14 Best Restaurants in Sicily, Italy

Gabriella Cicero's one-stop restaurant and gourmet food shop delvers a plethora of Sicilian slow-foodie delights, from scrumptious street-food scaccia and panelle staples to an exquisite, superb-value tasting menu foregrounding Sicilian produce and culinary history. Under the stylishly adorned stone vaults of the centuries-old Palazzo Diquattro, diners dive into classic seafood spaghetto taratatatà (with tuna roe, almonds, and lemon), then the unmissable chocolate-glazed pork collar with artichoke and potato purée. The wonderful staff expertly match wines from the extensively-stocked cantina.  

For the tastiest snacks head to this neighborhood bakery for a selection of traditional savory bites and focaccia. Pack a picnic, and embrace your carb cravings with their fresh bread and dolci delights such as ricotta-filled nfigghiulate, nutty 'n' fruity tortini, and raisin- or chocolate-dotted paninetti buns.

For a cornucopia of baked goods, the Lamonica-Ricciardello family operates the best-value bet in Capo d'Orlando. There's no seating, so it's takeaway only, but you can feast your eyes and salivary glands on a bountiful choice of sweet treats like brioche and various biscotti, both soft and hard, as well as savory bites—including arancini and pizzette. 

Stop here to sample every Sicilian sweet imaginable, from freshly made cannoli and biscotti to marzipan confections and gelato. The bar-pasticceria is a local favorite breakfast spot, as evidenced by the crowds who fill the outside terrace, consuming great coffee with their cornetti or brioche with granita. 

One of Palermo's best modern pizzerias serves delicious Neapolitan-style pies from a big oven in the open kitchen—the genius is in the crust, which is seared in a matter of seconds. The toppings, too, are delicious, and the place attracts big crowds on weekends and in summer (when it often stays open until midnight—later than almost any other restaurant in the neighborhood). Pastas, steaks, and some other dishes are also available, and there is pavement seating, as well as a robust take-out operation.

The stone building that houses Il Borgo was built in 1942 in a style that reflects the neighboring medieval castle. The cool stone walls and wooden furnishings create a wonderfully warm atmosphere while the restaurant itself is focused on a delicious rotating seasonal menu.

A short walk from the Fontana di Diana, this quirky restaurant with a cozy dining room and artsy courtyard takes quality Sicilian ingredients and adds a French influence to a changing seasonal menu. One of the mainstays on the menu is tuna lasagna served in its earthenware pot, which has fans worldwide, explains owner Sarò.

For some great Sicilian cakes and ice cream on your way to the Archaeological Park, visit this bar-cum-pasticceria. It's popular with locals, especially on Sunday for a late breakfast and takeaway golden trays of exquisite pastries for lunch, so you may have to line up for your cakes.

This is a great spot for breakfast and popular with locals. Stand at the bar for your caffè fix, or pay extra to sit outside and savor a traditional Sicilian breakfast of granita and sweet brioche. 

For simple, homemade cucina povera (simple "peasant" food) head to Concetta and Eliseo's popular place with a rustic dining room and buzzy terrace on Modica's melodious main drag, offering continuous service from 9 to 5. Among their hearty traditional plates, start with their signature hot ricotta, followed by lolli pasta with cottoia broad beans and slow-cooked pork in tomato sauce.   

This rustic mountain lodge is situated right near the popular winter skiing resort area of Piano Battaglia. Open throughout the year, it offers a cozy country panorama, good hearty local fare, and friendly service at very reasonable prices.

Following the slow food approach, this restaurant is known for showcasing high-quality, local ingredients, thanks to a chef who captures the essence of classic Sicilian dishes while raising them to fine-dining standards. The changing seasonal menu depends on local market availability, but there's always the Slow Food-awarded sausage and Val di Noto almond semifreddo dessert.

This café, bar, restaurant, and pizzeria has a daily menu of specials to choose from, including starters, pasta dishes, meat-based mains, sides, and desserts. Your charming and helpful hosts will guide you through the selection of reasonably priced dishes.

Run by the charming and dynamic Davide di Salvo, nephew of chef Giuseppe of nearby Nangalarrini fame, this rustic, convivial spot does tasty plates utilizing the best meat, vegetables, and seafood of the Madonie and coast. The name alludes to the Unione Volontari Alcolizzati, and the restaurant has a well-rounded wine cellar and ethos fit for relaxed dining and friendly chat.