Catania
Nuns taught a young Nonna Vincenza the art of baking. Today, her fragrant sweets are the stuff of glutinous dreams. Under huge chandeliers, counters gleam…
Must-see restaurants in Ionian Coast
Catania
Old chandeliers, recycled furniture and vintage mirrors exude a nostalgic air at this quirky bistro-restaurant-providore, where tradition and modernity…
Taormina
Book five days ahead come summer, when every buongustaio (foodie) and hopeless romantic longs for a table at this fabulous trattoria. Set snugly in a boat…
Taormina
Owner Turi Siligato fishes, hunts and forages for his smart osteria, and if he's in, he'll probably share anecdotes about the day's bounty and play a few…
Mount Etna
Modest Cave Ox is a fabulous spot to sample local produce, including salumi (charcuterie) made from local black pigs. Whether it's a bowl of carbonara…
Ionian Coast
South of Acireale, this snug, organic, family-run pizzeria creates outstanding wood-fired pie. Prices may be higher, but so is the quality. The bases are…
Taormina
Tiny Minotauro has an epic reputation for its calorific, made-from-scratch treats. Scan the counters for old-school tempters such as artful marzipan,…
Catania
Cats would kill for a table at Fratelli Vittorio, a cult-status eatery whose counter glistens with Catania's freshest fish and seafood. It's not…
Taormina
With seating on an intimate, candlelit courtyard, this coveted nosh spot (book ahead!) is the passion project of siblings Jacqueline and Sara Ragusa. The…
Catania
Affable Aurora and Carminia run this adorable little eatery, with alfresco tables on atmospheric Via Crociferi. The weekly-changing menu celebrates…
Ionian Coast
Book ahead for a table at what is Santa Maria la Scala's best seafood restaurant. As you enter you'll find the fish counter, where your order is picked…
Catania
Clued-in Al Vicolo wears several hats well: bustling pizzeria, gourmet deli and designer bistro. The competent pizzas are huge, with a signature bordo…
Catania
Small Sicilian farms and producers are showcased at this hip, upbeat cafe-bistro, run by Singaporean Fawn and her Sicilian partner Giuseppe. Tuck into…
Catania
Take away or dine in at communal tables at this contemporary ode to seasonal, organic, meat-free nosh. Scan the counters for the daily-changing options,…
Catania
Reservations are essential at this Slow Food–recommended restaurant, which even has its own stand at La Pescheria market. The tasting of antipasti is a…
Catania
For over 50 years, chef Rosanna (yes, that's her in Jamie Oliver's TV series Jamie Cooks Italy) has been recreating her great-grandmother's recipes,…
Taormina
With only a handful of tables (book ahead), this generous, Slow Food–acclaimed trattoria offers a level of creativity and attention to detail generally…
Catania
With sharp service and pavement seating on trendy Via Santa Filomena, this hip, back-alley eatery epitomises youthful Catania's embrace of 'Sicilian fast…
Giardini-Naxos
Tiny enoteca À Putia draws picky locals with its quality regional dishes. Tuck into a standout caponata (sweet-and-sour vegetable salad), pasta options…
Catania
Pub-like Ostello personifies Catania: grungy, youthful and arty. Hunker down among students, professors and backpackers for decent bulgur-and-vegetable…
Catania
When the weather's fine, the tables are out on the pavement terrace at Cutilisci, a much-loved waterfront restaurant in the harbour of San Giovanni li…
Mount Etna
There can be few better ways of rounding off a day in the mountains than with a meal at this Nicolosi stalwart. Occupying a converted wine and oil press,…
Catania
Humble yet quietly sophisticated, Da Antonio spoils food-lovers with well-priced, beautifully cooked food served by knowledgeable waitstaff. Despite…
Catania
This tiny bakery has developed a cult following for its wholesome artisan breads, made with ancient Sicilian grains like tummina and perciasacchi. You'll…
Catania
The Slow Food movement especially recommends Spinella's traditional sweets – try the frutta martorana (marzipan sweets shaped like fruits and vegetables)…
Trattoria La Sirena di Mancuso
Ionian Coast
Among the numerous eateries flanking Lago di Ganzirri, La Sirena stands out for its affable nature and well-executed, surf-centric homecooking. Celebrate…
Catania
Easy, indie-spirited Vladivostok is both a produce store and a cafe, feeding students, artists and suits with salubrious salads, lasagne and filling…
Catania
Delicious, flesh-free grub awaits at little Millefoglie, a shabby-chic, whitewashed eatery with concrete floor, communal tables and an open kitchen. The…
Taormina
Subdued and sophisticated (if slightly clinical), Andreas is home to chef Andreas Zangerl, a long-time fixture on Taormina's fine-dining scene. While the…
Catania
Weathered stairs lead up to 'The Crazy Prawn', a humble, family-run eatery loved for its fresh, affordable seafood and homestyle cooking. Don't miss the…
Messina
With its prime location – just behind the duomo – this cosy, retro hostelry is a handy spot for classic Sicilian homecooking. The menu features all the…
Catania
Siblings Santino and Sergio make the finest granita in town, known for its especially smooth, creamy consistency. Their house-made brioche is wonderfully…
Taormina
If you demand your seafood ridiculously fresh, reserve a table at this superlative local favourite. The crudo antipasto makes for a showstopping prologue,…
Messina
Contemporary, light-filled and bustling, this successful Naples chain churns out bubbling, doughy, Neapolitan-style pizzas to famished suits, couples and…
Messina
Messina is renowned for its granita, and you'll devour one of the very best at this polished cafe-pasticceria. To order like a local, ask for a mezza con…
Taormina
Tucked into the corner of picturesque Piazza Paladini, seafood-focused La Piazzetta is an agreeable place to enjoy homestyle Sicilian cooking. Staples…
Ionian Coast
Plastered with old photographs, time-warped L'Oste Scuro is a solid spot for classic, homestyle seafood. The produce is fresh and cooked simply, whether…
Catania
Presiding over this much-loved, family-run noshery is wise-cracking patron Nino, who does a thriving business feeding peckish office workers and theatre…
Ionian Coast
While it makes its own pastries, cakes and gelato, this 1950s veteran is famous for its granita, considered among the best in Sicily. If the weather is…
Ionian Coast
This popular joint in Aci Castello is a short walk from the town's famous castle. While the place offers salads and burgers, it's best known for its…
