Must-see restaurants in Sicily

  • Pasticceria di Maria Grammatico

    Erice

    This cafe-pasticceria is run by Maria Grammatico, Sicily's most famous pastry chef, and the subject of Mary Taylor Simeti's book Bitter Almonds – a series…

  • Casale Drinzi

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    This wooden chalet in the hills immediately above Collesano is one of the Madonie's gems – one whiff of the delicious aromas emanating from the kitchen…

  • Hotel-Ristorante Pocho

    Western Sicily

    Dinner is an unforgettable feast for the eyes and palate at this sensational hotel-restaurant, dramatically perched on a cliff edge overlooking Isulidda…

  • Hostaria Del Vicolo

    Mediterranean Coast

    Tucked away in a tiny alley in the old town, this formal restaurant is a culinary tour de force, with heavy tablecloths, noiseless service and an ample…

  • Moon

    Syracuse

    This moody, boho-chic restaurant and bar makes vegan food so good even a hardcore carnivore could convert. A cast of mostly organic and biodynamic…

  • I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza

    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…

  • I Sapori

    Western Sicily

    Pure paradise for meat lovers, this highly recommended Sicilian grill cooks up top-quality cuts from the adjoining butcher's shop. Be it Tuscan Chianina…

  • I Segreti del Chiostro

    Palermo

    Countless blessings await at this extraordinary pasticceria, hidden away in a former convent. The culmination of endless hours of research, it uses once…

  • Da Salvatore

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    Salvatore Ruvutuso, his wife Maria and two children run this Slow Food–acclaimed trattoria with its summertime sidewalk seating and wonderfully cosy…

  • Ornato

    Modica

    The decorative tagines at stylish Ornato reflect Luca Ornato's love of global flavours, a fact also echoed in out-of-the-box dishes like crudo (raw…

  • Mè Cumpari Turiddu

    Catania

    Old chandeliers, recycled furniture and vintage mirrors exude a nostalgic air at this quirky bistro-restaurant-providore, where tradition and modernity…

  • A Fuoco Lento

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    At this intimate stone-walled gem of a restaurant in Cipampini, 10km below Petralia Soprana, chef-owners Diego and Patrizia seat only 30 people each…

  • Al Bagatto

    Milazzo

    Three decades after opening as one of the region's first wine bars, this place is still thriving under affable chef-owner Chiara Surdo. Mellow music and…

  • Umbriaco

    Enna

    Slow Food and organic ingredients are harnessed for some of Sicily's best arancini (stuffed deep-fried rice ball). Flavours often showcase what is…

  • Il Barcaiolo

    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…

  • Da Vittorio

    Western Sicily

    Travellers with their own vehicles should consider detouring 15km east of Selinunte to this venerable eatery right on the beach in Porto Palo. In business…

  • Osteria del Sotto Sale

    Western Sicily

    The atmosphere is casual-chic at this welcoming osteria (tavern) with indoor and outdoor seating on Favignana's main pedestrian street. An offshoot of the…

  • Kalòs

    Agrigento

    For fine dining, head to this restaurant just outside the historic centre. Tables on little balconies offer a delightful setting to enjoy homemade pasta…

  • Accursio

    Modica

    While we love the modernist furniture and vintage Sicilian tiles, the food is the real thrill at this intimate, Michelin-starred maverick. Head chef…

  • Quimera

    Marsala

    Smack in the heart of Marsala's pedestrianised centre, this buzzy eating-drinking hybrid is the local hotspot for artisanal craft beers, gourmet…

  • Don Camillo

    Syracuse

    One of Ortygia's most elegant restaurants, Don Camillo specialises in sterling service and innovative Sicilian cuisine. Pique the appetite with a crudo of…

  • Syrah Ristorante

    Western Sicily

    San Vito's refined choice, Syrah is a chic ode to contemporary ceramic wall art and modern Sicilian cuisine. Its parasol-shaded courtyard garden is a more…

  • Sicilia in Tavola

    Syracuse

    One of the longest established and most popular eateries on Via Cavour, this snug, wonderfully hospitable trattoria has built its reputation on delicious…

  • Trattoria Terranova

    Lampedusa

    Hidden away from Lampedusa's beach-loving crowds on an inland back street, Bernardo's venerable trattoria inspires confidence the minute you step through…

  • I Banchi

    Ragusa

    Michelin-star chef Ciccio Sultano is behind this contemporary, smart-casual eatery, which includes a dedicated bakery, specialist deli counter and the…

  • Osteria Nero D’Avola

    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…

  • Caffè Adamo

    Modica

    There is great gelato and then there's gelato made by Antonio Adamo. The affable modinese makes all his confections from scratch; even the Agrigento…

  • Terracotta

    Agrigento

    Upstairs from the popular Caffe San Pietro, Terracotta combines a Slow Food ethos with modern and stylish decor. Seasonal standout dishes could include…

  • Da Alfredo

    Salina

    Straddling a sunny waterfront terrace in Lingua, Alfredo's place is renowned Sicily-wide for its granite: ices made with coffee, fruit or locally grown…

  • Cave Ox

    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…

  • Aja Mola

    Palermo

    On-point Aja Mola is among Palermo's top seafood eateries. The interior's smart, subtle take on a nautical theme is reflected in the open kitchen, which…

  • Cappero

    Modica

    Small, quietly confident Cappero wows food lovers with beautiful cooking that's refined and comforting in equal parts. The house-made pasta is made using…

  • Relais Villa Miraglia

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    Suino nero dei Nebrodi (the park's DOC black pork) is the star attraction at the Relais Villa Miraglia's excellent restaurant, where big picture windows…

  • M.A.T.E.S.

    Mediterranean Coast

    For traditional Sicilian fare in cosy, rustic surroundings, head for this family-owned and highly recommended Slow Food restaurant in Caltabellotta's…

  • Al Fogher

    Central Sicily

    This is one of central Sicily's top restaurants, serving sophisticated modern cuisine to a demanding and appreciative clientele. It's about 3km out of…

  • Ristorante Duomo

    Ragusa

    Widely regarded as one of Sicily's finest restaurants, Duomo comprises a cluster of small rooms outfitted like private parlours behind its stained-glass…

  • A Cannata

    Salina

    Meals are built around locally sourced produce and seafood caught fresh daily by owner Santino at this unassuming but excellent restaurant, run by the…

  • Manna

    Noto

    Divided into a hip front bar and sultry back dining rooms, Manna wows with its competent, contemporary creations. Premium produce dictates the menu, which…

  • Il Sarchiapone

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    Local families and tourists alike flock to Il Sarchiapone for its phenomenal fresh seafood, served with good cheer in an unpretentious mustard-yellow…

  • In Un Angolo di Mondo

    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…