Ask The Concierge: Caterina Cucuzza’s Taormina
Our Ask the Concierge series returns – and this time, we’re heading to Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, Sicily. Today, we meet the hotel’s Head Concierge Caterina Cucuzza. She tells us where to find authentic artisanal ceramics, reveals Sicily’s best spots for a shaded gelato and guides us on where to book a romantic dinner for two.
As Head Concierge at Villa Sant’Andrea, Caterina Cucuzza turns each stay into the most special moment for the guests – something she's cultivated from her extensive 15-year experience in the hospitality industry. Be it from her time as a receptionist in Saint Moritz, or the guest relations role she held in Ischia, the German-born Sicilian has overseen behind-the-scenes of the most prestigious Italian hotels and palazzi, welcoming discerning travellers from across the world, taking their experience to the next level. We spoke with Caterina to find out about the hidden spots that make Taormina so special to her.
What is the best local dish to order for breakfast?
Pistachio granita with a brioche is unmissable at breakfast: fresh and creamy, tasty and always made with seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect choice to start a day in Sicily.
What is the best walk to properly explore Taormina?
There is an amazing panoramic staircase departing from Isola Bella on the coast, just 4 minutes walking from Villa Sant’Andrea, that leads directly to Corso Umberto – the main street of Taormina’s city centre.
For those who like walking and hiking, they can also reach Madonna della Rocca; it’s such a special place from where you can enjoy the whole destination from above and visit a church created in a rocky cave.
A coffee or gelato shop to visit to feel like a local?
Gelatomania on Corso Umberto of Taormina is very local, with lots of different flavours to taste gelato. Bar Etna on the same street serves instead a very good coffee, to be paired with a typical Cannolo filled with ricotta cheese.
What is the best place to visit to bring home something special that you can’t find anywhere else?
Managò is a local ceramist shop in the city centre of Taormina, where you can choose among hundreds of ceramic pieces, from the smallest to the biggest ones – bring them home as a memory of the trip. Also, Nica Nica is a very nice shop to look for similar items.
The best place to head to for a quick working lunch?
Bar Sant’Andrea is a good option for a working lunch, as guests can order their favourite meat or seafood dish from the live kitchen Brace Grill: an entertaining lunch by the sea. Also, Bar Timeo on the Literary Terrace offers a nice snack menu with views over Mount Etna and in the city centre, I would also suggest Malvasia Restaurant, Rosmarino restaurant or Caffè Solaris – very local and traditional.
The best place to book for a romantic dinner for two?
For a romantic dinner in Taormina, ideal for a couple to experience the local traditions, I would surely recommend La Capinera for fine dining by the sea, Vineria Modì in the very heart of the city centre, and Osteria Rosso DiVino, where the best Sicilian recipes are paired with the best local wines.
Illustration by Damien Cuypers
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