Restaurant Ritrovo La Macina
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Restaurant Ritrovo La Macina
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
If you have ever been tempted by “slow food”, gourmet cuisine based on fresh local and non-industrial ingredients, you must pay a visit to the restaurant “La Macina” . Housed in San Marco D’ Alunzio, a small village with an amazing 3000-year history, this family restaurant is located in an ancient oil mill restored about 10 years ago which retains many ancient elements testifying its origins. Everything you’ll taste is local, home-made or grown in the owner’s gardens and local farms. From olive oil, to bread, from locally-raised beef, chicken or pork to all sort of fruits and vegetables ... not to forget grappa, limoncello and other local spirits. The rich list of wines includes some of the best Sicilian and Italian wines. The ambition of the owners is to preserve and promote local and traditional food products which in this valley are considered as part of the cultural heritage along with the 22 churches, 3 museums and its numerous archaeological sites.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, Healthy, Sicilian, Southern-Italian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Highchairs Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Monday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
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4.7
1,844 reviews
Excellent
1,533
Very good
222
Average
42
Poor
19
Terrible
28
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In cucina con d... M
1 contribution
June 2024 • friends
The restaurant La Macina is a jewel of homely and genuine flavors, where respect for raw materials is evident in every dish. Each course is carefully prepared, maintaining the simplicity and authenticity that only traditional cuisine can offer.
The welcoming atmosphere is a real added value: the warm welcome of Goofy, the Owner, makes every guest feel at home. With great attention and passion, Goofy recommends the dishes of the day and Guides customers on an unforgettable culinary journey.
The handmade desserts are a delight not to be missed, a real flagship of the restaurant. Each dessert is prepared with love and skill, closing the meal with a sweet note that remains in the heart.
Nothing is left to chance in this restaurant, where the love of cuisine and hospitality are palpable in every detail. I highly recommend anyone to visit this restaurant for an authentic experience, where the flavors of home and the warm welcome of Goofy will make you feel part of the family.
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Written 9 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderer25209640868
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • couples
We visited the beautiful village of San Marco and stopped for lunch at La Macina. The owner Mr. Pippo welcomed us immediately with kindness and was always present during our stay, advising us and illustrating the different courses. The food is truly excellent and cooked with care. We consumed a generous appetizer (if I remember correctly, 13 different courses), recommended by Mr. Pippo, and we were very satisfied. We completed lunch with pasta, dessert and coffee (although we could have avoided pasta given the abundance of the starter). In this regard, I recommend trying the nettle pasta with its delicate and pleasant taste. The price, for 2 people, seemed fair and in line with the market. If I were to return to San Marco I would gladly return.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa C
Catania1 contribution
Aug 2023 • family
My family and I had dinner in this place on Monday 21st August, the place is truly beautiful and characteristic. We were truly fascinated by the care given to its customers, the owner makes you feel at home. We took the appetizers made with vegetables from their garden, the second courses and the desserts, all EXTRAORDINARY!!!! I only have one photo because then I started eating and everything was so good that I forgot to take other photos 😅 Excellent value quality price. Thank you for the wonderful experience, we will definitely be back as soon as possible!
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariapia
Salemi9 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
Lured by the positive reviews with my family (13 adults and 3 children) we decided to stop in this restaurant so typical and cute. INGANNO! They made us wait about 15 minutes on our feet waiting for someone to welcome us, a single waiter that poor thing does what it can. We are not brought menus, probably non-existent. The owner “convinces” us about the appetizers of which of course we do not know quantity and price. At first he can't tell us exactly what there are, in the end he proposed two and decided him. Very few quantities, appetizers only and exclusively with vegetables (apart from those poor meatballs), very common dishes that we all make at home. The owner, a very cunning and rude person, to “joke”, turned to a 65-year-old lady with an unhappy adjective. In the end he can't even bring us more portions of pasta because he runs out of pasta, let's stay light! Let’s go upstairs and check the bill together, only the starter €16 per person, shocking! Conclusion: we ate badly and very little to pay a large bill! Too bad to have these realities in such a beautiful village!
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Written 3 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrissie Rowell
19 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
This is a lovely local hideaway serving authentic sicilian dishes. We came here at the end of October when it was fairly quiet, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.
Expect a very relaxed, unstructured affair and there is no menu to order from (which can mean it ends up being expensive if you're on a budget. There's no way to tell how much it's going to cost until you get the bill!) We were asked if we have any preferences and we told them we were vegetarian. We were brought lots of tasting dishes one after the other, including pumpkin rolls, arancini, a black rice dish (delicious!), spinach with almonds, caponata and many others. They were all delicious and we were extremely full! The souffles were especially good, as was the handmade ravioli. We had dessert too and finished the meal with some shots of a fig liqueur that is made on the premises - the waiter also poured us some shots of grappa.
It was a lovely experience, we had a great time and would definitely come back! We felt very welcome, the kids loved it and chatted to the owner/chef about British football teams :)
Overall the final bill came to around €160 for 4 of us, we had 3 courses, wine, coffee and liqueurs and we felt it was worth the spend as it was more special dining experience than you get in most places.
