Ristorante " Il Barcaiolo "
A family-run Sicilian gem since 1981, offering pristine seafood with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Ristorante " Il Barcaiolo "
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-run Sicilian gem since 1981, offering pristine seafood with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
"Worth the steps down, this family-run spot serves up some of the best seafood with an unforgettable view."
Reserve your table
It's highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a table.
Timing is key for bugs
Arrive after sunset to avoid mosquitoes; they can be bothersome if you're there too early.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sicilian
Price
$$$
Phone
+39 379 208 9564
Address
Via Castelluccio, 43, 98039 Mazzarò ME, Italy
Website
barcaiolo.altervista.org/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Sea Views
Dine with postcard-perfect views of paradise, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the Bay of Mazzaro.
Fresh Sicilian Seafood
Experience authentic Sicilian-style seafood dishes, including grilled octopus and whole sea bass, prepared with the freshest catch.
Family-Run Charm
Enjoy an unpretentious atmosphere at this family-run trattoria, where well-fed cats roam and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve your table
It's highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a table.
Timing is key for bugs
Arrive after sunset to avoid mosquitoes; they can be bothersome if you're there too early.
Mind the steps
Be prepared for numerous steps leading down to the restaurant; strollers or heavy bags may be difficult to manage.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve your table
It's highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a table.
Timing is key for bugs
Arrive after sunset to avoid mosquitoes; they can be bothersome if you're there too early.
Mind the steps
Be prepared for numerous steps leading down to the restaurant; strollers or heavy bags may be difficult to manage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ristorante "Il Barcaiolo" is celebrated for its incredibly fresh seafood and stunning Ionian Sea views, offering an authentic Sicilian dining experience. Diners rave about the impeccable preparation of fish and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere. However, some patrons mention issues with accessibility due to the numerous steps and potential for mosquito bites if arriving too early.
"This place is sort of hard to find, but well worth the effort. We had the fish of the day prepared half Sicilian style and half grilled we complemented that with some beautiful Sicilian wine. We started it all off with a primi, a lobster pasta dish, which was well rounded in flavor and delicious (plate licking temptation)!
We sat on the patio with a beautiful view of the Ionian sea. Another thing that I really enjoyed is a sign that said if you don’t like cats., it’s OK if you dine elsewhere. We did see a couple cats, but none of them were begging (they all looked very well fed & cared for)
:-) also good to know, they are (well behaved) dog friendly on the patio."
Carolyn Campbell
"Superb!! We had an incredible time at Barcaiolo. The food was absolutely amazing there was not a single thing we could fault. Atmosphere was nice with sea views, the staff were so helpful and patient, friendly and attentive. We ordered for starters the white bait pancakes, oysters and anchovie with cheese bread - wow! The flavours were so perfect it was delicious, if I had to pick my favourite of the starters it would be the white bait pancakes. For mains we ordered the sardine pasta and the pesto prawn pasta both of which were delicious. You can tell everything is homemade and quality ingredients are used. We also ordered a bottle of white wine. Pricing was very fair for the portions and quality of food. Will definitely be back, thank you for having us!"
Sandra Haddad
"We walked down a zillion steps from our hotel to this restaurant. And it was worth it! A lovely view. Friendly staff. Good wine. Amazing seafood. Delicious grilled octopus. My husband and I shared an entire sea bass! This was one of the best meals of our Italy trip."
Susan Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the restaurant is located down a significant number of steps from street level, making it challenging for those with mobility issues or heavy bags.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure you can get a table.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio, adding to the relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.
It's advised to arrive after sunset, as mosquitoes can be present earlier in the evening. Planning your arrival time can enhance your dining experience.
The restaurant specializes in fresh, Sicilian-style seafood, including grilled octopus, whole sea bass, prawns, calamari, and various pasta dishes.
It offers a romantic ambiance with a leafy terrace overlooking the bay, and a relaxed, family-run feel.
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Just behind the public beach in Mazzarò Bay, this intimate little terrace restaurant is shrouded by an enormous old grapevine and looks out onto postcard-perfect views of paradise. Since 1981, the family-owned trattoria has been serving pristine seafood to discerning locals and in-the-know tourists.
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Finally, the very definition of hidden gem is tiny Trattoria Il Barcaiolo, which is a family-run Sicilian restaurant tucked away in a corner of Mazzaro beachfront. Their speciality is seafood, which I’m not a huge fan of (I know, such a shame) but a number of people recommended this place to me and judging by the fact there was never an empty table of an evening, I suspect they were onto something. The restaurant was right next door to our apartment so I can also attest to the view being awesome.
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Il Barcaiolo is a top choice for where to eat in Taormina that’s especially popular during the summer months. I definitely recommend making a reservation before you go. It’s open for lunch and dinner, but I like to recommend it for lunch because, aside from the delicious food, the setting is a huge draw.
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The name means 'the boatman' and, situated in the enchanting Bay of Mazzaro with its summer terrace facing onto the part of beach used by the local fisherman, the emphasis is on fish and seafood. Excellent quality in heavenly surroundings - lazy atmosphere in the midday sun, very romantic by moonlight!
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Dine at Il Barcaiolo, run by a local family since 1981, with a small terrace overlooking the bay. Light, simple cuisine like Sicilian pesto with basil, tomatoes, ricotta and Bronte pistachio nuts. A piece of paradise!.
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For dinner: Vicolo Stretto, Malvasia, Barcaiolo, Da Giovanni and Rosso Divino. They were all so delicious. Malvasia was an absolute favourite.
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For dinner, head to Il Barcaiolo, a restaurant known for its seafood and romantic ambiance, located in the charming bay of Mazzarò.
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