Best Restaurants in Sicily

Monilia, this is how the ancient Romans defined a place when it was of incomparable beauty, just like a jewel, a necklace. Here, perched on a hill in the hamlet of Casale in the municipality of Montalbano Elicona, where the great breath of nature welcomes yours, where everything becomes awe and wonder, the architect Michele Calcagno has managed to create an enchanting habitat, taking care of every particular, every detail with infinite patience, passion and dedication. The deception of man intertwines and merges with the grace of the place that determines its majesty, delivering moments of joy and quiet to visitors. You have to walk to see, observe and understand the charm and purity of the place, with its velvety sky, the colours of the broom, and the pomegranates that break into the stone. Here you will see the old dovecote surrounded by the rock that rises like a tower, skilfully transformed into a cellar; the large barn turned into a dining room, pervaded - thanks to the piped music - by an overwhelming background of rhythmic pulsations of jazz music, elegantly renovated where the stone mixes with the ancient wood while the dim light radiates into the environment creating an almost magical atmosphere; and "intimacy" becomes the preferred word. Then, the old barn aggregated to the farmhouse transformed into warm bedrooms furnished with taste and sobriety to spend pleasant days, in which the only friends, the moon and the stars, become silent. And the menu – replies the architect – is a surprise, perhaps a novelty, and we understand that it will be extraneous to conventional schemes but still respectful of the Sicilian gastronomic tradition. "Monilia" is beautiful because the architect's heart is not half in shadow and half bright; it is devoid of darkness and full of glare, a tumult of passion without brakes and without guidance, a proud will; he just listened to his heart, and with his heartbeats he made it happen. You, visitor, have to get to the Casale, just 4 km from Basicò, once Casale Novum, and 8 km from Montalbano Elicona, the most beautiful village in Italy, where you can breathe centuries of history because Frederick III of Aragon walked there and Eleanor of Anjou; and then, you'll see, you won't forget...

Tucked away in the historic heart of Novara di Sicilia, a town known for its undulating landscapes and rich tapestry of traditions, stands Ristorante Pizzeria Il Castello. Its name, translating to 'The Castle', pays homage to the town's medieval heritage and the grandeur of bygone eras. The exterior beckons with its stone facade as you approach Il Castello, evoking images of ancient fortresses and tales of knights and nobles. Step inside, and the enchantment continues. Vaulted ceilings, rustic chandeliers, and walls adorned with tapestries and heraldic symbols set the scene for a dining experience that's both regal and warmly intimate. Il Castello's pizzaiolos, craft artisans, command the restaurant's centrepiece – a grand wood-fired oven. Its flames dance and flicker, casting a golden glow over hand-stretched dough that bubbles and crisps to perfection. The pizzas, crafted from age-old recipes and the freshest local ingredients, are a symphony of flavours. While classics like Margherita and Calabrese hold their own, adventurous palates might be drawn to specialities like the 'Siciliana Bianca', a white pizza topped with fragrant truffles, local cheeses, and a drizzle of golden Sicilian honey.

Set in the picturesque lanes of Novara di Sicilia, a town celebrated for its ancient charm and breathtaking vistas, Trattoria del Borgo emerges as a sanctuary of authentic Sicilian gastronomy. The name, echoing the ambience of an intimate village eatery, encapsulates the very essence of traditional Sicilian dining. The facade of Trattoria del Borgo, with its vintage shutters and climbing ivy, hints at the treasures within. Step over the threshold and be welcomed into a world where time seems to slow down, where wooden beams, terracotta floors, and walls adorned with rustic artefacts weave a tapestry of stories from days gone by. The heart of the Trattoria lies in its kitchen, where age-old family recipes come to life with enthusiasm and passion. Every dish is a tribute to Sicilian culinary traditions, from the 'Risotto alla Siciliana', redolent with saffron and fresh seafood, to the 'Braciole di Maiale', tender pork chops marinated in fragrant herbs and grilled to smoky perfection. Yet, the real magic of Trattoria del Borgo resides in its locally sourced ingredients. Freshly plucked olives, sun-ripened tomatoes, and cheeses crafted in nearby pastures, each element contributes to the symphony of flavours that is quintessentially Sicilian.

