View photos

Menu Snapshot

Overview & Highlights

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Taormina on Corso Umberto, Ape Nera Mixology Gourmet is far more than just a restaurant—it is a refined sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of cocktails paired with authentic Sicilian small plates. This unique establishment expertly blends mixology with gourmet flair, delivering an experience that captivates both the palate and the soul.

Stepping inside Ape Nera, you instantly notice the warm, inviting ambiance that draws you in from the bustling tourist hub outside. The cozy, stylish setting is complemented by carefully curated ambient music, making it the perfect spot to unwind whether escaping a rainy evening or simply soaking up the lively street life. It feels intimate yet sociable, ideal for groups and solo visitors alike who appreciate a thoughtfully crafted drink alongside light, elegant dining.

The culinary offerings are a celebration of Sicily’s rich culinary heritage, presented with a modern twist. While the menu focuses on light fare, the quality and presentation elevate each dish to a memorable delight. The bruschetta here, praised repeatedly by visitors, is a standout—its crispy, toasted bread topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients bursts with authentic flavor in every bite. Alongside this, the small Sicilian dishes showcase local ingredients in tantalizing, perfectly balanced combinations, ideal for sharing or pairing with the expertly crafted cocktails.

But what truly sets Ape Nera apart is its masterful cocktail program. This is more than a cocktail bar; it’s a venue where skilled mixologists like Monir create bespoke drinks that astonish and satisfy in equal measure. Guests rave about the Flower Negroni and Sicilian Spritz, as well as unique specials like the spicy margaritas and passionfruit spritzes, all prepared with an impeccable balance of flavors that highlight both classic and contemporary mixology techniques. Whether you’re indulging in an aperitif before dinner or a digestivo afterward, each cocktail promises a rich, sensory experience — as noted by numerous visitors who describe these drinks as some of the best they’ve ever tasted.

Alongside the drinks, customers are treated to beautifully arranged small snacks, from nuts and chips to colorful vegetables, elevating the traditional Italian custom of mixing light bites with drinks. The cheese and charcuterie platters and even pizzas have been praised for both quantity and quality, making Ape Nera a versatile spot for a light meal or a casual gathering over excellent food and drink.

The genuine hospitality marks another highlight of Ape Nera Mixology Gourmet. The staff is consistently described as warm, friendly, and welcoming—turning every visit into a personalized and memorable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, you’ll be met with attentive service that perfectly complements the outstanding menu.

For anyone visiting Taormina seeking a refined yet relaxed atmosphere where exceptional cocktails meet exquisite light bites, Ape Nera Mixology Gourmet is the consummate choice. It’s a place to linger, savor, and discover the true spirit of Sicilian taste and hospitality.

Contact: Corso Umberto, 65, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy | Phone: +39 0942 23938

Comforts & Conveniences

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
Payments
  • Credit cards

Where to Visit

Visitor Testimonials (447)

Although it is in the very touristy central area (like all of Traumana), the place is very nice, good cocktails, and light food, the bruschetta is excellent, and very good Sicilian small dishes. Recommended for a light meal or aperitif

One of our favourite spots in Taormina. The staff were warm and welcoming, the bruschetta were the best we had anywhere in Sicily, and the spicy margs were spot on! It’s a great people watching spot and open later than many places in the town. We’ll definitely be back next time we visit!

Before or after dinner, some like to go for digestivi or aperitivi. Ape nera is since years our place to have either apero or digestivo. This cocktail bar is more than a regular cocktail bar. They serve also small snacks and desserts. However, as usual in Italy the alcoholic drinks are accompanied with some nuts, chips and vegetables. All is arranged in a lovely and well cared way. Table lights make it cosy. In addition the friendly staff set you straight in comfort. That way you are able to spend some time on the main corso looking at all the people passing by (passeggiata). This year the Espresso Martini convinced me. It is a delicious cocktail with an espresso as one of the main ingredients. It is well presented with some coffee powder or beans on top of the foam. Conclusion : I can only recommend Ape nera for its fantastic cocktails and the very kind and friendly service.

Very nice cocktail bar on the high street of Taormina. The cocktails were very tasty (best pisco sour outside of the americas) and they also served some very tasty complimentary snacks. It's great for people watching and the service was absolutely fantastic.

This is a gem of a place on the Main Street in Taormina. Lovely cozy bar atmosphere, with great ambient music. We went on a rainy evening and it was the perfect place to escape the weather. They offer a wonderful selection of cocktails, and light food. We were six people, and had 2 very nicely arranged cheese and charcuterie platters, and two pizzas, and the portions were generous enough that we had enough food for dinner. The wait staff were friendly and anxious to please. We would definitely recommend.

5 stars is not enough!!! Excellent choice to chill with a drink. You have to try Flower Negroni, Sicilian Spritz or Spiced Cocktail. Passionfruit Spritz was very good too. Very friendly staff. Great quality of drinks. The bartender who carefully prepares delicious drinks. We spent there 5 evenings. All the best for owner, bartender and Salvatore. Thanks for your hospitality!!!

We are soooo happy we came here with my husband. Wow. I had one of the mixologists Monir surprise me with a special drink, and one for my husband, and they were the best drinks we have ever had. Ever. Thank you for an unforgettable experience, and truly good quality drinks with an even better quality service. Keep in mind, the bartender special cocktails are more expensive, one of our specials was 6€ more than the regular cocktails.

Tell Us About Your Visit

Your insights help other diners decide. We’ll keep your email private. Required fields are marked *

Service & Hospitality
Value for Money
Food & Drink Quality
Ambience & Comfort

Explore Similar Places Nearby

Rele Taormina

Via Roma, 7, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy

  • 3.8 536 Ratings

Ristorante Myle e I Suoi Sapori

Via Giardinazzo, 57, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy

  • 4.0 788 Ratings

Caffè Maikano

Via Fratelli Bandiera, 2, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy

  • 4.6 238 Ratings

St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck

Viale S. Pancrazio, 46, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy

  • 4.9 284 Ratings

Discover More Places

C&C Mediterranean Cuisine

120 Center Square Rd, Woolwich Township, NJ 08085, United States

  • 4.9 262 Ratings

Warbak's purnama poncowati

Jalan, Yukum Jaya, Kec. Terbanggi Besar, Kabupaten Lampung Tengah, Lampung 34163, Indonesia

  • 4.4 384 Ratings

Boracay Kudetah District

Station 1, Barangay Balabag And, Malay, 5608 Aklan, Philippines

  • 3.8 241 Ratings

Shuffles Braai Place

5 Eletsega St, Nellmapius, Pretoria, 0122, South Africa

  • 4.1 451 Ratings

Taquearte Parque Interlomas

Av Jesús del monte 41 A-F, Interior LO-A-0117-01, Col. Ex Hacienda Jesús del Monte, 52764 Ciudad de México, Méx., Mexico

  • 4.4 588 Ratings