Lemon Tapas & Drinks Ortigia in Free municipal consortium of Syracuse

"I don’t usually write reviews but I had to this time. This is a hidden gem. Fantastic meal and just astonishing how they managed dinner service with just two people. They knew how to make you feel welcomed. Just authentic people, really nice and unpretentious. Loved it"

"By far the best pasta I’ve ever had. every dish was outstanding. This restaurant deserves a Michelin star."

"Absolutely delicious food and wonderful atmosphere - is a genuine trattoria not aimed at tourists like so many in the area. Friendly couple run the place and it’s like eating at a local’s home."

"We had a lovely lunch at Lemon- delicious food , lovely atmosphere and excellent service. Chara took the time to explain the handwritten menu with dishes made from seasonal fresh produce. Francesco, the creative and wonderful chef working in his small space to delight the taste buds! We will be back for more with the kids next week. They are closed on Wednesdays."

"I was dining alone, and girl who works in the restaurant suggested that two tapas would be enough—and they were. But the guest behind me ordered the pasta Aglio Olio, smelled really amazing, so also added a pasta, even though I was already full. This is a very unique little restaurant with an open kitchen, allowing you to watch the chefs prepare the food. Their menu changes with the seasons and features fusion cuisine with distinctive flavors. I highly recommend it!"

"Having dinner at Lemon Tapas and Drinks Ortigia was one of the most memorable dining experiences we have had in Sicily. The service was fabulous, and the food was quick to arrive and delicious; I highly recommend the salmon! This is a small establishment with a casual atmosphere on a quiet street. Two tapas per person is a great start. Highly recommend!"

"We walked into the restaurant about 7:45pm on a Saturday, and greeted by a wonderful hostess Kara. We ordered a few tapa dishes - seared tuna steak, grilled octopus, salmon w soy sauce and pistachio pasta with prawn. We ordered a lemon spritz and a glass of white wine. Everything came out at a great speed; not too fast, not too slow. Kara was making sure that we were ready for the next set of dishes before bringing out the new dish. We also ended up ordering two more glasses of dry white wine and a tiramisu and a pana cotta with caramel. My husband and I are big foodies and been to lots of great restaurants in NYC while living there for nearly 15 years, but this place was a hands down one of the best restaurants we went in Ortigia. Strongly recommended!"

"What an exceptional recommendation from a couple we met earlier in the day. It took a while to find (in the rain) but it was worth it once we arrived and managed to get a table in the tiny restaurant. The food was exemplary and the service friendly and engaging. Seek it out and enjoy the gorgeous, simple flavours of authentic Sicilian food. Excellent prices too."