Caffetteria i Portici Review

I've been visiting Portici on average two or three times a week since I moved to Modica Bassa. It's in a really central location and is the ideal place to meet friends in the afternoon or in the evening before heading off somewhere else. I was first attracted to it because I wanted to sit underneath the stunning Modican arches and watch people passing by. It's become a favourite place, not only because of the arches and central location but because of the quality of produce and because of the friendliness of the family who own and run the business.

During the daytime, I've enjoyed excellent standards of coffee, delicious ice creams, addictive milkshakes (frappe) - seriously, some days I can't stop thinking about how much I crave one, and feasted on wonderful breakfasts of granite - a traditional crushed ice drink with various flavours, my personal favourite being gelsi (mulberry) and brioche. But the best reason to go is for aperitivo, which can be taken at pretty much any time of the day.

One of the best things about Italian life is it's wonderful café culture and with that comes the practice of taking aperitivo. This is usually taken in the early evening before a later dinner (but not exclusively) and consists of taking a glass of wine, a spritz or a cocktail, with which the bar will serve snacks. The quality of snacks produced at aperitivo o'clock varies, in some places, you will just be brought crisps and nuts, maybe a few olives but in other places you can expect a variety of treats. At Portici, you can expect crisps and nuts, along with bruschetta and other little treats to be washed down with your drink of choice. In Modica, Portici is certainly one of the better places to enjoy this joyous Italian tradition.

I usually take a prosecco or one of the local wines, all of the selections I have been served at Portici have been well received. Or if you are visiting, why not try an Aperol Spritz or a Campari and Soda, both very traditional Italian aperitivo choices and still fashionable.

The cafe is run by a couple and their two sons and, while the service can be a little on the slow side (we are still in Sicily, after all!), the family have always been extremely welcoming and friendly. I've been going for a few years and over time have developed a good rapport with them and when I have had family and friends visit from the UK, they have been so welcoming, thoughtful and enthusiastic about meeting my guests - my parents in particular were very taken with the place when they visited for the first time in June. While English is quite obviously difficult for them, they have really made an effort when I have had non-Italian speaking company with me.

The café also serves sandwiches and pasta dishes, I personally have not tried these but from what I have heard from other people, I'd suggest if you want a small snack the place is fine but for something more substantial, there are probably better places to eat.

Prices are very reasonable, for example, a glass of wine complete with the snacks served will cost €3.50 and is €3.50 well spent!

It's a real pleasure to have this place as one of my locals, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I (frequently) do.

Caffetteria I Portici
Piazza Principe di Napoli 1, Modica