The Best Bars in Noto

Noto has an incredible aperitivo culture… pre-dinner bars and restaurants offer a range of drinks with a plate of nibbles to accompany your drink.

The aperitivo, a quintessential part of the Sicilian culture, is a warm and generous gesture that speaks volumes about the hospitality and welcoming nature of the Sicilian people.

There are many bars around the city, but I have chosen just five to recommend. Each has spectacular drinks or is in a spectacular location—sometimes both. All are amazing!

Aria Terrace

There is no better place to start your evening than at the end of your street, sipping an apertivo with views across the city.

Aria Terrace, nestled in the garden of Aria Boutique Hotel in Noto Alta, offers breathtaking vistas that stretch across the city, the sea, and the hills. A sunset at Aria Terrace is a sight to behold and should not be missed during your stay in Noto.

Aria is run by delightful hosts Andre and his wife, Anita.

Location: Via Trigona 11

Instagram: Aria Terrace‍

Strada Del Vino Valdinoto Ba

Strada Del Vino is in a beautiful iron-railed, cobbled courtyard with a central fountain and strings of lights hanging overhead.

Their cellar of wines is exclusively from the local region of the Val di Noto and is of the natural and bio-dynamic variety.

Peppe, who runs the bar, will always guide you in choosing wines that suit your taste and if you wish to push the boundaries of what you usually might try.

Location: Via Rocco Pirri

Instagram: Strada Del Vino

I Crociferi

I Crociferi is located in downtown Noto. You enter from the street through a grand doorway into a grand reception hall and rooms flowing through to a grand baroque courtyard. You get the point; it is grand.

During the summer season, I Crociferi hosts DJ sets most weekends, lighting up the dancefloor.

Cami, the owner, has brilliant taste and is a wonderful hostess.

Location: Vis Bovio 14

Instagram: I Crociferi‍

Gagliardi Rooftop

The Gagliardi Rooftop is another genuinely spectacular destination for an aperitivo. It is located at the top of the hotel of the same name.

There is a Iarge seating area with sofas and coffee tables. My personal favourites are the day beds dressed with colourful scatter cushions.

In one direction are intimate views of the town, town hall and cathedral, and in the other, views out to the sea.

The last time I visited the Gagliardi Rooftop was when the lovely Alisia and a fantastic team from Turkey ran it.

Location: Via Silvio Spaventa 41

Instagram: Gagliardi Rooftop

Ritro Vino Bar

Ritro Vino Bar is a small establishment you might easily miss if you don’t know where it is. Soon after passing through the city's historical gate, walk on Corso Street to the right, and Ritro Vino awaits you.

There are just three outside tables and a few more inside. Still, there is also an extensive cellar of some of Sicily’s finest wines, including COS, Marabino, Planeta, Arianna Occhipinti and Benanti.

It is one of my favourite stop-offs for either an aperitivo or a nightcap.

Location: Via Archimede 5

Instagram: Ritro Vino

‍