Must-see restaurants in Sicily

  • Trattoria da Pina

    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…

  • La Rustica

    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…

  • Malvasia

    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…

  • Punta Lena

    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…

  • Minotauro

    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,…

  • A Quadara

    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…

  • La Cambusa

    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…

  • Ristorante La Madia

    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…

  • La Bettolaccia

    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…

  • Nangalarruni

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    Famous throughout Sicily for its delicious dishes featuring forest mushrooms and wild boar, Giuseppe Carollo's eatery deserves equal renown for its…

  • Ristorante Vicari

    Noto

    Low-slung lamps spotlight linen-clad tables at Vicari, and rightfully so. In the kitchen is young-gun chef Salvatore Vicari, who thrills with his…

  • Aguglia Persa

    Agrigento

    Set in a mansion with a leafy courtyard just below the train station, this place is a welcome addition to Agrigento's fine-dining scene. Opened in 2015 by…

  • Sangre Rojo

    Lipari

    Dazzling vistas of Salina, Filicudi and Alicudi floating in the Tyrrhenian are reason enough to visit this hilltop restaurant near Lipari's northern tip…

  • Coria

    Central Sicily

    Caltagirone's top restaurant is an established address on the island's fine-dining circuit. Its reputation rides on innovative, visually arresting cuisine…

  • Disìu

    Central Sicily

    This unassuming but modern cafe is one of Sicily's best ice-cream spots. Excellent gelati and granite (flavoured crushed ice with local seasonal fruits)…

  • Ristorante La Canna

    Filicudi

    Delicious traditional Sicilian seafood is accompanied by fresh produce from the surrounding gardens at this hillside restaurant, adjacent to the hotel of…

  • Lapillo Gelato

    Stromboli

    On the main street between the port and the church, this artisanal gelateria is a great place to fuel up with homemade gelato before making the big climb…

  • Don Ciccio

    Palermo Region

    A whirl of framed photographs, gingham tablecloths and sauce-splattered bibs, third-generation Don Ciccio celebrates tradition, family and homestyle…

  • Caffè Sicilia

    Noto

    Dating from 1892 and especially renowned for its granite, this beloved place vies with its neighbour, Dolceria Corrado Costanzo, for the honours of Noto's…

  • Trattoria al Vecchio Club Rosanero

    Palermo

    A veritable shrine to the city’s football team (rosa nero refers to the team’s colours, pink and black), cavernous Vecchio Club scores goals with its…

  • Caseificio Borderi

    Syracuse

    No visit to Syracuse's market is complete without a stop at this colourful deli near Ortygia's far northern tip. Veteran sandwich-master Andrea Borderi…

  • La Bettola

    Western Sicily

    Over the past few decades, chef-owner Pietro Sardo has established a reputation as one of Sicily's top chefs. At this fine-dining seafood restaurant, just…

  • Retroscena

    Syracuse

    After running a restaurant in Greece for 18 years, Syracuse local Fabio and his Greek partner Kiri are pleasing palates at their hotspot Ortygia…

  • Fratelli Burgio

    Syracuse

    A hybrid deli, wine shop and eatery edging Ortygia's market, trendy Fratelli Burgio is all about artisanal grazing. Consider opting for a tagliere, a…

  • Pescheria Fratelli Vittorio

    Catania

    Cats would kill for a table at Fratelli Vittorio, a cult-status eatery whose counter glistens with Catania's freshest fish and seafood. It's not…

  • Osteria RossoDiVino

    Taormina

    With seating on an intimate, candlelit courtyard, this coveted nosh spot (book ahead!) is the passion project of siblings Jacqueline and Sara Ragusa. The…

  • Agli Archi

    Ragusa

    With an outdoor terrace facing the pretty Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio, Agli Archi reveals a genuine passion for local ingredients and…

  • La Deliziosa

    Catania

    Affable Aurora and Carminia run this adorable little eatery, with alfresco tables on atmospheric Via Crociferi. The weekly-changing menu celebrates…

  • Don Tabaré

    Southeastern Sicily

    A playful, contemporary cafe, pasticceria and providore, Don Tabaré collaborates with high-profile Sicilian chefs and food artisans to offer high-quality,…

  • Trattoria La Grotta

    Ionian Coast

    Book ahead for a table at what is Santa Maria la Scala's best seafood restaurant. As you enter you'll find the fish counter, where your order is picked…

  • Ristorante del Golfo

    Western Sicily

    Formally dressed waiters roll out the day's catch on a vintage wooden trolley for diners to inspect and select before cooking at this perennial seafood…

  • Il Pesce Azzurro

    Syracuse

    Seafood-loving locals swear by this easy-to-miss osteria (casual tavern), its white-and-blue interior somewhat reminiscent of a Greek-island taverna. The…

  • Il Principe e il Pirata

    Pantelleria

    Enjoying sublime sea views from its turquoise-tiled terrace, the Prince and the Pirate cranks out exquisite pantesco (Pantelleria-style) cuisine, from…

  • Archestrato di Gela

    Palermo

    If you're serious about wood-fired pie, book at least two days ahead at what many consider to be the best pizzeria in town. The puffy, Neapolitan-style…

  • Tramura

    Trapani

    Grandly set on the coastal walkway atop the old city walls, this casual eatery sports brilliant sea views with not a car in sight. Potted plants suspended…

  • Ciambra

    Palermo Region

    Seafood shines at this refined, contemporary restaurant. Reserve a linen-draped table and swoon over classic-with-a-twist dishes like fresh busiate pasta…

  • Al Vicolo

    Catania

    Clued-in Al Vicolo wears several hats well: bustling pizzeria, gourmet deli and designer bistro. The competent pizzas are huge, with a signature bordo…

  • Caupona Taverna di Sicilia

    Trapani

    Fresh fish rules the menu at this fabulous family-run spot two blocks from the port, which markets itself very much as 'la casa del cuscus trapanese' (the…

  • Lido Zabbara

    Western Sicily

    For tasty, reasonably priced food near the ruins, hit this low-key beach eatery, rocking it on the sand since 1969. Affable long-time owner Jòjò welcomes…

  • Ristorante Sotto Sale

    Western Sicily

    Favignana's favourite spot for a romantic dinner, Sotto Sale caters to a sophisticated crowd with beautifully presented nouvelle Sicilian cuisine. Savour…