Gran Galà d’Autunno 2026: Charity Dinner Returns to San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel on October 19

One of the most anticipated events of the Sicilian autumn returns: the Gran Galà d’Autunno at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel which, for its fourth edition, renews its commitment to the local community and charitable initiatives.

The event will take place on Monday, October 19, 2026, when the former Dominican convent — now home to the iconic international hospitality of Four Seasons — will once again be transformed into the setting for a special evening celebrating gastronomy and solidarity.

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to WonderLAD — the Sicilian organization based in Catania that supports children affected by cancer and their families, accompanying them on a journey in which care, hospitality and support become essential tools for facing illness.

The Gran Galà d’Autunno was created from the desire of Chef Massimo Mantarro, host and Chef of Principe Cerami, One Michelin Star, to bring together some of the most important talents in Sicilian cuisine around the table and turn their passion into a tangible gesture of support for the community.

Following previous editions, which featured renowned chefs and raised funds for important local organizations, the Gran Galà returns in 2026 with a new line-up of culinary protagonists. This year, alongside Massimo Mantarro, the evening will feature Ciccio Sultano, one of the leading figures in contemporary Sicilian fine dining and Executive Chef of Ristorante Duomo, Two Michelin Stars, and Roberto Toro, Executive Chef of Ristorante Otto Geleng, One Michelin Star. Completing the team are Francesco Patti and Domenico Colonnetta of Ristorante Coria in Catania, One Michelin Star, who will join the other chefs in creating a multi-chef menu specially designed for the occasion. The dinner will also feature Pastry Chef Giovanni Marco Carandino, who will create the dessert concluding the gastronomic journey.

The evening will begin with a welcome aperitif, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of San Domenico Palace and meet the evening’s culinary protagonists. This will be followed by the gala dinner, accompanied by live entertainment and hosted in the evocative Chiesa Ballroom at San Domenico Palace.

As tradition dictates, the menu will be conceived as a true journey through signature cuisine, with each course entrusted to a different chef. It will be a gastronomic experience built around the dialogue between identity, technique and territory, with each chef bringing their own sensibility and personal interpretation of Sicily to the table.

WELCOME APERITIF
by Chef Massimo Mantarro
Selection of canapés
Terrazze dell’Etna Metodo Classico Brut / Volcano Etna Dry Gin & Tonic

STARTER
Chef Ciccio Sultano
Red snapper, double Sicilian caponata and tuna bottarga
(A tribute to the Benedictines of Catania)
Etna Bianco A’ Puddara – Tenuta di Fessina

FIRST COURSE
Chef Roberto Toro
Carnaroli “Riserva Gallo” rice, Etna porcini mushrooms, star anise and vegetable jus
Etna Rosato – Cottanera

MAIN COURSE
Chefs Francesco Patti / Domenico Colonnetta
Saffron-coated red mullet “impanata”, “Arriminati” broccoli, seafood sauce
Etna Rosso Archineri – Pietradolce

DESSERT
Pastry Chef Giovanni Marco Carandino / Chef Massimo Mantarro
Pomegranate Babà
Malvasia di Salina Capofaro – Tasca d’Almerita

Petit fours

The Gran Galà is made possible this year thanks to the invaluable support and collaboration of all the chefs involved and the generous sponsors: Achille Campione (fish), Agricacao (chocolate), Agri Sicula (vegetables), Cottanera (wines), Food And Rent (chairs), Graficatre Tipolito (printing), La Tavola (final gift), Musica e Sposi (dinner entertainment), Orchestra a Plettro (welcome entertainment), Piante Faro (plants), Pietradolce (wines), Project Eventi (audiovisual), Tasca d’Almerita (wines), Tenuta di Fessina (wines), Terrazze dell'Etna (wines), Vincenzo Dascanio (table set-up), Volcano Etna Spirit (aperitif gin).

The event once again highlights San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel’s commitment to the local community, creating an occasion for people to come together and providing tangible support to the community.

7:00 pm – Welcome aperitif in the Ancient Cloister
8:00 pm – Gala dinner in Sala Chiesa
Advance reservation required
EUR 150 per person
(wine pairing, water and coffee included)

For reservations: FBReservations.Taormina@fourseasons.com