7 Best Restaurants in Palermo and Western Sicily, Sicily

Top-quality local ingredients are used in this modern, brightly lit pizzeria, where a vast range of pizzas are served—including seasonal, gourmet, and gluten-free varieties—with a choice of four different doughs. The eclectic menu also takes in delicious antipasti, burgers, pastas, and seafood. To accompany your meal, order from a good selection of bottled or draught artisan beers. Service is rapid, and the patient staff answer all queries.

Arancine—fried rice balls—are ubiquitous all over Sicily, but rarely do you find them prepared while you wait or offered in such a range as in this little snack shop near Porta Trapani. The menu lists more than 30 varieties, which include swordfish, smoked salmon, and curry fillings, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. They make ideal stomach-fillers at any time, not least as snack lunches on the go.

Here's a novelty for Palermo in the form of a superb modern restaurant located within a museum dedicated to Steve Jobs and Apple products, a surprisingly successful combination; you not only have the ability to revisit ancient IT devices and learn about the history of the tech company, but the food is pretty excellent. Each of the dishes is a revelation, from the house-made tonnarello pasta with mullet and smoked provola cheese sauce to the pigeon with red-wine scented quince and, among the desserts, semifreddo meringue with ricotta cheese, mango chutney, and passion fruit ice cream. Vegetarian options are as good as any that Palermo has to offer—best sampled in a set tasting menu. The elevated prices are commensurate with the sophisticated cuisine. The venue is also extraordinary as the restaurant is housed within the Palazzo Castrone, one of the city's finest old palaces, just steps away from the Cathedral and entered through a beautiful courtyard.

There's a regular trickle of locals to this gelateria conveniently located opposite the hydrofoil port. Most opt for the local favorite: ice cream in a brioche with a couple of wafer biscuits poking out. But it's not just the creamy and tangy ice creams that pull in the crowds; there are also delicious granitas, cakes, and desserts on offer, including a delicious semifreddo cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries or blueberries. There's limited seating outside, and it stays open late.

Founded by a locally born sister-and-brother team, this restaurant just steps away from the beach has one eye on tradition and one on innovative and creative cuisine. Intriguing taste combinations are well-judged, though you can be equally satisfied with a simple but delicious plate of spaghetti with tuna or grilled fish, as even the plainest dishes are surprisingly tasty. The three versions of couscous are remarkable even by San Vito standards. Everything is artistically presented, and there's an excellent wine list, too. Choose to eat indoors or on the terrace.

With its covered terrace overlooking the port, Rosso di Sera combines great food with a laid-back atmosphere conducive to feelings of well-being and positivity. Expertly prepared dishes such as ravioli filled with amberjack and fennel and grilled swordfish are fresh and succulent, and you'll be tempted by desserts like cannoli and ricotta mousse. Unlike many other island eateries, service is fast and efficient. Booking head is essential, ideally a couple of days in advance to ensure a table on the terrace. The restaurant is located just off steps leading to Ustica's main square.

Housed on the upper story of a classic old palazzo a 10-minute walk from Villa Palagonia in the center of town, this relaxed but elegant trattoria makes the perfect refueling stop in the middle of a day of sightseeing. The moderately priced menu leans heavily towards seafood, best sampled in such starters as calamarata dello chef (king prawns, squid, and creamed zucchini) and spaghetti allo scoglio (with mussels, clams, shrimps, swordfish, and squid). Among the mains, stand-outs include swordfish involtini (roulades) and the catch of the day, while you can't do better than rounding off your meal with a canolo. As well as the teal-blue dining room, a roof terrace is open for dining al fresco in summer.