The typical case where appearances can be deceiving: from the outside you almost don't notice it, from inside the dining room as big as that of a medium/small two-room apartment makes you foresee the worst..
In the end, however, the only flaw is the infernal heat (in March!): someone goes out because they are feeling unwell and you start sweating as if you were climbing Everest (luckily the air conditioning is off or, given the size of the place, the jet inevitably pointed at you would risk hibernating on the spot).
Location aside, the service is attentive and organized (facilitated by the 4 tables). The quality cuisine with excellent dishes that draw from tradition by bringing small and tasty innovative approaches that make the experience different from the ordinary. The portions are generous, the prices a little lower than expected.
Drago Bustocco
.
23 Marzo 2025
8,0
Clean and comfortable environment, excellent quality food, generous portions and courteous staff. I recommend it
Giuseppe Territo
.
11 Marzo 2025
10,0
I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The staff made sure we felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout our lunch.
I highly recommend trying the kangaroo meat – it was cooked to perfection and had a rich, unique flavor. If you're looking for a great dining experience with excellent food and warm hospitality, this is definitely the place to visit!
Yuliya Shtaher
.
08 Marzo 2025
10,0
Well, after visiting a bookstore we went to eat and it was very good, inside there is little space but outside there is a good terrace, they served us very well and everything was very delicious.
Manuel Gomar
.
06 Marzo 2025
10,0
Small but nice and well-kept place with few tables, the menu is not extensive but there is a good choice of options, including gluten-free options. The dishes are excellent with good, expertly cooked raw materials. The service is super Matteo the waiter with his friendly attitude immediately puts you at ease and knows how to expertly advise you he let us taste some excellent pasta and potatoes but also the pumpkin caponata was no joke, the meat was also excellent. The only thing that I didn't like were the mixed mushrooms used in the dish I ordered, quality but still industrial mushrooms. Excellent value for money.
Simonina Irrera
.
22 Febbraio 2025
10,0
**A "M'inchìa" Evening: When Sicily Embraces You (and Fills You with Happiness)**
It was one of those evenings in which Messina showed itself with its not too lively streets and the scent of the sea mixed with that of street cuisine. With my brother-in-law, armed with a wild and carnivorous hunger, we had a goal: to find a place where meat was the protagonist. After having avoided pizza places, glamorous aperitifs and not too crowded trattorias, we found ourselves in this side street, almost hidden, illuminated by a sign with a name that made us laugh: *“M'inchìa”*. “Oh well, is it really going to be like this?”, I asked, while frantically searching for reviews. *4.9 on Google? But do they breed bison or kangaroos here?* There is little to add: the challenge is accepted. Let's go in.
**The entrance to paradise (of the greedy)**
We were welcomed by Matteo, a boy with a contagious smile and an energy that makes you feel at home straight away and a smile that seemed to say: *"Prepare to never get up again"*. Behind her, her chef sister, queen of the kitchen, spread aromas that made our taste buds tingle, inebriating us with her cuisine, her alchemical laboratory with irresistible aromas. The second challenge is also accepted. We sit down. The room, small and welcoming, was a mix of Sicilian rustic and refined details: a few tables, warm colored walls, bottles of bitters and wines, and many customers who all seemed to know each other, while the tables whispered stories of memorable dinners.
It's nice to feel at home.
**The menu: a journey between tradition and audacity**
Matteo brings us a cold cuts platter that was a small minimalist work of art: amazing salami and cheeses that would make even a vegan fall in love. And if you think, "We don't do kangaroo here, do we?" Spoiler: you're off track.
My brother-in-law, skeptical of kangaroo, ordered the **turmeric chicken cutlets** – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a hint of spice dancing on the palate. I, fearless and curious to try all the strangest novelties even at the risk of being disappointed, read **kangaroo fillet with caramelized onions**. Another challenge accepted. Even my brother-in-law tastes it, delighted. Tender but not too much, wrapped in a sweet and sour glaze, accompanied by caramelized onions that almost seemed to crackle. The real twist? The **pork rolls with coppa and chopped pistachios**, a mix of flavors that made a "M'inchìa!" explode at our table! spontaneous.
**Among laughter, perfumes and a chat**
When the magic is in the details, every bite is a journey. The meat, cooked just right, spoke of excellent raw materials and passion. The chef, behind the scenes, seemed like an artist, transforming simple ingredients into poetry. And Matteo, between a joke and advice, made us feel like very welcome guests.
The grand finale: the coffee (good, as we like it), the bitters (Sicilian) and a lot of nostalgia. Yes, because after having brushed the dishes complete with a slipper, we happily exchanged a chat with the two owners, or rather **protagonists** of this adventure.
And I would have gladly stayed there with them to talk about this and that. It's nice to feel at home.
**Vote? 4.9/5** (because perfection doesn't exist... from today maybe yes).
**Why come back (even tomorrow)**
We leave with a full stomach, a smile on our faces and a great desire to return. *M'inchìa* is not just a witty name: it is a promise kept. A place where the welcome is familiar, the dishes are daring without overdoing it, and every bite tells a story. And if you are wondering why such a small restaurant has such a record rating, the answer is simple: here you don't eat, you experience the wonder, from Sicily to the world.
**PS:** If you pass through Messina, book. And if Matteo offers you coffee, accept: it is the finishing touch of a perfect evening.
*Based on my absolutely real experience - and believe the dozens of enthusiastic reviews, they don't lie!*
A hug to both of you, I hope to see you again soon
Andrew
Andrea C
.
20 Febbraio 2025
10,0
I have heard very good things about it from those who are good foodies. I have to try.👍
Grazia Quattroni
.
19 Febbraio 2025
10,0
Il locale è piccolo mamolto carino dispone anche di tavoli all aperto Matteo è super gentile e molto disponibile e ti sa consigliare ed accontentare noi abbiamo preso una caponata di zucca 1 porzione divisa in2 enorme di pasta e patate un filetto alla brace con carote e finocchi ed uno scalone piastrato con misto funghi sott olio e insalata mista vino della casa ed acqua lete circa 30 euro a persona a dir il vero pochi per la qualità. La scelta dei piatti è molto ristretta ma la qualità il modo di esser cucinati è l ambiente giustifica tale deficit. Super consigliato
Simonina I
.
13 Febbraio 2025
10,0
I have had the pleasure of dining at this place multiple times and each time it has been an amazing experience.
From the first meeting, I was welcomed with great friendliness by the owner, who creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
The quality of the food is exceptional, I have tried different dishes on the menu and every time I have been impressed by the quantity and goodness of the dishes.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy excellent food in a welcoming environment, I can only highly recommend this restaurant. It's a pleasure to come back every time!
Anthony A.
.
05 Febbraio 2025
10,0
Fuimos aquí buscando comida sin gluten y vegetariana. El menú está claramente marcado, pero el propietario explicó todas las opciones. Él era muy amable y servicial.
Tomamos una salchicha y pasta de tomate y risotto de cítricos. Ambos estaban muy bien cocinados, muy sabrosos y muy bien presentados.
No probamos el secondi pero confío en que el cuidado que se nos muestre se ponga en la cocción de los platos principales. ,
Michael W
.
08 Ottobre 2024
10,0