Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi
Don Alsonso is as much an experience as a meal – and a world-class one at that. Not only is the food exquisite, creative and true to its Sorrentino roots;…
Must-see restaurants in Southern Italy
Naples
Head in by noon (or 7.30pm at dinner) to avoid a long wait at this hot-spot pizzeria, made famous thanks to its young, driven pizzaiolo Ciro Oliva. The…
Amalfi
A restaurant of artists, art and artistry, Caravella once hosted Andy Warhol. No surprise that it doubles up as a de-facto gallery with frescoes, creative…
Pompeii
At the helm of this Michelin-starred standout is charming owner-chef Paolo Gramaglia, whose passion for local produce, history and culinary whimsy…
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…
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…
Bay of Naples
Decked out in model boats and local artwork, casual, affable Capo Blu serves up antipasti worthy of a fine-dining menu. The multicourse assaggio di…
Positano
Once a humble trattoria, Donna Rosa is now considered an Amalfi Coast classic despite its out-of-the-way location in the village of Montepertuso. The…
Positano
Something of a rarity in this land of traditional trattorias, Casa Mele is one of those cool contemporary restaurants with a lengthy tasting menu and food…
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…
Salerno
Hard to find, this new purveyor of Slow Food shines brightly amid the grubby graffiti, drying washing and overflowing bins of the centro storico (historic…
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…
Ischia
A good choice for those seeking a little turf instead of surf, this is one of the island’s best-loved restaurants. Family run, homely and rustic, it has a…
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…
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…
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…
Palermo
Countless blessings await at this extraordinary pasticceria, hidden away in a former convent. The culmination of endless hours of research, it uses once…
Tyrrhenian Coast
Salvatore Ruvutuso, his wife Maria and two children run this Slow Food–acclaimed trattoria with its summertime sidewalk seating and wonderfully cosy…
Peschici
Mimì sadly passed away in 2016, but his extended family keep this delightful place ticking. Sitting on wooden trestles beneath the trabucco (a traditional…
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…
Capri
Local Caprese ingredients are combined into the most flavour-filled, creative dishes possible here. Expect the delights of zucchini flowers stuffed with…
Catania
Old chandeliers, recycled furniture and vintage mirrors exude a nostalgic air at this quirky bistro-restaurant-providore, where tradition and modernity…
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…
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…
Naples
Small producers, local ingredients and contemporary takes on provincial Campanian recipes drive bistro-inspired Salumeria. Nibble on quality charcuterie…
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…
Naples
That this trendy pizzeria's name roughly translates as 'good dough' in Neapolitan is no coincidence. At the helm is third-generation pizzaiolo Ciro Salvo,…
Naples
This homey, eight-table trattoria has an epic reputation. Scan the walls for famous fans like comedy great Totò, and a framed passage from crime writer…
Capri
Proudly eccentric (what other restaurant has a bed in its dining room?), this diligent purveyor of Slow Food is a precious secret to those who know it…
Naples
A wine shop by day, 'Noah's Drunkenness' transforms into an intimate culinary hot spot by night. Slip inside for vino and conversation with sommelier Luca…
Naples
At the Via Toledo entrance to Galleria Umberto I, this tiny takeaway vendor is widely considered the queen of the sfogliatella. Usually still warm from…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sorrento
Founded in 1947 and still run by the same family, this is a friendly, fast-moving joint overlooking the fishing boats in Marina Grande. There’s a large…
Ischia
Enjoying a bucolic setting among tumbling vines, wild fig trees and rosemary bushes, this A-list winery is a showcase for Ischian cooking. Tour the old…
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…
Naples
Could it be ingredients like prized Campanian nocciole (hazelnuts) from Giffoni and Sicilian pistachios from Bronte? Perhaps it's the absence of…
Massa Lubrense
Not quite in Massa, but almost, La Torre has its berth in Annuziata, an attractive little borgo on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Occupying a…
