Marsala
Smack in the heart of Marsala's pedestrianised centre, this buzzy eating-drinking hybrid is the local hotspot for artisanal craft beers, gourmet…
Must-see restaurants in Southern Italy
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…
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…
Positano
Calling like a siren to any cash-poor budget traveller who thought Positano was for celebs only, this heroically authentic trattoria at the top of town…
Minori
Pasticceria? Yes. Cafe? Yes. Gelateria? Yes. Sal de Riso is all these things and more: an emporium of edible sweetness that will make your eyes pop out…
Cilento Coast
From your perch on the stone terrace, you’ll hear your order loudly repeated to the chef (ie Mamma), followed by the requisite banging of pots and pans…
Syracuse
One of the longest established and most popular eateries on Via Cavour, this snug, wonderfully hospitable trattoria has built its reputation on delicious…
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…
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…
Ragusa
Michelin-star chef Ciccio Sultano is behind this contemporary, smart-casual eatery, which includes a dedicated bakery, specialist deli counter and the…
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…
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…
Agrigento
Upstairs from the popular Caffe San Pietro, Terracotta combines a Slow Food ethos with modern and stylish decor. Seasonal standout dishes could include…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mediterranean Coast
For traditional Sicilian fare in cosy, rustic surroundings, head for this family-owned and highly recommended Slow Food restaurant in Caltabellotta's…
Agropoli
Agropoli’s self-proclaimed ‘black sheep’, Pecora Nera has emerged as a new challenger for the title of the town’s ‘best pizza’ and they might just be on…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Polignano a Mare
Offering a fresher, lighter and often vegetarian alternative in Polignano a Mare, MINT's concise menu focuses on a few dishes done very well. Highlights…
Vulcano
With sea-blue tablecloths and an intimate outdoor porch overlooking the black-sand beach at Vulcano's southern tip, this down-to-earth trattoria serves up…
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…
Vulcano
After years selling open-faced sandwiches from a cart near Vulcano's port, jovial owner Maurizio Pagano opened this popular restaurant and wine bar in…
Enna
Slow Food stalwart La Rustica ticks all the right boxes: off the tourist trail, popular with locals and run by a couple passionate about classic local…
Stromboli
For a romantic outing, head to this upscale waterfront restaurant with cheerful blue decor, lovely sea views and the soothing sound of waves lapping in…
Naples
Not so much a chocolatier as an institution, Gay-odin concocts some of the city's finest cocoa creations, including oh-so-Neapolitan chocolate 'cozze' …
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,…
Salina
Since opening in 2018, Malfa's newest restaurant has won a loyal following for its delicious, authentic Aeolian cuisine. The menu abounds in seasonal…
Western Sicily
The finest Sicilian cheeses and artisan sauces, cured, roasted and marinated meats, veg dishes and breads tempt at this gastronomic butcher's shop and…
Calabria
In Terranova di Pollino, Luna Rossa is the highly esteemed restaurant of chef Federico Valicenti. Basilicatan cuisine is perfectly expressed in simple,…
Mediterranean Coast
One of Sicily's finest restaurants, double Michelin-starred La Madia is a labour of love for local-born chef Pino Cuttaia. It serves modern Sicilian…
Procida
Hugely popular with locals, thanks to simple yet perfectly executed dishes like stuffed calamari and spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). The…
Ischia
Safe in the hands of Mamma Tina, Casereccia delivers plenty of full-flavoured casereccia (homemade food). The very Ischian menu pushes seafood, doughy…
Naples
The giant fork and ladle hanging on the wall at this historic pizzeria were used by Sophia Loren in L'oro di Napoli, and the kitchen made the pizze fritte…
Trapani
Unwaveringly authentic, this on-trend Slow Food favourite, squirrelled away down a sleepy side street, is the hotspot to feast on spicy couscous with…
