high, though generally considered worth the experience.
"Very warm service. Absolutely incredible pasta. We had the boar ragu with truffle and the scialletelle gambero (shrimp) and both were fantastic! Stunning view of Etna and the town as well."
Mel H.
"By far the most stunning view I’ve ever had while eating a meal. In mid-June we began dinner at 7:15 and enjoyed watching the sunset behind Mt. Etna for the entirety of our meal. I was worried that with such an amazing view to attract diners, the food would be ok at best, but the food lived up to the setting. The risotto was terrific, so fragrant and the prawns tasted like the best lobster you could imagine. We had the pana cotta for dessert which was the perfect treat and a delicious cappuccino to savor the last bits of sunset.
My tip: take the long walk up the stairs from Taormina central to get to the restaurant. You’re treated to jaw dropping views the entire time and it makes the meal all the more delicious and will give you a great story to tell."
Mac Zafarana
"If you are up high in Taormina then you should definitely visit the restaurant. Food was excellent, in the top 5 of all the places we ate in Italy. The views are pretty nice as well."
Louweeg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many recommend visiting during sunset for the most magical and breathtaking views. Daytime visits are also great for appreciating the scenery.
You can hike up from Taormina for scenic views, take a local bus, or arrange a taxi. The restaurant can also assist with taxi arrangements.
While known for seafood and meat, it's advised to call ahead to inquire about vegetarian options, as they may be limited.
Reviewers highly recommend the boar ragu with truffle, scialletelle gambero, and any of their traditional Sicilian seafood specialties.
Yes, the restaurant's stunning views, especially at sunset, and romantic ambiance make it ideal for special occasions.
While some have been seated without one, it's recommended to book ahead, especially if requesting an outdoor table at sunset.
Mentioned in
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Set high above Taormina, Al Saraceno has a fabulous setting, with an elevated terrace overlooking the glittering city, Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. It’s built underneath the rock church of Madonna della Rocca and the medieval Saracen Castle. Pizza is the name of the game here, but the chef also serves up traditional Sicilian seafood specialties, including mussels and grilled fish of the day.
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Al Saraceno restaurant, located right above Taormina, combines together two amazing things: gorgeous town views and pizza!. While you’re in Taormina Sicily, I highly recommend giving this spot a try at least once—it’ll fill your needs for pizza and a scenic dinner in one fell swoop.The gorgeous scenery from the restaurant not only consists of the town of Taormina, but offers views reaching Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos. The restaurant is located right next to the historic church called Madonna della Rocca, so you get to take in some picturesque history as a cherry on top of your dining experience.
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With panoramic views and an enchanting location surrounded by many famous landmarks, Pizzeria Al Saraceno will allow you to enjoy your lunch or dinner by almost touching the Mediterranean Sea from your table!. The large internal room is heated by the warmth of a fireplace when it gets a little bit cold, and boasts a lovely terrace in the summer months for you to enjoy the view from as you eat your meal. The menu consists of many Sicilian specialties containing fresh fish and meat as well as authentic Italian pizza that gets cooked in a wood-fired oven.
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Il punto forte di questa pizzeria è la terrazza mozzafiato, che affaccia sul golfo di Taormina e di Giardini Naxos: d'estate, è possibile pranzare o cenare all'aria aperta, a un passo da cielo e mare. D'inverno, una sala intima e accogliente, arredata in modo sobrio, accoglie gli ospiti col tepore di un camino acceso. Il menù è ricco di specialità siciliane, ma la pizza cotta rigorosamente nel forno a legna è indubbiamente un vanto.
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You can choose to walk down those many, many steps back to town, take a bus which passes just a block below in front of Villa Ducale on Via Leonardo da Vinci or, depending upon the time of day, have the Al Saraceno restaurant or Villa Ducale call a taxi for you. Villa Ducale offers its guests a complimentary shuttle service into town and back. Full disclosure—we walked down the steps into town and took a taxi back up to our hotel.
High above Taormina, the view's the real Sicilian deal.
For a taste of local Sicilian flavors, Al Saraceno is an exceptional restaurant offering traditional dishes with a view. Indulge in pasta with rich tomato sauce and aromatic herbs, or try the almond wine that Castelmola is renowned for. Local cafes, such as Bar San Giorgio, provide a more casual setting where you can enjoy a cappuccino paired with sweet cannoli or biscotti, staples in the village's culinary offerings.
