Dòmini Restaurant officially opens in Acireale
The contemporary taste of a family home
In the heart of Piazza San Domenico in Acireale, Dòmini Restaurant officially opens its doors. Daniele Finocchiaro’s refined hospitality meets the contemporary cuisine of Chef Riccardo Russo, creating a new gastronomic experience that surprises while recalling the true taste of home.
A fascinating family history
Just a few steps from Acireale Cathedral, amid the Baroque splendour of Palazzo Musmeci and the Church of San Domenico, Dòmini is a timeless place where memories meet new gastronomic inspiration. The restaurant was conceived by host Daniele Finocchiaro, who brings more than fifteen years of experience and a genuine sense of hospitality to a setting that feels both familiar and contemporary.
The warm, welcoming tones of the dining room meet the ancient vaulted ceilings of the family home. These continue into the live kitchen, revealed through a large arched window as the true heart of the domus. Here, attention to detail becomes a warm and passionate service led by Daniele, who shares his food and wine knowledge with every guest.
Contemporary cuisine, with the taste of home
In this evocative setting, where past and present meet, Chef Riccardo Russo leads Dòmini’s culinary performance, paying tribute to Sicily’s sea and land in a contemporary key. His à la carte creations and the two five- and eight-course tasting menus celebrate family conviviality alongside culinary traditions from near and far. References to Asian cuisine and taste memories gathered on overseas journeys give life to original dishes.
The “Piazza San Domenico n° 5” tasting menu embodies this philosophy. Grouper marinated with the distinctive Mexican spice achiote, accompanied by avocado cream, jalapeño and coriander oil, is followed by Lobster with chickpea hummus, paprika, baby vegetables and shellfish sauce.
Chef Russo then invites guests to continue with Mixed pasta, a tribute to the traditional Sicilian “arriminata” soup with scorpionfish, seafood and parsley, followed by Monkfish with almond and black garlic, meunière sauce and bitter vegetables — a reminder of the honest simplicity of our grandparents’ cooking. The experience ends with a fresh, indulgent dessert of Chocolate, passion fruit, hazelnuts and orange.
An exceptional cellar devoted to conviviality
Daniele Finocchiaro has selected more than 150 labels from outstanding Sicilian, Italian and international producers, allowing guests to feel at home from the moment they choose their wine. Pairings for Chef Russo’s creations and rare bottles discovered over the years form Dòmini’s cellar, complemented by a special water menu born from a deep passion for hospitality.
Daniele Finocchiaro, Chef Riccardo Russo and the Dòmini team welcome guests for dinner from Thursday to Tuesday and for lunch from Friday to Sunday, at Piazza San Domenico 5 in Acireale.
