Lipari
On Lipari's main pedestrian thoroughfare, just down from the ferry port, L'Officina incorporates fresh-caught seafood into appetisers (mussel soup, squid…
Must-see restaurants in Southern Italy
Ragusa
Powerhouse chef Vincenzo Candiano steers this softly lit, Michelin-starred darling, evocatively set in a series of rocky caves. Reserve a linen-draped…
Naples
Wood-panelled, family-run Da Tonino has been feeding locals since 1880. Now run by the fifth and sixth generations, its gingham-print tables lure everyone…
Palermo
This third-generation pastry shop remains one of Palermo's best. Defy your dentist with made-from-scratch staples like cassata or cannolo, or tuck into…
Taranto
Unsurprisingly, seafood is the thing at the Red Cat. Relaxed and unpretentious, its heavy tablecloths, deep wine glasses and solid cutlery set the scene…
Sorrento
Head to the upstairs terrace with its traditional tiles and trailing grape vines and you seem miles away from the alleyways outside. With a deserved…
Western Sicily
Tucked into the cobbled courtyard at the heart of Scopello, this busy bar has a lovely terrace that really is ideal for savouring late-afternoon drinks or…
Western Sicily
Dodge the tourist crowds and duck into this traditional eatery, complete with fish-net-strung walls and B&W action shots of island fishermen working their…
Lecce
Tucked away down a shopping street in Lecce's New Town, L'Arzilla Furcina features a compact and stylish space showcasing seasonal and local ingredients…
Naples
Family-run since the 1950s, Hosteria Toledo satisfies a longing for old-world charm. With photographs and wine bottles adorning the walls, it is one of…
Southeastern Sicily
Peppe Mezzasalma's pretty, bohemian eatery serves Sicilian classics with thoughtful tweaks. Daily offerings are respectful of the season and market…
Panarea
Since 1970, three generations of women from the same family have run this classy, white-linen-clothed spot above the port. Federica, whose grandmother…
Vieste
A classy cut above other Vieste restaurants, Osteria degli Archi offers innovative spins on established flavours and recipes. Standout dishes include…
Southeastern Sicily
The place to buy ham, and indeed to lunch on superb pork, is Ristorante Majore, a much-acclaimed trattoria just off central Piazza Duomo. It's…
Western Sicily
You couldn't ask for a peachier beach setting. From the entrance of the Foce del Belice nature preserve on Marinella's far eastern edge, a gravel track…
Praiano
Seafood-lovers should head for this widely acclaimed, no-frills restaurant located in a former boatyard on the beach at Marina di Praia. Da Armandino is…
Pantelleria
As the name implies, this hillside-hugging restaurant is the perfect place to watch the tramonto (sunset) – but the food here is equally radiant, from…
Panarea
Up a short flight of stairs from the port (follow the signs), Da Francesco is a laid-back trattoria with a straightforward fish-focused menu and fine sea…
Cefalù
Fresh seafood holds centre stage at this cute blue-and-white trattoria near the beachfront, an offshoot of the neighbouring fish market. Order bargain…
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…
Palermo
Expect sharp professionals and serious gastronomes at Gagini's rustic, candlelit tables. In the kitchen are Massimiliano Mandozzi and Elnava De Rosa,…
Brindisi
This stylish glass pavilion along Brindisi's seafront is the showcase restaurant for Puglia's Tenute Rubino winery. Local seafood like octopus and tuna is…
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…
Lipari
This country restaurant in Pianoconte, 4.5km from Lipari Town, comes into its own in summer, when meals are served on the terrace. Seafood and fresh…
Naples
This is Naples' answer to Turin-based food emporium Eataly, a warehouse-like showcase for top-notch Campanian comestibles. The sprawling space is divided…
Gallipoli
The Italian art of making exceptional sandwiches is practised assiduously here. Choose the dense Italian bread (or a baguette if you're feeling fluffy)…
Cisternino
A classic fornello pronto (half butcher's shop, half trattoria), this is the place for a cheerful, no-frills meat fest. The menu is brief, listing a few…
Southeastern Sicily
If you're travelling between Catania and Syracuse, book a table (at least two days ahead in summer) at this beach-shack-inspired trattoria, its waterside…
Sorrento
Like an Italian ‘caff’ without the greasy spoons, AZZ! delights in its simplicity. Pungent garlic bread, intense lasagna and an appetite-quenching…
Naples
Ragù might be a Sunday-lunch staple in Naples, but laid-back Tandem serves it up all week long. Whether you're tucking into rigatoni al ragù or a ragù…
Vico Equense
While we find Gabriele's delizia al limone (a lemon-flavoured, sponge-based local dessert) somewhat average, there's nothing mediocre about its gelato…
Matera
Harnessing ingredients sourced from Slow Food producers around southern Italy, Da Zero is the best pizzeria in Matera. Interesting flavour combinations…
Tropea
Dining options include a slender and modern dining room or an outside terrace with excellent views, both great locations to enjoy Genus Loci's light and…
Hostaria L'Oste e il Sacrestano
Mediterranean Coast
Feast on local meat and freshly caught seafood at this Slow Food favourite just off Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Choose from the à la carte menu of three…
Ostuni
Scenically installed in the Aragonese fortifications, this terraced restaurant is a special occasion charmer. Seafood is wonderful here, with a whole…
Valle d’Itria
Craft beer and pizza make an excellent combination at this quietly stylish old town restaurant with wooden tables, soft lighting and stone floors. It's…
Lipari
Still run by the friendly couple who founded it four decades ago (ably assisted by daughter Alessia), this beloved shop sells two dozen varieties of…
Basilicata
Vintage movie posters and a juke box packed with opera arias and 1960s soul hits combine at this welcoming cafe on Bernalda's main street. Like the…
Calabria
When your dad's a fisherman, it's easy to guarantee a good supply of the freshest seafood. There's nothing pretentious about this family-owned eatery,…
