Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Aeolian Islands, Sicily.
Restaurants
Filippino
The islands’ most famous restaurant, frequented by celebrities such as Sting and Naomi Campbell, is an unprepossessing century-old family-run fish specialist. Try stromboli – black squid-ink risotto with fish, chillies and tomatoes, while sitting on the jasmine-scented terrace.
Piazza Mazzini, 98055, Lipari, Isole Eolie (closed on Mondays and during winter)
(+39 090 981 1002)
Albergo Ristorante Da Pina
‘Da Pina’’s pergola is a hot spot, great for trying house specials such as fish all'acqua pazz and gnocchi with aubergine. There’s an extensive wine list, but they won’t serve it by the glass, so dining here is an all-or-nothing affair.
via San Pietro, Isola di Panarea, Messina
(+39 090 983 032)
Trattoria Maniaci Pino
This small-but-perfectly-formed eaterie serves some of the most honest and super-fresh seafood in the Aeolians. Definitely worth making the effort to find its remote location.
Gelso, Vulcano
(+39 368 668 555)
Cafés
The Tartana Club
As with most islands, it is the harbours of the Aeolian Islands that have a buzz of activity as the day’s catch of fish or tourists are unloaded. This is one of the best places in the archipelago to sit and watch the spectacle. In summer, fashionable folk gather here for cocktails, music and dinner.
La Sirenetta Park Hotel, Via Marina 33, Stromboli
(+39 090 986 025)
Bars and clubs
Bar La Precchia
This is the place to head to watch the world go by while enjoying drinks from the huge menu and live music.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele 191, Lipari
(+39 090 981 1303)