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Castelul Taormina | © J J Merelo / Flickr Al Saraceno se mândrește cu una dintre cele mai frumoase setări de pe insulă. Este construit în partea de sus a unui munte, la nord de centrul orașului Taormina, sub biserica veche a Madonna della Rocca și un vechi castel arab. Din restaurant puteți vedea Marea Ionică și bucurați-vă de un meniu clasic sicilian, cu pizza făcută într-un cuptor cu lemn de foc.
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Set high above Taormina, Al Saraceno has a fabulous setting, with an elevated terrace overlooking the glittering city, Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. It’s built underneath the rock church of Madonna della Rocca and the medieval Saracen Castle. Pizza is the name of the game here, but the chef also serves up traditional Sicilian seafood specialities, including mussels and grilled fish of the day.
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Envision a dining experience at Al Saraceno, where the gentle lull of waves serves as your soundtrack. This seafront gem captivates with its panoramic views and a menu that highlights the richness of the Mediterranean making it one of the best Taoermina restaurants. An unforgettable culinary journey awaits, featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and a touch of Sicilian flair.
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Al Saraceno is another ideal lunch option for those who want to get out of the crowds that come along with the main pedestrian street in Taormina. Here you’ll find a lovely terrace with stunning views where you can enjoy tasty pizza and pasta dishes. The food is enough of a draw on its own, but the view really is what makes this place a must visit.
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Perched way above the town, this spot offers sweeping views over Taormina and Mount Etna. We came up for the view but stayed for the food—and what a feast it was. Fritto misto that was all crispy seafood and zero grease, pasta with seafood bisque that tasted like the sea itself, and wines from the volcanic soil right beneath us.
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Sea views from high in the foothills are yours at Al Saraceno, tucked up close to an old castle with vast vistas of the sea, this is a great spot for a romantic evening. Wood-fired pizza keeps everyone happy morning, noon and night, although classic meats like pork, beef and chicken are also transformed into delicious dishes.
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We climbed up the Salita Castello at breakneck speed so we could get to this hilltop restaurant in time for lunch, but when we got there it was totally empty. We took a chance and it paid off!. We were thoroughly fussed over by the friendly staff, who brought us some of the most delicious pasta we’d had so far.
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If you’re looking for a pizza and a great view, Al Saraceno is the perfect place to grab lunch. It’s also a good stop for lunch on your hike up to Castelmola. It is located at the top of the ridge right next to Chiesa Madonna del Rocca, however it can be reached by a car as well if hiking isn’t on your list.
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Perched above the city Taormina, the restaurant is located on the way to the Saraceno Castle. This position offers a sweeping view of the entire city, the bay and Mount Etna, often capped with snow. The cuisine is rigorously Sicilian, offering dishes based on both beef and seafood, as well as pizzas.
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We snoozed on the beach and then headed up the hill from Taormina to Al Saraceno - a great traditional restaurant with an unreal view of Mount Etna. We ate really well, with the highlight being the hot ricotta filled zucchini flower with almonds and chocolate crumble for dessert!
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Stunning panoramic views and deliciously authentic cuisine create an unforgettable dining experience at this must-visit spot. Beautiful structure with breathtaking views. Delicious food and staff up to the task make it a truly wonderful location, even gluten-free
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This stunning restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas and picturesque views across Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. Take a seat on the al fresco terrace and pair your pizza with a hand-picked glass of Italian wine. Book a table at sunset for the best view!
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Menù del ristorante: Antipasto misto del saraceno €0.00 , Cheesecake alla ricotta €0.00 , Trofie con tonno mentuccia e pomodorini €0.00 , Trancio di tonno con cipolla rossa di Tropea €0.00 , Antipasti rustico siciliano (vegetariano) €0.00
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On the agenda: an afternoon at Lido La Pigna Beach followed by a best-ever dinner high atop the hill at Ristorante al Saraceno. Ooh, ooh, ooh, wait until you see the view from this ristorante.
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That place is Al Saraceno, perched above the Ionian Sea coast. Reviews about the dishes here may be mixed, but when it comes to the incredible view, there are no comments needed.
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Ristorante al Saraceno – Spectacular views, and delicious cibo siciliano (Sicilian food). Seriously, the views during the day or night make this a must-visit restaurant.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit