Nestled in the Bay of Mazzarò in Taormina—within the grounds of Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel—Brizza is a restaurant featuring just eight tables for two, designed for a pieds dans l’eau experience right by the sea, with your feet in the sand.

The Story: From Aristocratic Residence to Icon of Hospitality

Built in 1919 by the Welsh civil engineer and aristocrat Robert Trewhella as a family villa, Villa Sant’Andrea immediately became a favored retreat for British nobility, artists, and intellectuals seeking serenity in the Mediterranean.

In the 1950s, the property transformed into a refined luxury hotel, while preserving the spirit of an elegant private seaside home. Joining the Belmond collection in 2010, the property retains its period furnishings, fine fabrics, and terraces overlooking the azure waters of the Ionian Sea.

Here, you can hear, breathe, smell, and taste the sea: the menu is designed to convey that sense of savoriness and freshness.

In this corner of paradise—sheltered by a cliff formation that creates a stunning natural pool—Brizza is a seaside oasis illuminated by arched floor lamps. These pieces are handcrafted by master carpenters using traditional fishing traps from the Trapani coast.

The table setting also draws inspiration from the Bay of Mazzarò; handcrafted by Sicilian artisans, it features a color palette of blues, whites, and turquoises that echoes the patterns of the water and the texture of the rocks.

Brizza’s Cuisine and Chef Agostino D’Angelo

Guiding this culinary journey is Executive Chef Agostino D’Angelo. A native of Trapani, he returned to Sicily—bringing with him a contemporary, international vision—after an impressive career in London’s luxury kitchens.

His philosophy blends the authenticity of local ingredients—featuring distinctive Trapanese, Arab, and ethnic influences—with cutting-edge techniques. Notable among these is a fish-aging process inspired by the ancient local tradition of air-drying the catch.

The three tasting menus—Sea, Land, and Roots—celebrate the meeting of sun and salt, accompanied by an extraordinary selection of wines. Highlights include the limited-edition Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo (Benanti), aged at a depth of 48 meters within the “Isole Ciclopi” Marine Protected Area as part of the Orygini underwater project.

Wine manager Giuseppe Androne has curated a wine list that spans from the ocean depths of the Cyclops reserve to the soaring peaks of the Himalayas, offering the very best in Sicilian, Italian, and global winemaking excellence.

Hotel facilities: from private beach to infinity pool

Villa Sant’Andrea features a private bay equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and private cabanas, as well as a heated infinity pool framed by flowering gardens. For those wishing to enjoy a day by the sea without staying at the hotel, Villa Sant’Andrea offers Day Passes (subject to reservation and availability); these include a reserved sun lounger or beach cabana and access to bar and restaurant services throughout the day, culminating in dinner at Brizza.

A complimentary shuttle service runs constantly between the hotel and its “sister” property, the renowned Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, located next to Taormina’s Greek Theatre.

The Secret

During World War II, the Trewhella family villa was requisitioned by the German military command, which transformed it into a strategic headquarters overlooking Mazzarò Bay. In 1943, following the Allied landings in Sicily, a young British Army intelligence officer was deployed to the Taormina area. That officer was Ivor Manley—who was, in fact, the direct grandson of the founder, Robert Trewhella. When his unit took control of the bay, he personally led the raid on the villa, liberating it and hoisting the Trewhella family flag once more. After the war, Ivor Manley recognized the potential of this slice of paradise and decided to take over its management, officially becoming the first manager of the Villa Sant’Andrea Hotel.

Useful Info

Brizza – Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel
Via Nazionale 137
98039 Taormina, Messina
Tel. +39 0942 6271200

Open from June to September
Tasting menu: from €170
Starters and first courses: €34 – €45
Main courses: €50 – €60