Written 5 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
giuseppina g
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • friends
Today I brought for lunch A group of 50 people Characteristic location in the center of the village. Excellent lunch with selected quality ingredients.
The owner Goofy, attentive to detail , always present between the tables to make sure customers are satisfied.
Highly recommended place.
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Written 10 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aurelio La F
Sicily2 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
If you pass through the village of S.Marco D'Alunzio go to Ritrovo La Macina is a must.
We were treated like old friends not just customers, the food and atmosphere are really authentic and genuine. Chef Fabrizio made us taste his specialties, including a fantastic homemade pasta "with nettles", a must if you pass by the local.
The staff was friendly and hospitable, the food superb, we will return whenever we pass by here.
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Written 10 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loredana B
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • couples
We had lunch yesterday at this restaurant. The location is beautiful, well-kept and welcoming, reminiscent of ancient traditions, with delicious appetizers that blend tradition and modernity with class. The chef, owner and father are helpful and open people, but above all you can see that they put their heart into the work they do. Advised
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
francesco d
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Restaurant that recalls the peasant traditions in the location, but never taken for granted, with attention to detail from the cutlery to the furnishings. We were welcomed by Mr. Pippo who accompanies us on a journey of life and taste, telling us the history of the place and of every single dish. Abundant appetizers and elaborate in their simplicity, even the first courses were a novelty for us, especially the pasta with nettle sauce and not to mention the ravioli, my daughters even dared to try the slipper. The second course was black pork and then cooked to perfection. then homemade desserts with the expert hand of Mr. Pippo literally delighted our palates.
We will remember this place is Mr. Pippo with affection
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paolo
Santa Flavia1 contribution
Nov 2024 • family
The place was recommended to me by a colleague, and I must admit that he was not wrong at all. The location creates a lot of atmosphere and I liked everything about it from the entrance to the landscape. The dishes they brought us were among the best I've ever eaten. The quality of the products is great and the cook's cuisine is something extraordinary. The staff was very friendly and it was not difficult to have a chat with both the cook and the owner. We would definitely stay again.
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Written 2 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna F
Messina35 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
I had lunch in this place found walking with my husband yesterday, February 1 for lunch. The place looks very good, (I liked it) on two floors, cozy and clean. Fabrizio is the name of the owner and chef who made us sit down and explained the policy of the place (we very much welcome). The combinations of very particular vegetables are not the usual dishes that are proposed, nor the usual courses that you make at home. Appetizers, dumplings as a first course (really light, I didn't think!) and a capocollo as a second course that was nothing short of delicious, really melted in the mouth. Almond semifreddo by dad (congratulations!!) and coffee to conclude. All enlivened by the pleasant company of the father who entertains you and puts you at ease. Congratulations to all and thank you for participating so to our outing. From Ganzirri, a hug!!!
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Written 1 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa C
1 contribution
Mar 2025 • couples
"We were really pleased with our experience at this place! The dishes were tasty and prepared with quality ingredients. The excellent nettle pasta surprised us with its delicate and well-balanced flavor, while the rich and genuine flavors appetizer was a perfect start to the meal. The Nebrodi black pork fillet was simply amazing, tender and tasty, a real excellence. The service was impeccable: friendly, attentive and always helpful staff, able to make us feel welcomed and at ease. A place we would definitely recommend and will return with pleasure!"
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Written 16 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo T
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • family
I'll be brief and concise: if you have a lot of money, you like vegetables and you're satisfied with little, this is the place for you. If you are looking for typical Nebroidei products (and it seems to me even the least given the location), you like appetizers made with cheeses, cold cuts, pickled oils, the first "true" and grilled black pork, make it away.
Almost 40 euros for a practically vegan lunch, mignon portions and menu not received.
That's too bad.
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Written 17 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonio L
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
We had lunch in this restaurant on the day of the patronal feast. The town, which we visited for the first time, was a beautiful discovery, with its special position overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast, the griffins that fly over it and its characteristic and well-kept historic centre. The restaurant is located in a very central position, it is a very well-kept and welcoming environment, on two floors and accessed from a lovely courtyard.
Guests feel at home because the owner is very present and accompanies new visitors in choosing the dishes. Many people from the town were also having lunch in the restaurant, and this usually means good quality. The dishes are made with local ingredients and are faithful to traditional cuisine with some original touches. The appetizers and home-made desserts are absolutely worth trying, the blancmange was special..
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberto T
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • family
A more than pleasant place. Nice and kind welcome with the owner ready to suggest the best way to get to know their cuisine. Very correct in suggesting that we not order first and second courses until after completing the appetizer experience, so that we can then adjust better. Starters that turned out to be a mix of tasty surprises, good, genuine and original. I cite some examples such as canapés with quail eggs, caponata, couscous, spelled, artichoke souffle with pumpkin. Their wine is excellent.
All at an excellent price.
We left happy. We'll be back!
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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