Macalle Sicilian Bistrot - SIRACUSA

We were walking down the street and saw the sign on the wall that says this was a Michelin recommended restaurant so figured we 'd give it a try and made reservations. When we arrived they were warm and welcoming. The menu is decent size is centered around seafood and we enjoyed our meal. When the food came out the man who may be the chef or owner came out and explained the different items composing the dish. You don 't go here for quantity of food, you go here for the quality and flavors. The wait staff, it should be pointed out, is Americanized. Whenever people asked for something (and all the clients were, like us, English speaking) the waiter would give replies such as Right away! that we heard nowhere else in Italy. This was the first clue things might be a little different. When it came time to pay the credit card machine, again here and nowhere else on our travels in Italy, had options to add a tip to the card. Since we paid north of 125E for two including 4E per person coperto, and cognizant that Italians generally don 't tip, I did not tip. Looking at the machine the waiter frowned and said I guess you don 't support me this month. In sum if you want a nice dinner and an American waiter experience, this is the place to go.

A fun evening, staff including the proprietor ? were friendly and informative about the wine and food and we were not disappointed in any way. My o ly grip was our closeness to the road but otherwise a great spot for some genuinely good Sicilian food.

Fabulous meal our first full day in Ortigia. Food was delicious. Friends from Puerto Rico who know a thing or two about seafood raved about the flavor of the dishes. Recommend for a special meal. You know food is good when the chef/owner is personally shopping at the market for his ingredients. Saw him there the next day and greeted us with a warm Buongirono

We ate the best food during our visit to Ortigia in this restaurant. Chef Maurizio is a master who teaches culinary art at the local university. There were 4 of us and everything we ate was fantastic. If tiramisu is on the menu, don't miss it. it is made by Maurizio's wife and is the best Tiramisu we've ever eaten.

Restaurant does not have the 20% discount building advertising by booking via TheFork, even if it was confirmed at the time of booking.