Go eat at Filipino restaurant is an authentic journey into the past, into the traditions and history of a family: one of the pleasant discoveries at Aeolian Islands gave me.
The restaurant is located a few steps from the Lipari Castle, in Piazza del Municipio: to welcome you there will be a white solid wood porch that in contrast with the wrought iron chairs tinged it with elegance and refinement, remaining firm in the limbo of simplicity. To welcome us an elderly gentleman with lively eyes and a face crowned by the passage of time: it is Antonio, the owner, witness of the second generation of the family.
The first thing that strikes me at the table is the bread: five loaves, each with its own color that varies according to the types of flour used; I was attracted to the green loaf and so I took a piece of it and tasted it: it was Bronte pistachio bread, a specialty of the restaurant.
Dining at the Filippino Restaurant was a journey of flavors, between climbs and descents, between modern and ancient and between sea and mountains: strong flavors and unusual combinations but without putting aside tradition. However, fish is the real protagonist of the table that we find in every course.
And between one course and another the owner tells us the story of the restaurant which is also the story of his family: his father Filippino set up the first restaurant on the island back in 1910; the stars of neorealism turned on the spotlight on the Aeolian Islands: it was the 50s, Rossellini was divided between the true Anna Magnani and the elegance of Bergman and “Vulcano” and “Stromboli” were broadcast in cinemas. The tourist activity grew unexpectedly over the years and they redefined the activities of the 7 sisters and the family decided to open other structures as well. The restaurant that takes the name of the founder Filippo is currently managed not only by Mr. Antonio but also by his nephew, Antonio jr.
The cost of an average dinner is approx 30 €: an affordable price if you consider the quality of the products and the quality of the service. And if that's not enough, the breathtaking view from the terrace will satisfy you.
