Must-see restaurants in Sicily

  • FUD Bottega Sicula

    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…

  • À Putia

    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…

  • La Cialoma

    Southeastern Sicily

    Food-lovers flock here from across the southeast for long, lazy seafood feasts on the piazza or seaside terrace (book ahead). The latter is especially…

  • Delicatessen in Drogheria

    Ragusa

    DID is a hip deli-cafe-bistro in one, with communal tables, bar seating and playful '70s-style wallpaper running up the wall and ceiling. The open kitchen…

  • FUD

    Palermo

    Slick, youthful and buzzing, FUD gives fast food a Slow Food makeover. Offerings include cheese and charcuterie platters, salads and panini, all playing…

  • Osteria Bacchus

    Cefalù

    Far from the madding crowd that descends on Cefalù each summer, this family-run restaurant in nearby Sant'Ambrogio boasts a relaxed and breezy terrace…

  • Pasticceria Cappello

    Palermo

    One of Palermo's finest bakeries, Cappello is famous for its setteveli (seven-layer chocolate-hazelnut cake), invented here and long since copied all over…

  • Ostello

    Catania

    Pub-like Ostello personifies Catania: grungy, youthful and arty. Hunker down among students, professors and backpackers for decent bulgur-and-vegetable…

  • Cutilisci

    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…

  • Antico Orto Dei Limoni

    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,…

  • Ristorante Centro Storico

    Central Sicily

    Owned and run by a warm, hospitable couple, Centro Storico is all about gorgeous produce cooked with love and pride. Trust the staff's suggestions, which…

  • Osteria dei Sapori Perduti

    Modica

    Nostalgia rules the roost at bustling, affable 'Osteria of the Forgotten Flavours', right on Modica's main drag. Decked out in a jumble of traditional…

  • Il Locandiere

    Central Sicily

    Those in the know head to this smart little restaurant for top-quality seafood and impeccable service. What exactly you'll eat depends on the day's catch,…

  • Trattoria Al Faro

    Mediterranean Coast

    If the idea of budget seafood usually sets alarm bells ringing, think again. This welcoming portside trattoria is one of the few places you can feast on…

  • Osteria Il Moro

    Trapani

    The upmarket dining choice, Il Moro ('The Dark') is actually a light and soothing, all-cream space with elegant white tablecloths, vases of fresh flowers…

  • Piano B

    Syracuse

    Brisk, friendly service complements the trendy, casual atmosphere at this eatery just west of Ortygia. While it serves grilled meats and salads,…

  • Osteria Ballarò

    Palermo

    Bare stone columns, exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings set an atmospheric, evocative scene at this buzzing restaurant-wine bar. Approved by the Slow…

  • Bar Arcobaleno

    Western Sicily

    Perched directly above the tiny port, Gino's no-frills village cafe cooks up a bird's-eye view of the big blue sea and ferries sailing to the island…

  • Da Antonio

    Catania

    Humble yet quietly sophisticated, Da Antonio spoils food-lovers with well-priced, beautifully cooked food served by knowledgeable waitstaff. Despite…

  • Da Umberto

    Palermo Region

    Popular with Slow Food fans, this veteran restaurant is lovingly run by the Tranchina family. In the kitchen is matriarch Giovanna, whose allegiance to…

  • Biancuccia

    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…

  • Tavernetta Ai Lumi

    Trapani

    Housed in what was palazzo stables in the 18th century, this old-world tavern with peeling racing-green paintwork and a market-fuelled kitchen on Trapani…

  • Jonico-a Rutta 'e Ciauli

    Syracuse

    It's a long and not particularly enticing hike to this seafront restaurant, but once you're there you'll appreciate the effort. On warm days, the terrace…

  • Il Maestro del Brodo

    Palermo

    A homely, historic trattoria in the Vucciria, Il Maestro del Brodo revels in Italian soul-food classics, whether it be tortellini in broth, zucchini-and…

  • Spinella

    Catania

    The Slow Food movement especially recommends Spinella's traditional sweets – try the frutta martorana (marzipan sweets shaped like fruits and vegetables)…

  • Ristorante Palazzo Branciforte

    Palermo

    Located in a blue-blooded palazzo, this restaurant is popular for its Sunday brunch. Book ahead for a table in the elegant courtyard, the best spot to…

  • Bricco & Bacco

    Palermo Region

    The stuff carnivorous dreams are made of, this snug, elegant restaurant sources its meats from the owners' very own, centuries-old butchery. There are…

  • Trattoria la Foglia

    Syracuse

    An Edwardian-like jumble of antique furniture, lacework and flowers, this is one of Syracuse's most eclectic-looking eateries. Settle in for simple,…

  • Trattoria Ai Cascinari

    Palermo

    Yes, it’s a bit out of the way, but Ai Cascinari, 1km north of the Cappella Palatina, is a long-standing Palermitan favourite. It’s especially enjoyable…

  • Carni e Delizi

    Trapani

    It doesn't get more local than this neighbourhood macelleria (butcher's shop) and deli, with a street cart selling panini con mezza (burgers) and a…

  • Osteria Mangia & Bevi

    Palermo

    While some may find the aesthetics a little contrived – think waiters wearing traditional Sicilian coppole (caps) – this Capo district eatery is serious…

  • Liccamúciula

    Southeastern Sicily

    Peckish? Famished? Thirsty? This shabby-chic, piazza-side cafe-bookstore-boutique has you covered. A curated jumble of distressed furniture, flower pots…

  • Maria Tindara

    Vulcano

    On Vulcano's fertile central plateau, 7km south of the port, this family-run restaurant serves delicious caponata (sweet-and-sour vegetable salad) and…

  • Drogheria Vladivostok

    Catania

    Easy, indie-spirited Vladivostok is both a produce store and a cafe, feeding students, artists and suits with salubrious salads, lasagne and filling…

  • 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…

  • Gastronomia Mancino

    Lampedusa

    At lunchtime, locals pour into this downtown tavola calda (cafeteria) with abundant outdoor seating on a central Lampedusa square. The reasonably priced…

  • Cavalluccio Marino

    Lampedusa

    Lampedusa's go-to address for refined island cuisine, Cavalluccio Marino puts a modern spin on Sicilian classics, from swordfish cannoli to champagne…

  • Millefoglie

    Catania

    Delicious, flesh-free grub awaits at little Millefoglie, a shabby-chic, whitewashed eatery with concrete floor, communal tables and an open kitchen. The…

  • La Locanda del Colonnello

    Modica

    Whether it's a tramezzino (Italian white-bread sandwich) filled with lamb shoulder, artichoke, pecorino cheese and mint, or Roman cacio e pepe pasta made…

  • Pan X Focaccia

    Palermo

    Panini go glam at Pan X, a contemporary, sit-down sandwich joint with a dizzying list of eat-and-go options. It offers a wide choice of breads, including…