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Food Place Passport

L' Ancora in Metropolitan City of Messina

Discover L' Ancora on Viale della Libertà, offering a relaxed spot for deli, fast food, cakes, and self-service meals at affordable prices.

3.7 888 reviews €1–10 Restaurant American · Southern

Viale della Libertà, 34, 98121 Messina ME, Italy

FoodPlacee Passport Italy · Metropolitan City of Messina · 13888
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L' Ancora

Messina, Metropolitan City of Messina, Italy

Pasta Al Forno Arancini Al Sugo Calzoni Cassatina
Rating★ 3.7 / 5
Price€1–10
CategoryRestaurant
Today 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Located on Viale della Libertà, 34 in Messina, L' Ancora is a multifaceted restaurant blending traditional Sicilian flavors with a casual and historic atmosphere. This establishment offers a vibrant mix of dining options including a cake shop, deli selections, fast food convenience, and takeout services, suitable for those looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal by the sea.

Known for its great coffee, delectable desserts, and rooftop seating overlooking the bustling harbor, it attracts families, tourists, and groups alike. With an approachable price range of €1–10, L' Ancora balances quality and affordability while providing a welcoming space with amenities like onsite bar service, Wi-Fi, and wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.

Gallery

Photos from L' Ancora

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This historic Messina spot offers a unique blend of casual dining, traditional Sicilian dishes, and quick service that fits any schedule.

Great Coffee & Desserts

Known for excellent coffee paired with authentic Sicilian sweets like cannoli, cassatina, and granita with brioche.

Rooftop Seating with a View

Offers rooftop seating overlooking the Stretto di Messina and ferry terminals, perfect for a scenic meal.

Family-Friendly & Group Dining

A welcoming atmosphere for families and tourists with diverse menu options from small plates to full meals.

Fast Service & Takeout

Ideal for quick bites and takeout, especially for those catching ferries or seeking a speedy meal.

Authentic Sicilian Menu

Features popular dishes such as Arancini, Pasta Al Forno, Calzoni, and local specialties like Birra Messina.

Accessible Entrance & Seating

Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating ensure comfort, though parking is not fully accessible.

Wide Drink Selection

Offers a variety of alcohol including beer, cocktails, wine, and happy hour specials to complement any meal.

Onsite Amenities

Facilities include free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a bar onsite to enhance the dining experience.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

This lively Messina spot suits a variety of dining moments from a casual breakfast to a late-night snack, perfect for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Sicilian treats.

A historic eatery since 1968, L' Ancora offers quick, quality meals perfect for a brief but delicious stop—especially for those embarking on or returning from the nearby ferry. Sampling the classic arancini or a refreshing granita while basking in the harbor view creates an iconic Sicilian experience. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Breakfast with a View

Begin the day with excellent coffee and freshly baked pastries on the rooftop seating, soaking in serene harbor sights and quiet ambiance.

Quick Lunch Stop

Enjoy speedy service and hearty Sicilian dishes like Pasta Al Forno or Arancini Al Sugo, ideal for visitors needing a fast yet flavorful meal.

Family-Friendly Dinner

The casual environment and wide menu options including kid-friendly dishes make it perfect for families gathering after a day exploring Messina.

Takeout & Delivery

For those on the go, takeout and delivery options offer access to authentic Sicilian favorites without missing a beat in daily schedules.

Late-Night Cravings

Open late every day, L' Ancora satisfies evening appetites with quick bites and delightful happy hour offerings including cocktails and small plates.

