Ristorante Pizzeria Porta Messina

This place had the absolute best lasagna my boyfriend and I have ever had! The pizza was also delicious and had pages and pages of pizza options. Everything handmade. We also took a pizza and pasta making class here and learned how much time it takes to make a great quality pizza. Mauricio is a knowledgeable instructor and very hospitable. We recommend this restaurant 100%.

If you find yourself in the stunning hilltop town of Taormina, one of the absolute must-do experiences is the cooking class at Ristorante Pizzeria Porta Messina. Nestled just beside the iconic Porta Messina gate at the entrance to Corso Umberto, this restaurant offers more than just a great meal — it offers an authentic Sicilian culinary experience you’ll never forget. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff greeted us like family, and our instructors, Mauro and Paola, set the tone for what became one of the highlights of our trip. Both were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and full of humor — the perfect blend of professionalism and Sicilian charm. The Experience The class began with an introduction to the ingredients — fresh local produce, fragrant herbs, and high-quality flour for our pizza and pasta. Mauro and Paola explained each step with clear instructions and lots of helpful tips, making even the most novice cook feel confident. We started by making fresh pasta from scratch, kneading the dough by hand and learning the traditional techniques for rolling and shaping it properly. Then came the pizza-making portion, where we got to stretch our own dough and top it with a variety of classic Sicilian ingredients — from rich tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella to fragrant basil and local olive oil. During our short break, we were treated to a delicious spread of antipasti, fresh bread, and unlimited Sicilian wine. This was a wonderful touch — not only did it give us time to relax and chat with our fellow participants, but it also felt like a true Italian family meal. The wine flowed freely, the laughter was constant, and the staff made sure everyone felt at home. The Results Once our creations were ready, we all sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The pasta was perfectly tender, the pizza crisp and flavorful, and everything tasted even better knowing we had made it ourselves under the guidance of two passionate experts. The Instructors Mauro and Paola truly made the class special. They were engaging, fun, and deeply knowledgeable about Sicilian cuisine and culture. They not only taught us cooking techniques but also shared stories about local traditions and the importance of food in Sicilian life. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was clear they genuinely love what they do. Final Thoughts The cooking class at Ristorante Pizzeria Porta Messina is an unforgettable blend of culture, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re a food lover, an aspiring chef, or simply someone looking for a memorable hands-on experience in Taormina, this is absolutely a must-do. Between the delicious food, the flowing wine, the laughter, and the outstanding instruction from Mauro and Paola, this class offers the perfect taste of Sicily — both literally and figuratively. ⭐ Rating: 5/5 Highlights: Exceptional instructors, authentic cooking experience, generous wine, and incredible atmosphere.

I had the absolute pleasure of being served by Richard and Chris, and I can honestly say they turned a simple dinner into a truly memorable experience. Their service was outstanding - friendly and full of positive energy. Honestly, if every restaurant had Richard and Chris, dining out would always feel like a five-star event. And just a small warning: with service this good, you might find yourself coming back so often that they’ll start saving a seat for you permanently

We had dinner here and decided on steak for a change. The starters of breads and arancini were delicious. The steak and baked potatoes with rosemary were both so tasty. Portion sizes were generous and there was a good atmosphere all round. Service was also quite good.

Richard and Dario were amazing. Their service was impeccable. Not sure what to eat Richard suggested some courses to us. Unbelievable!!! The pizza with the burrata, ham and pistachios line nothing we’ve had before. The rabbit, which I was skeptical about was phenomenal!!! Looking forward to coming back again!!!!

Initially, we planned to eat at a L’Arco di Cappuccini, but it was closed, so we ended up at Porta Messina Ristorante and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious. I ordered sliced beef with arugula and cheese, followed by pasta with pistachio, and everything was wonderful. We also tried the calamari. Overall, I recommend this restaurant!

I was very cautious about avoiding touristy spots because I wanted to experience authentic local cuisine, and I’m so glad I found this place. I ended up coming here twice during my stay in Taormina, and it truly served some of the best food I’ve ever had. The pastas, especially the seafood linguine and pistachio pesto gnocchi, were perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, and the pizzas were just as delicious. The special bread platter was the perfect touch, and the service was quick, attentive, and genuinely warm. I also tried their recommended Etna wine, which paired beautifully with the meal.