In the captivating town of San Marco D'alunzio, perched high with views that stretch endlessly over the Mediterranean, stands Ritrovo La Macina, a dining gem that harmoniously blends the region's rich past with culinary innovation. The name "La Macina," translating to "The Millstone," hints at the restaurant's historic essence. Indeed, Ritrovo La Macina is housed in a beautifully restored stone building, where the echoes of the past resonate in every corner. Original millstone features are tastefully integrated into the restaurant's design, paying homage to the age-old traditions of grain milling and bread-making in Sicily. The dining area is a symphony of rustic elegance, with exposed brick walls, wooden beam ceilings, and vintage ironwork. Softly lit by candles in the evening, the ambience is enchanting, evoking feelings of nostalgia and romance. The menu at Ritrovo La Macina is a tribute to Sicilian gastronomy. It cleverly incorporates grains and fresh produce, many of which are sourced from local farmers who have tilled the region's fertile soils for generations. A standout dish is the 'Spaghetti al Mulino', a delightful pasta tossed in a sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, wild herbs, and toasted ancient grains, capturing the essence of the Sicilian countryside.

The La Fornace restaurant was born in 1975 at the hands of the progenitor Basilio Monastra, who manages the Sala Monastra with passion and dedication, helped by his wife Rita and sister-in-law Angela. Over the years, the children grow up infected by their fathers. In 1988, they formed the first company and gave the name La Fornace. With an ultimately family management, the children and spouses are dedicated to the activity by promoting food and wine and religious tourism. In 1992, La Fornace changed its face; the appearance is more refined, and the experience is the master. From MACARONI IN TEGAMINO, which made the restaurant known in the Nebrodi, we move on to fresh pasta stuffed with pistachio, lasagna with suckling pig, lamb shank, grilled beef ribs, an excellent wine list (about 300 labels) and excellent pizzas cooked in a wood oven. The desire to grow and improve leads to a new project, "THE MEDIEVAL DINNER". It is a dive into the past; everything is transformed, and the room becomes a castle with tapestries, banners and lit candles. The table is set with earthenware glasses, jugs, den spoons, and dried fruit placed directly on the table. The dishes are served without a precise order, from vegetable soups to games to delicious appetizers, all crowned by homemade desserts such as "milk cream".

In a broad setting of nature and green landscapes, from where you can enjoy a splendid panorama, stands the "Monte San Giovanni" restaurant, located at the gates of the Nebrodi Park at 800 meters above sea level in an immense pine forest that can also be easily reached by bus from significant Tourism which, via the wide provincial road passing from the town of San Marco D'Alunzio, bears the mountain resort which also has a large car park. Since 1 July 1989, the year of its inauguration, the restaurant has deservedly gained increasing success. The merit of this circumstance is due to the ethical research with which they select the meats, cheeses, vegetables and spices to the managers' perfect and harmonious family management. The restaurant has a large terrace and a beautiful garden with greenery and stone sculptures, where you can immortalize your photos and enjoy the wonders of a good buffet. To conclude, the family management, the refinement and authenticity of the products, the love for one's work and the extraordinary scenery in which the structure is located make the "Monte San Giovanni" restaurant a place of flavours, aromas, and distinction to be tried.

The Gelso Nero restaurant offers typical Sicilian cuisine in a welcoming and elegant environment, located in the splendid village of Savoca in the province of Messina. The restaurant provides meat and fish specialities with quality and always fresh ingredients to accompany you in the heart of Sicilian food and wine, made of Mediterranean flavours and aromas. Il Gelso Nero stands out for the careful choice of raw materials, attention to detail, artisanal creation of its dishes, and passion for tradition. The Savoca restaurant in the Messina province is ideal for those who want to discover typical Sicilian cuisine and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view. Typical Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its rich meat and fish dishes, prepared with genuine products from various territories. The protagonists of the cuisine offered by the Gelso Nero restaurant are the products of the hinterland and the seafood, but also many fresh seasonal, organic and km0 vegetables. Among the specialities of the typical Sicilian cuisine of the restaurant, the fish specialities are not to be missed, prepared with very fresh fish that varies seasonally and proposed in appetizers, fresh pasta first courses and excellent seafood main courses. Try the fried seafood, crunchy and full of flavour.

In the heart of the picturesque town of Savoca, renowned for its rich history and iconic cinematic landscapes, lies Pipispezzi—a whimsically-named culinary haven that promises an unparalleled Sicilian gastronomic experience. The name, 'Pipispezzi,' evokes curiosity, playfulness, and a hint of the unexpected—qualities that resonate deeply within the restaurant's walls. The interiors mirror the town's rustic charm with a twist of modern flair. Think vintage tiles juxtaposed with contemporary art pieces, antique wooden tables adorned with vibrant ceramic centrepieces, and panoramic windows offering breathtaking views of the undulating Sicilian coastline. Pipispezzi's menu is a delightful dance between traditional Sicilian flavours and innovative culinary techniques. True to its playful name, the restaurant presents classic dishes with unexpected elements. An example is the 'Pollo Pipispezzi,' a succulent chicken dish marinated in herbs endemic to the region, grilled to perfection, and served with a side of citrus-infused olive tapenade, a surprising yet harmonious blend of flavours. Given Savoca's proximity to the sea, Seafood takes centre stage in many dishes. Freshly caught octopus, prawns, and fish are transformed into mouth-watering creations, each telling a tale of the vast Mediterranean and its bounties.

