Caffe Wunderbar in Taormina, Sicily

​2 Mini-Feasts in Sicily

Last October Don and I had only a few hours in Taormina. Sinfully short! Yet somehow we managed to explore AND have 2 quick "dining" adventures.

First we had a quick bite at Caffe Wunderbar. It was indeed Wonderful!

​Gelato!

I squeezed in a speedy gelato adventure before we departed!

Cheers to enjoying some refreshing pistachio gelato, at Gelato Fresla!

​56 Years Ago

The last time I was in Taormina was in 1969. I was 11 and my dad was on the faculty of a study abroad program with Florida State. 

It was nearly 60 years ago.My family spent a day touring ruins with 2 busloads of college students. Then we picnicked and then I picked flowers.  

Roman Greco Theatre

When Don and I visited in fall of 2025, we worked up a good appetite while climbing up to catch a stunning view at the top of the old Roman Greco Theatre.

Our nephew was with us and took this photo.

I told Andy how I remembered sitting on those stone seats, 56 years ago. I told him about watching a Greek Tragedy, that his (my dad) had directed.

I still remember being so very jealous, because my brother (Andy's uncle) got to play a small part in a scene.

Caffe Wunderland from 1870

I remember the theatre and the flowers, but I recall very little about the charming hilltop town. I certainly have no memory of Caffe Wunderland, but it was there in the 1969. The old cafe (once an inn ) had already been sitting there on the piazza for nearly a century.

In the 1960s, Taormina was a popular destination for Hollywood elite. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Tennessee Williams and Greta Garbo were known to spend time at Caffe Wunderbar.

October 2025

There were no celebrity sightings when we first noticed the tables outside the lovely Ristorante.

There were no people sightings at all, when I peeked inside the the lovely and modern interior. 

No one wanted to sit inside on such a glorious day. Most dining guests were  enjoying meals on Wunderbar's terrace overlooking the sea.

The panoramic terrace had sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

Chris & Karen

We spotted my brother and sister-in-law who had already enjoyed a feast with pasta and seafood.

We were able to find a table not far from them.

The historic town was swarming with tourists, but our table was a laid back oasis.

We enjoyed a few little tidbits. Crackers and olives and sweet cookies of some kind.

A bottle of wine would have been nice, but we didn't have time for lingering long. Don and I each ordered cappuccino, served in china cups, with the Wunderbar logo.

We split a large Toast with prosciutto, wrapped in paper.

Andy shared some of his bruschetta, or was it called "pane croccante", which means crisp bread... I'm trying to remember.

I don't recall exactly. But I do recall we were very content that day.

It was one of my very favorite days on our 15-day cruise!

​Gelataria Fresla

Earlier while wandering up the main street, I noticed a Sicilian cart filled with pomegranates.

After we finished our quick lunch, I raced back to where I'd seen the cart, outside of Gelateria Fresla!

Pistachio!

I knew what flavor I needed to enjoy before we left Taormina.

Pistachio is the island's signature gastronomic crown jewel! 

It was a fabulous way to end our visit!
​

Sights of Taormina
​

Here are some of the sights we saw while wandering in Taormina.

Next time we need to stay a few days and find out what the town is like when the day tourists are all gone!
​