Spectacularly perched on the side of a momentous mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most popular holiday destinations. Yet while tourists flock there for its breath-taking vistas and historical ancient theatre, there’s another good reason to visit this magical seaside town. Just like the different regions of neighbouring Italy, the balmy Mediterranean island has a distinct cuisine that is steeped in history and tradition.
If Taormina isn’t on your dream holiday list yet, then one glance at pictures of the mesmerising Ippocampo restaurant will most definitely change your mind.
Perhaps the most exclusive setting in all of Sicily, Ippocampo is regularly touted as one of the most romantic restaurants in Italy, too. The restaurant can be found in Atlantis Bay, a luxurious five-star hotel which sits right on Sicily’s scenic seafront, just a short cable car ride away from Taormina’s charming old town.
While the pretty centre boasts narrow streets lined with cosy restaurants, laidback bars and (albeit touristy) shops where you can pick up souvenirs, there’s nothing touristy about Ippocampo. In fact, when we visited in the prime peak summer period, there was a distinctly calm air around the open-air restaurant which gave us a much-welcome breather from the city’s bustling atmosphere.
Nestled at the edge of the water, Ippocampo offers up panoramic views of the beautiful Baia delle Sirene and, simply adding to its charm, we were beautifully serenaded by a pianist as soon as we entered. All about elegance with signature dishes exuding authentic Sicilian flavours, the menu is traditionally split into starters, first courses, meat mains, fish mains and desserts, with a dedicated bubbles menu to boot. We highly recommend kicking things off with a glass of the superb Champagne Jean-Paul Deville, which will set the tone for a lavish night ahead.
With starters including the likes of yellow grouper tartare with gin tonic jelly; seared octopus with crunchy potatoes, caramelised red onion and dried black olives; and Sicilian parmigiana of purple eggplant served with basil pesto, you’ll be tempted to order it all, but we recommend sticking to a few dishes for sharing to whet the appetite.
The pistachio stuffed prawns with burrata cream and tomato confit were a particular highlight. First courses are when indulgent pastas rear their head – seafood fans can’t go wrong with the spaghetti with clams, zucchini threads and bottarga curls, while, for vegetarians, the fresh maccheroni with pistachio pesto, cherry tomato confit and aubergine caviar is bursting with flavour.
Onto the mains and we were particularly taken by the almond-crusted sea bass with thyme mashed potato (delightfully creamy) and chicken supreme stuffed with black truffle, marsala Vecchio samperi jus and mille-feuille potato gratin (also delightfully creamy). Add a side of grilled vegetables and you’re good to go.
Just be sure to save room for dessert – opt for the Sicilian Walk which allows you to sample some of the region’s best sweet treats including ricotta cannolo, ricotta raviolo, cassata, lemon granita and pistachio semifreddo. Everything on the menu can be washed down with crisp local wines – the white Etna DOC Bianco Barone di Villa Grande pairs particularly well with the lighter fish dishes.
In a nutshell
Stellar views, superb seafood and a calming ambiance that feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Taormina centre, Ippocampo was by far our favourite restaurant during the four days we spent on Sicily, and one we’d most certainly return to time and time again.
Factbox
Address: Via Nazionale, 161 – 98030 Taormina (ME)
Phone: +39 0942 618 011
Website: vretreats.com/en/atlantis-bay/restaurant-bar/
