Trattoria La Grotta

They accommodated us inside without a reservation which we appreciated. Most of the staff were so nice and friendly. They have this one guy who is such a douche. Other reviews refer to him as the owner and I refuse to believe that’s true, there’s no way an owner of a restaurant would act like this. He was clearly very stressed but shouldn’t take it out on customers. At one point, he spoke to me so sternly and through gritted teeth, I thought he might start shouting. Other patrons looked alarmed. We should have left at that point but it was late and we ventured all the way over there to visit this specific restaurant so we stayed. Luckily he stayed away after that (probably embarrassed that he crossed the line) and a young waiter looked after us who was so kind and attentive. We don’t speak Italian so we spoke to them in Spanish with Italian words mixed in and we communicated just fine. The food was so tasty. We had spaghetti a la sepia and frutti di mare, both dishes were delicious. We loved it. We thanked the guys behind the fish counter and in the kitchen, they are doing an amazing job. It’s a shame that one person almost ruined the entire experience. Great restaurants close every day so he should really change his attitude.

Hey there, So you wanna enjoy a plate of freshly caught fish in a little restaurant particular to Catania? a restaurant built around a volcanic rock... the food is amazing and the wine just adds to the experience. When you arrive you can choose from the counter the fresh seafood that is on display and they will whip it up good for you!!

The food was delicious and fresh. But lacking variety. Service needs more attention.

Very evocative location in a quiet fishing harbor. Not easy to reach by car during high season. Yes I would like to recommend this nice restaurant for a romantic lunch or even better dinner. Remember to call before.

It is a very nice place, so unique the atmosphere starting with the simplicity of the menu and chosing your fresh ingredients from the counter and continued with the interior which is in a cave. It was a pleasure to be part of it for a time of a lunch. Thank you! I wish to repeat sometimes!

Excellent fish restaurant. Always fresh products. My favorite is "insalata di mare"

A local guide recommended the place for us and we went hoping to have delicious food and were disappointed. It is hard to find parking spots around, the food was bland (it lacked seasoning and salt) and the worst part was that a simple shrimp spaghetti took 1h10 to be brought to our table. We asked many times how long it would still take and after 40 minutes, the waiter said 10 minutes more and then it still took an extra half an hour. For a spaghetti!!!!! And then they went on with this weak argument that in Italy they eat in steps, first, second course etc but we had ordened a seafood salad and a spaghetti, which are the first courses. It made no sense and they couldn't simply apologize as if it were our fault for not ordering 3 courses !!! And after 1 hour, my husband complained that it was way too long and they said it was the cooking time . The following day we went to Taomina and ordered a spaghetti that was brought to us in less than 10 minutes. They also argued that it is because everything is made fresh, but still does not justify 1h10 minutes, unless they went to the sea at that moment and caught the shrimp right there and then. And the shrimp came in tiny pieces so maybe there weren't even 5 small shrimps on each dish. We regretted going there.

Great fish but be prepared for an hour wait. Friendly staff and a great view.

Best food in Sicily! Beautiful spot, great chef and great service. Wish we could go again!