La Grotta

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travel expert
Daniel

Individual ratings for La Grotta

Location

In the picturesque fishing village of Santa Maria la Scala, a suburb of Acireale on the east coast of Sicily.

Ambience

The scenery resembles a set out of a Fellini film: On the terrace in view of the fishing boats and the bay stand white-decked plastic tables, while inside is the kitchen and the large display of seafood.

Infrastructure

The first thing to do when you come to dine here is to pick a fish from the display and discuss its preparation with the chef. Then you sit down at one of the eight tables in the dining room that is built into a rock or else on the patio across the street.

Culinary

For starters, we ordered the "Insalata del mare," followed by the catch of the day. Make sure you leave room for the "Frittura mista"! Especially the delicately and crisply deep-fried gamberoni (king prawns) made our day.

Wine List
Service

Swift and friendly. The waiters dash fleet-footed across the street to serve the patio.

La Grotta Restaurant, Santa Maria La Scala

Here is a heartfelt recommendation by Guido, a local we met: the trattoria La Grotta directly by the sea, a place that he described as a "university of fish." Having our curiosity kindled, we went to see for ourselves and found that Guido was spot on. For here, Carmelo Strano and his son Rosario run a seafood restaurant that may seem inconspicuous at first glance but has been in the family for three generations. If you come early enough in the evening, you can actually watch the boats arrive just below the patio, and local fisherman delivering their catch directly to the trattoria. It just doesn't get any fresher than this! The chefs at Trattoria La Grotta know every species they hold in hands, and can tell you all about it. The trattoria has truly well appointed display of fish. The staff will competently advise you on your selection and ways to prepare it. It would be hard to think of a tastier and more convenient way to expand your seafood expertise. We loved the fare so much we changed our plans to come back another day and try another lesson at the "university of fish." This place is definitely worth a detour! Closed on: Tuesdays

Price range
A picture postcard setting from the 1950s! The view of the colourful fishing boats and the vast blue sea are just as unique as the fresh fish cuisine of 'Don Carmelo.'
Trying your luck is pointless; you should definitely make advance reservations. This tiny restaurant has only eight tables, and another 15 out on the patio.

Location: Santa Maria La Scala | Sicily

La Grotta
Scalo Grande 36 · 95024 Santa Maria La Scala
Phone +39 0957 64 81 53

trattorialagrotta.com
trattorialagrotta@gmail.com

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