We were a group of four and had the six course fish tasting menu. We appreciated that they offered to mix and pick dish/es from the vegetarian or meat menu. We got advice from the very competent Sommelière for a bottle of white wine from Noto dubbed “La bomba”. Three of us added a glass of red wine ( dubbed “the king”)with the lamb dish they picked. We loved the wines and appreciated the great selection of local wines offered. The food was very refined and it was interesting that between the four of us we picked different favourites. For me the tomato water that was served with a fake olive was the best opening of menu experience in a long time. An explosion of olive taste which then harmonised with the tomato water. Amazing! All dishes were refined and conveyed the Sicilian experience perfectly. Presentation was artful. Service very attentive. We loved that the head waiter asked us about favourite dishes at the end of the meal as it allowed us to revisit the experience. It’s a clear recommendation. Also, if you visit Noto, we strongly recommend to stay at Sikelia Suites which is directly opposite Ristorante Crocifisso. It was such a bonus to just cross the street from one perfect place to another
Food, wine, overall experience was excellent. We had the 8 course chefs selection which is a great mix of land, sea and vegetarian. However, it was overpriced. The wine pairing should be less for what you get - 1/3 glass of wine for 14 euro per glass. It’s hard to swallow when we had an amazing bottle of wine for 30 total the night before.
My wife is from Sicily so we know local cuisine. We were excited to see what a Michelin restaurant in Sicily would be - is it really better than Nonna’s? We went on a Sunday evening and it was full. I had the 6 course meat menu and my wife had fish. It lived up to its one star. Not much theatre, with a more classical approach but beautiful food with unquestionably Sicilian flavours. We thought the meat menu was stronger with veal sweetbreads, a mushroom cappuccino, and braised onion tortello and rabbit ragu. I did think her main, the grouper with pepper crust, was delicious. For €135 pp with a bottle of Sicilian wine, it’s one of the better value Michelin experiences. Would love to see a little more bravery with presentation to match the boldness of taste - but that could be just me. And so if I could, I would have given it 4.75 stars. Would recommend and go again. Don’t tell Nonna?
Given that this is a Michelin star restaurant, I expected the food to be tastier. It is ok if your food standards are not so high or if you are a first time traveller in Italy, however in my case, I missed “il sapore della cucina italiana”. The dishes did not have taste at all. The service was not very good, lack of attention. We found the chef at the entrance but he even did not pass through the tables.. I am sorry.. maybe I went with a very high expectative.. I would not recommend it.
This restaurant does not deserve a michelin star. Service very poor. Wine glass and water were ignored. Food disappointing. They were out of the raw shrimp w panelle burger but served it anyway. I know it's Sicilia, but I can get panelle anywhere. Egg and truffles are good, but I can make it at home. The elevation of the food was poorly executed. The onion tortellini was not good. I've eaten at many michelin Star places. Avoid this one.