Best for

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining Family-friendly Takeout Dine-in Reservations accepted

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

PA
Peppe Ammendolia 1 month ago

"This place is a peace of history ! When you land in Sicily through the famous Stretto di Messina, the first thing you see and must visit... is this place. There you can find a lot of food, sicilian food, from sweets to pizza, accompanied by typical gastronomy like the very famous ArancinO"

CD(
Christian Distefano (Ildisti) 2 month ago

"Bar sito a Messina adiacente all’imbarco dei traghetti che collegano Messina a Villa Dan Giovanni . Il locale è ben fornito di ogni prelibatezza tipica Siciliana , ho provato le loro arancine , eccezionali come là cortesie del personale al bancone del bar, tutto molto bene tranne la pulizia dei tavolini esterni che lascia un po’ a desiderare. Comunque se devi giudicare il servizio è i prodotti da loro venduti non posso altro fare che recensirlo positivamente , consigliando l’asporto ."

LG
Linda Guerrisi 2 month ago

""arancini davanti alla Caronte" a classic - must go and have one if you are in the area"

AL
Arianna Laganà 3 month ago

"Nonostante i prezzi siano arrivati alle stelle rispetto a quando ci ho messo piede per la prima volta, quello che rimane invariato é la bontà suprema della rosticceria messinese, soprattutto della focaccia, degli arancini e dei pidoni. Ho avuto modo, nel corso del tempo, di assaggiare tutto e non sono rimasta mai delusa!"

FZ
Francesco Zarelli 4 month ago

"Locale molto accogliente, c'è una vastissima varietà di prodotti: Arancini di tutti i tipi, Arancini Al Sugo, Arancino al ragù, Arancini al pistacchio, Arancini al prosciutto, Arancini al pesce spada, cartocciate, panzerotti, primi, contorni, pizze, pancarré in carrozza, secondi, cannoli alla ricotta, cannoli al cioccolato, cassatine e pignolate. Il personale è gentilissimo e molto disponibile. Consiglio"

R
Roberta 4 month ago

"Vengo spesso a pranzare perché il posto mi è sempre piaciuto. La vista del mare e dei traghetti Caronte è meravigliosa. La pasta al forno è eccezionale, la porzione super abbondante. L'ultima volta ho cambiato e ho avuto modo di provare il menù del giorno; ho scelto i paccheri alla mediterranea e il trancio di pesce spada al forno e sono rimasta piacevolmente sorpresa. Il menù costava 13 euro ma i piatti non avevano nulla da invidiare a un ristorante sul lago di Ganzirri! Tornerò a provare altro."

MA
Michael Arthur 4 month ago

"Very busy cafeteria style eatery. Caters to people Getting on and off the boat. Excellent cannoli and some good local Sicilian products for sale. Tip: you will need to see the guard to let you back in if you are driving onto the ferry from here."

IG
Ivan Giardina 5 month ago

""Storico locale dal 1968: ottimi cornetti, arancini e anche il cannolo, veramente tutto piacevole. Qualità alta e sapori autentici, tappa consigliata!""

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 07:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Open daily from early morning to late evening, this spot suits every mealtime with quick visits ideal for those on the go.

Open 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Sundays until 10:30 PM) Perfect for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Family-friendly & solo dining Quick visits around 10 minutes typical Reservations accepted for group planning

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to L' Ancora in Metropolitan City of Messina .

Address Viale della Libertà, 34, 98121 Messina ME, Italy
Phone +39 090 572 6867
Area Metropolitan City of Messina
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about dining at L' Ancora in Messina, including menu offerings, service options, and accessibility.

L' Ancora is known for its Sicilian specialties like arancini, pasta al forno, calzoni, and traditional desserts such as cassata and cassatina. Popular dishes also include Granita Caffè Con Panna E Brioche and Birra Messina, offering a mix of quick bites and savory options.

The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with Sunday hours extended to 10:30 PM. Hours may vary, so it’s recommended to check ahead before visiting.

Yes, L' Ancora provides multiple service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating, making it convenient to enjoy meals whether on the go or seated.

The restaurant welcomes families and is good for kids, offering a casual and family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of kid-appropriate meal options.

There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating available. However, no assistive hearing loop or dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking is provided.

Reservations are accepted, which is recommended especially during busy times to ensure a table is available.

Customers can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing several convenient options for checkout.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.