The La Cantoniera Restaurant is located directly on top of the 1992 lava flow of Mt. Etna. Not only is it surrounded by stark black and gray lava fields and rough rock formations, but fifteen feet underneath that same lava sits the original restaurant that was buried and destroyed during the eruption.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch of typically Sicilian dishes. The amply stocked buffet table provided antipasti of shrimp, cheeses, olives, proccutto, and melon. Shellfish rissotto with roast peppers and tomato puree accompanied the main course. I chose a local specialty of twice-roasted swordfish and my husband a plate of fresh mussels in a savory marinade. The dessert specialty was a cassatine siciliana.
Strolling folk musicians added to the casual and fun atmosphere. The attentive service staff truly made this a very pleasant dining experience.