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Barbara and Mike in The Bakery
Piazza del Duomo, Catania
Via Crociferi during the dayUsed to be worse
UPDATE: I visited this place again as part of a large group in March 2006. I got the impression that the quality of food had improved since the previous time I went there (see below). In particular, the grilled fish was a class of its own. Also, the wine list is pretty large, perhaps they have enlarged it (though I didn't pay too much attention to it the previous time).
However, the service is still sloppy and waiters somehow look too busy (which in Italy means they're not in control). Also, the fact that they let in players of traditional instruments somehow gives an impression of a touristy place.
I'm not aware of the bill as the dinner was paid by someone else. I may go again
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OLD (April 2005): Antica Marina was recommended to me by a friend who works as a manager in a local company. I tried it expecting some astounding fish but the fare was relatively standard.
Now you have to get things into perspective when you hear this comment. We're in Catania, perhaps the Italian capital of seafood, so anything which I rate here as "standard" would fare around the "extremely good" category in the rest of Italy.
This said, I wasn't astonished. Sure, the swordfish pasta was great, and the mixed antipasto provided for much more than a simple appetizer. However, the service was sloppy, the coffee lukewarm (mortal sin!) and the bill outrageous.
Overall, I don't think I'll go there again. There's much better food for lower prices around this city. The grilled fish platter was a remarkable experience. The low-ish rating I give to this place is not due to the bad food, but rather to the commercial, touristy atmosphere and matching service.
