Step 15
Situated on one of the island’s most striking terraces, Step 15 is a small gem with great taste. The outdoor seating offers a spectacular vista, well above the traffic, which is an added bonus. It is also away from the main walking routes, making for a quieter dining experience. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate and warm, with a welcoming feel. The restaurant is thoughtfully laid out, with an extra side table beside dining groups providing useful space. The table design is particularly clever, offering enough clearance for diners to sit and rise without banging their knees. A copper bar contrasts beautifully with the glorious limestone walls, while the partly visible kitchen adds a touch of theatre to the experience.
If the views and interiors are exquisite, the food is a definite step up from the ordinary, complementing the restaurant’s charm with intricate textures and well-judged flavours. The menu is, as such a place demands, relatively small, but the ingredients are carefully chosen and the quality is excellent. Start with the beef cheek croquette, tasty yet perfectly light, or try the cacio e pepe arancini with pecorino sauce. The roasted pumpkin tortellacci are delicious. Among the mains, the local pork cutlet stands out, while the rabbit saddle roulade is another good choice. To end in style, savour the apple and caramel mousse, with its delicate layers brought together by a toffee sauce.
