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Taormina, on Sicily's east coast, is one of the most picturesque towns in Italy. Under the glowering gaze of Mount Etna, its dramatic natural beauty has been etched into the stunning coastal landscape over many storied centuries. Taormina attracts a chic crowd and it's one of the most popular places to spend a summer getaway in Sicily. Resorts in and around this lovely hilltop town are renowned for their luxury, privacy and spectacular views, and it's not hard to see why it's so well loved by the well heeled. In my many years of visiting Taormina I've enjoyed more than my fair share of outstanding Sicilian gastronomy. The town is a renowned 'foodie' destination and it never takes me long to sniff out the best of the best - with a few tips from Michelin, of course. Principe Cerami: 2 Michelin Stars Chef Massimo Mantarro has created an exquisite modern Sicilian menu to complement the elegant surrounds of Principe Cerami. Situated within the very exclusive San Domenico Palace Hotel (which was originally a monastery), the menu features impeccable styling, bold flavours and innovative twists on traditional recipes. Renowned for its extensive wine list, it's only open in the evening and you can dine inside or on the delightful summer terrace. Address: San Domenico Palace, piazza San Domenico. Tel. +39 0942.614111 Vicolo Stretto Vicolo Stretto serves up typical regional Sicilian cuisine with a presentation so elegant it almost rivals the sublime ocean views from the al fresco dining terrace. For an establishment of such reputation the prices are exceedingly good value for a true fine dining experience, with mains starting from €45. Specialising in seafood dishes, the Swordfish Alla Messina is a gastronomic triumph, and the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth warm chocolate pudding seals the deal. Open for dinner only. Address: Vicolo Stretto 6. Tel. + 39 0942625554 La Capinera: 1 Michelin Star With a cosy, casual ambience and a young, enthusiastic staff, La Capinera offers a unique and refreshing take on traditional regional dishes. Open for lunch and dinner, La Capinera is one of the establishments of well-known chef Piero D'Agostino - a much-loved fixture on the Sicilian dining landscape. Tucked into the hillside (it's a little hard to find, but that makes it all more worth it), while the surrounds may be humble, the food is anything but – with an inspired menu of seafood and meats in the traditional Messina style. Highlights? The sea views and the soufflé! Address: Via Nazionale 177. Tel. +39 0942626247 Bellevue: 1 Michelin Star With two different menus – one for lunch and one for dinner – chef Andreas Zanger has created the perfect incarnation of modern/traditional Sicilian fusion cuisine at Bellevue, using the very best local ingredients. The depth of flavour in his extraordinary cooking is offset by a backdrop of spectacular ocean vistas, which can be enjoyed from the terrace or inside the glassed dining room. Perfection personified on the edge of the Ionian Sea. Address: Hotel Metropole, Corso Umberto 154. Tel. +39 0942681330 Discover the Very Best Sicily Resorts I've been coming to Taormina for many years and pride myself on my extensive knowledge of Sicily. Resorts and hotels located and in and around Taormina make the ideal base for a luxury break and it would be my pleasure to recommend the very best accommodation for your needs. I have more than three decades' experience organising luxury holidays all over the world, and I personally visit as many properties as I can so my clients reap the benefit of my first-hand knowledge. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury Sicily resorts, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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