Nestled amidst the winding streets and historical landmarks of enchanting Savoca, Osteria del Borgo beckons travellers and locals alike with its warm ambience and authentically Sicilian flavours. Osteria del Borgo offers diners a time capsule from its location, showcasing views of age-old buildings, the town's iconic churches, and stretches of the Mediterranean coastline shimmering under the Sicilian sun. The restaurant's exterior, a blend of honey-toned stone and traditional woodwork, sets the scene for the rich culinary journey. As is typical of a classic osteria, the atmosphere inside is cosy and inviting. Rustic wooden tables, paired with chairs that each seem to have a story, are spread across rooms adorned with vintage Sicilian artefacts. Grapevines and strings of garlic bulbs dangle gracefully from wooden beams, evoking the pastoral beauty of the island. The menu at Osteria del Borgo proudly sings of Sicily. It is a delightful blend of time-honoured recipes passed down through generations and fresh ingredients sourced from the soil and sea surrounding Savoca. Their 'Spaghetti alla Norma' is an ode to the region, with perfectly al dente pasta bathed in a rich tomato sauce, topped with creamy ricotta salata and aromatic basil.

In the heart of Palermo, the Ottava Nota Ristorante is a stone's throw from the Cala, the city's ancient port. The cuisine is strongly linked to the territory and therefore also to fish, while the elaborations are extravagant and modern.

Gagini Restaurant: innovative Sicilian dishes at km 0 in a modern and elegant frame.

Gourmet and traditional restaurant in the historic center of Palermo, a few steps from the cathedral, in the secret Beati Paoli area.

The Osteria dei Vespri is located in the historic center of Palermo. One of the dining rooms in this restaurant in a pedestrianised part of town was immortalised in an old film. The menu, on the other hand, moves with the times, featuring modern dishes made from local ingredients.

Antica Focacceria San Francesco offers a taste experience that is rooted in ancient traditions, made of natural ingredients, creativity, and passion.

A special place in the heart of Palermo, in front of a breathtaking view. The cuisine of the Seven Restaurant Rooftop Garden enhances the colors and flavors of Sicily.

In the heart of the old Palermo, behind the ancient Ballarò market, close to the church Casa Professa, Brunaccini restaurant offers excellent and unique local products, both food and wine selected by the chef owner, Carlo Napoli, recipes that revitalize the ancient Sicilian cuisine. A beautiful historical location make Da Carlo at Palazzo Brunaccini Restaurant the perfect place where you can organize your dinners, aperitifs, banquets, exhibits while enjoying the flavors of the local cuisine.

Villa Costanza offers the specialties of Chef Antonio Terzo and his staff with pizzas now famous throughout the territory. The restaurant, between outdoor and indoor spaces, can host any type of event in a private area.

Obicà Mozzarella Bar is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria at the Food Hall 4th Floor of Rinascente Palermo in via Roma. Obicà offers the freshest Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, pizza and traditional Italian dishes in a friendly welcoming atmosphere.

Linear, essential, bright and modern: the Bye Bye Blues Restaurant is situated in the beautiful gulf of Mondello, Palermo – Sicily. Our premises are like our dishes: thought out to the very last detail, studied and prepared to bring out the best in them. Only a few steps from one of the most beautiful beaches of Sicily, here in Mondello, you will find the unexpected privileges of gourmet dishes and quiet.

Charleston, located in the picturesque city of Palermo, a jewel of Sicily known for its baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage, is a restaurant that seamlessly blends history with modern culinary innovation. This elegant dining establishment within a beautifully restored historic building offers a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere where guests can indulge in the finest Sicilian and international cuisine. Charleston celebrates Palermo's vibrant gastronomic scene, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the depth and diversity of Sicilian flavours. The ambience of Charleston is characterized by its refined decor, which pays homage to the elegance of the past while incorporating contemporary design elements. The restaurant's interior is a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication, with attention to detail that creates a luxurious yet comfortable dining environment. The outdoor seating area provides a delightful option for al fresco dining, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of Palermo's historic streets and the pleasant Sicilian climate. At the heart of Charleston's menu is a commitment to quality and creativity. The kitchen, led by talented chefs passionate about Sicilian cuisine, crafts visually stunning and delicious dishes. Utilizing the freshest local ingredients, the menu features a variety of carefully prepared dishes that showcase the rich flavours of Sicily. From exquisite seafood creations and expertly cooked meats to innovative pasta dishes and vibrant salads, each offering is a testament to the culinary prowess of Charleston's team.