Battimandorlo

Lunch at Battimondorlo was a real highlight of our 10-day Sicily trip. The setting is beautiful and peaceful, the staff are very friendly, and the food was delicious, fresh, and locally sourced.

We had four wonderful nights at Battimandorlo. It's about 10 minutes from Noto and a short drive from Siracusa/Ortigia, Marzamemi, and other places. The saltwater pool is stunning, and the surroundings are peaceful. Breakfast isn't a buffet, but you can order as much as you want. Don't be shy, the fresh ricotta and homemade jams are delicious, and eggs are made to order. Portions are small because you're expected to choose more than one thing. The materials around the property are thoughtfully chosen, and everything looks photogenic. The staff are lovely and kind, speak English well for foreign visitors, and nothing seems too much to ask. You can request a beach umbrella, and pool towels are provided. Our room had a private terrace that got a bit hot in peak summer because of the sun's direction. The staff checked the AC when we asked, and we kept the blinds closed during the day to keep it cool. Grazie a voi for a lovely, peaceful stay!

The breakfast was the best I've ever had, which persuaded us to try dinner too. That turned into one of the most memorable meals of our lives. The atmosphere and service were sublime, but above all the food stood out. It was better than most Michelin-starred meals we've had around the world, and better than the best meal we'd had in Italy. The beautiful building is so thoughtfully designed and furnished, and the setting is gorgeous. Everyone was helpful and attentive, from the woman who welcomed us to the gifted chef and his team and the owners. They all fit the warm, peaceful feel of the place. If you can't stay here, it's still worth going out of your way to eat here.

We had two fabulous nights at Battimandorlo and wished we'd stayed longer. It was a peaceful hideaway between busy days in Ortigia, Noto, Scicli, and Ragusa, and felt more like a private country estate than a hotel, which we loved. Our room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with a large terrace overlooking the countryside. Noto is an easy 10-minute drive, and the nearest beaches are 20 minutes away. The staff were attentive but discreet, the service impeccable, and the pool was perfect for relaxing. The food was wonderful too, made with fresh local produce of excellent quality and presentation. The only thing I'd improve is the road up to the gates, which felt rather off-road.