The setting was quaint and unique and the food was delicious. What made this restaurant special was the rotation of servers from the old gentile men who seemed to be the owners to the friendly young ladies who coached you through the menu.
The restaurant was on a rooftop with perfectly sculpted trees in the middle and around the set of tables. One could still hear the street noise below reminding you that a festive cobblestone street lined with pedestrians and the occasional traveling band kept the night alive.
And the route to the restaurant was not obvious - although off the main pedestrian cobblestone walkway, its signage is modest and its location was fairly far down compared to the many other restaurants showcasing their signs, menus and tables.
White tablecloths and wine glasses made you feel like it was fine dining but the menus were fairly casual not to take anything away from what looked and tasted like Michelin star dishes.
Perhaps the most notable dishes were the fresh pasta topped with light seafood and the linguine with clam sauce. The Sicilian wine, both white and red, almost always offered the right level of depth with notes of licorice and cherry. For dessert, Tiramisu was a solid and enticing choice and it did not disappoint, much lighter yet equally full of taste when compared to what’s offered in American Italian restaurants.
Overall, the restaurant hits the mark for a first night in Porto Messina. It is genuine in its approach and a real reflection of the owners intention to provide good food, a warm vibe, a well appointed garden feel setting, and a sky and rooftop view.
