10 Great Restaurants in Sicily

La Madia is a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant in Licata, on the south coast of Sicily. The restaurant deserves its stars as its chef creates Sicilian dishes that are flavoursome and imaginative at the same time. He serves it in a sleek, sophisticated dining room with a pared-back design that ensures the attention is right where it should be – on the food.

Each dish contains the chef’s secret ingredient: memories. The experience is designed to evoke daily life on the island. You can opt for its a la carte menu, which contains dishes like smoked cod and honey-glazed pigeon. There are also several tasting menus when you find yourself slightly overwhelmed by the creative selections.

Duomo is a 2 Michelin-starred dining spot in Ragusa that takes its name from the nearby cathedral of San Giorgio. The historic sights and views as well as the dining experience will remain in your memory long after you leave the hilltop city.

The emphasis here is on deconstructing the classics and reimagining them. Take an experiential journey through the geography and culture of this multi-faceted island in the capable hands of one of Sicily’s most talented chefs. Menus change with the seasons, though every meal contains 3 key elements: oil, wheat, and salt. Duomo's assorted fish of the day or crispy fried tuma (white cheese) with honey is a great start, while the macaroni with fried eggplant and Florentine sirloin steak are among the recommended mains.

Otto Geleng is a fine Sicilian restaurant that takes its name from the German painter who was enchanted by Taormina, his adopted home. This intimate restaurant is in the Grand Hotel Timeo, a prestigious Belmond property. From its terrace, you’ll share the same view that Geleng adored so much.

Under the watchful eye of its acclaimed chef, you’ll be served classic Mediterranean cuisine which marries tradition with innovation. Dishes are made using locally sourced ingredients from land and sea. Otto Geleng's degustation menu features tuna belly with cooked must and marinated cabbage, ravioli with caviar and porcini mushrooms, and red mullet with artichokes, foie gras and passionfruit.

La Capinera is a Taormina restaurant with an elegant yet simple take on fine dining that’s earned it a Michelin star and a reputation for gastronomic excellence. Sea, air, land and fire are the elements that underpin its chef’s creativity, evident in each plate.

Warm pistachio cake and orange mousse follow mortadella-stuffed baby calamari, paccheri pasta sautéed with clams and shrimps, and slow-roasted lamb in a Marsala wine sauce. In summer, dine on the terrace with views of the Ionian Sea. When the weather’s chilly, book a table in its cosy dining room. 

I Pupi, which translates to ‘The Puppets’, is worthy of its Michelin star, thanks to its acclaimed chef who brings passion and enthusiasm to the table. Exquisitely presented dishes draw their inspiration from Sicily’s street food scene, longstanding family traditions, and the island’s abundant local produce.

The decor is monochrome and minimalist to balance the vibrancy and colour of what’s on the plate. Try I Pup's take on the Sicilian speciality known as stigghiola. The lamb and leeks of this street food staple are playfully substituted with tuna and squid.

Osteria Ballarò is an Italian restaurant in Palermo that occupies what were once the stables of the medieval Palazzo Cattolica, on the edge of Palermo’s old Jewish quarter. In this atmospheric setting – think exposed brick walls and a magnificent vaulted ceiling – it champions the slow food movement.

Every meat, fish, cheese and wine is from Sicily, much of it sourced from small artisan producers. The produce is strictly seasonal, so expect an ever-changing lineup of dishes. Among the recommended dishes include the homemade pasta tortelloni with buffalo ricotta cheese and tenerumi (Sicilian broadleaf vegetables).

Viri Ku C’e is a waterfront dining spot in Vittoria in southeastern Sicily. It's just across the street from Scoglitti’s sandy beach, making it a great place to enjoy seafood after a day in the ocean. Dishes on the fixed price menu change daily, according to what’s been caught, so come with an open mind and an empty belly.

You might start with clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, langoustines and shrimp, followed by homemade pasta and whole, grilled fish filleted for you at the table. A palate-cleansing lemon sorbet wraps everything up at Viri Ku C’e.

Osteria Da Rita is an authentic Sicilian restaurant in Taormina serving good food in generous portions. It’s tucked down a quiet street, making it a pleasure to dine outside at one of the tables, which bear cheerful red gingham tablecloths.

The cuisine is unmistakably Sicilian, as is the wine accompanying it. You can find an extensive choice of simple classics at Osteria Da Rita. The atmosphere’s friendly and informal. Patrons are welcomed with open arms and invited to choose the music and join the singalong.       

Manna Noto is a restaurant in Noto that offers a feast for the senses with its Mediterranean meals and ambient decor. Step inside to find a beautiful place lit by statement lighting and decorated with quirky details. Standouts include a room divider of wine bottles and an illuminated soda sign over the bar. The chic, contemporary design updates a space that was once the ground floor of a palace.

Locally sourced ingredients form simple recipes that only require the chef’s passion for cooking to become something memorable. They’re as exquisitely presented as their surroundings. Try a fresh orange salad, a Sicilian classic, or some grilled fish. Manna Noto's homemade pasta is also recommended.  

Gourmet 32 is a popular spot for Sicilian flavours in Taormina.  Its culinary brigade takes classic Sicilian dishes and updates them with a contemporary twist. Try the duck breast served with a Sicilian citrus glaze or the local swordfish with capers and olives. Wrap things up with an almond parfait or a creamy tiramisu. 

Meat, fish and vegetarian tasting menus offer a selection if you can’t choose. Dine al fresco on the covered terrace if you can for great views and ambience. Gourmet 32 is tucked in an alley east of Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman amphitheatre.