“There comes a moment, when seated at the very highest vantage once occupied by ancient spectators, one realises that never before had a theatre audience seen anything like it. To the right rise castles atop sheer cliffs; below us stretches the town—though recent in its buildings, it surely occupies the same spots where earlier structures once stood. Before us lies the vast mountain mass of Etna; to the left, the coast leading to Catania, even as far as Syracuse; the immense panorama is framed by the smoking colossus of the volcano, which in the softness of the sky seems more distant, more serene, less fearful.”
These words from Goethe’s Italian Journey perfectly capture the beauty of Taormina and its ancient Greek Theatre. Perched on a hillside along Sicily’s eastern coast, the town has long entranced aristocrats, celebrities, artists and travellers alike. It’s not just the seaside views or historic architecture—but designer boutiques, artisan shops, restaurants and antiquarians—that make Taormina vibrant in high season and beyond. And don’t forget the Taormina Arte International Festival, one of the island’s premier cultural events.
But Taormina by night deserves its own spotlight. Here are three of the coolest destinations, perfect for anyone who savours the hours between dusk and dawn.
LE BAR LOUIS VUITTON
Located on Taormina’s bustling Corso Umberto I, Le Bar Louis Vuitton occupies the penthouse of the boutique’s historic building and features a refined terrace overlooking the town and the Ionian Sea. The design harmonises the Maison’s stylish ethos with local ambience—think white and navy furnishings, native plants and sleek white-and-blue decor. Limited to just 38 seats, the bar offers elevated regional dishes and contemporary reinterpretations prepared using carefully selected Sicilian produce.
The menu, curated by the team behind Nouziatina and Executive Chef Dionisio Randazzo, strikes a smart balance between shareable gourmet snacks and inventive cocktails. Highlights? The Arancino alla Norma—crispy rice balls with tomato sauce, the tuna bruschetta, or black pork capocollo with burrata. Even its drink list reads like art: innovative cocktails such as the Monogram Journey (Grand Tour gin, grapefruit jam, prosecco soda and bitter orange) and Dolce Vita in Taormina (Tanqueray Ten gin, Aperol, mandarin juice and citron soda) each evoke a story.
NUNZIATINA TAORMINA
A place where sharing food, wine and laughter with loved ones becomes a celebration of life. Nunziatina is the ideal destination for those who love true Italian conviviality. Inspired by traditional Sicilian homes, its design blends contemporary flair with baroque Sicilian charm in gardens, terraces and smaller private rooms—with views stretching from Mount Etna to the Naxos Gulf.
Sommelier-turned-executive-chef Dionisio Randazzo, originally from Terrasini with Michelin-star trained credentials across London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore and Australia, brings a menu that balances Sicily’s culinary roots with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Signature dishes include stuffed cuttlefish with sea urchin and parsley pesto, ricotta-stuffed mushrooms with wild mustard and capocollo; aromatic meats with tomato gremolata, and the velvet-rich bottle chicken and wild mushroom croquette. Each dish delivers personality and a sensory journey.
MORGANA COCKTAIL CLUB
End the evening at the Morgana Cocktail Club, a Mediterranean nightlife institution completely refashioned this year. Since 2001, founders Guido Spinello and Christian Sciglio have fused hospitality, design and mixology into a decennial experience. Each season delivers a new vision of Sicily—cultural, global and ritualistic.
Come summer 2025, the club’s design is inspired by the octagon—an emblem deeply rooted in Sicilian-Norman architecture, particularly Palermo’s Palazzo Reale. The Joharia Garden outside the club draws from the chapel’s geometric rhythms, with murals by artists Salvatore Musumeci and Alessandro Florio evoking peacocks, heraldic symbols and palm motifs—a nod to Palermo’s historic palace gardens.
Signature cocktails by bar-manager Stefano Giumarra are inspired by Mediterranean traditions and oriental spices. The menu ranges from contemporary classics like Margarita flavoured with Casamigos tequila and orange liqueur, to the club’s star—the Brezza (Tanqueray No.10, Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato, basil, lemongrass, cucumber, lemon). New creations include the Cocorita: Casamigos tequila, mezcal, watermelon cordial and chilli-honey—all inventive and evocative.
AND TO START (OR END) BEAUTIFULLY
Could you still fancy a bite after all that? Head to Bam Bar on Via di Giovanni 45 for a classic Sicilian breakfast: seasonal granite with a brioche “tuppo” on top. Expect queues in July and August—but believe us, it’s worth the wait.