Tucked away on a quiet street in a quaint charming little house is this Italian restaurant with strong Sicilian & Palmeirense influences - I had read a lot about it and even though it's so close to where I am, I never could go until today.
Starting with the ambience - it's a very modest atmosphere, almost homelike and you feel comfortable at once. There are several previous award plaques and football tees on the wall reminding of the old glory days. The menu is hand written and only displayed at the entrance of the house, so once you get in you are the mercy of your server to tell you about the options available. The starters have 2 options (eggplant rolls or potato with shrimps) and the main course has several varieties of pastas (around 5-6), there is fruit platter and then filter coffee with a mini canolli. The star of the show is definitely the food, its light, fresh and well prepared - nothing fancy but at the same time a lot of the reviews have hyped it to be the "best" or "awesome" - I am no expert on Italian food, much less Sicilian food but there are definitely much better options in São Paulo. However for the region, this place is great bang for buck !
Coming to the service portion - it's cordial but a bit slow and at the same time you really have to pay attention to options presented if you are not a regular or did not read the menu at the gate (yours truly !) - the food does not take long to come but at the same time, you can feel it's fresh. The portions served are good and you don't feel over stuffed or underfed.
I'm not really sure if I will return to Taormina, its location is a great advantage for me so that might tempt me - however I would recommend it atleast once - for the charm and the fresh pasta.
P.S. On a Friday, its R$ 49.00 per person for starter+main course+fruit platter+coffee & canal, they don't charge service tax but you land up leaving a tip. read more