L'Ancora In Messina

04/12/2023: When I think of Italian cuisine, a Trattoria or Restaurant doesn't immediately come to mind. I'm normally transported to the chiming of an Itailan guitar, a long table shaded from the sun under an Olive tree. A large family, busily chatting, catching up. The chink of cutlery and large bowls of beautiful fresh, rustic produce, or perhaps simple fish and meat pasta dishes being passed around, all washed down with a fine wine. Well,, Don Camillo's Trattoria ( yes, one of those that didn't occur to me), situated just up from the Porta Catania end of the Corso has all of the above,, well during the evenings at least so perhaps the shaded Olive tree might be missing but you'll still be beneath a tree on the terrace. Italian families? Yes you do get locals here so that should be telling enough. Now to what really matters, the food. It really is beautiful, fresh, rustic Italian food. The produce is fresh and seasonal so in a typical Italian way,, if they've got it, you can order it. The fish and Pasta dishes are excellent, beautifully cooked. The wine list is extensive all of which are very reasonably priced, and the attention to detail from the friendly staff is second to none. The ambience created under the softly lit tree branches provides a very romantic setting, ( the wife loved it ). Oh,, and you might not get a chiming Italian guitar, they have an eclectic mix of background music. You simply can't go wrong dining here. Highly recommended. Mark and Jules

15/10/2023: A lovely, peaceful milieu away from the busy streets of the city center. Good service. The recommended orange and onion salad with grilled sardines was excellent.