Sicily is a foodie’s dream—and after traveling around the island, I can confidently say it has some of the best meals I’ve ever had in Italy. From seaside seafood spots to cozy, under-the-radar gems, this guide covers the best places to eat in Sicily, broken down by region. Whether you’re heading to Palermo, Taormina, or a quiet village in the south, you’ll want to bookmark this.
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Why Sicily Is a Dream Destination for Food Lovers
Sicily completely stole my heart—and my stomach. Between the bustling markets, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and natural wines, it’s a dream destination for food lovers. Whether you’re wandering through Palermo’s street food stalls or sipping wine in Taormina with a sea view, every bite is a little piece of heaven. In this guide, I’m sharing all the best Sicily restaurants I ate at and loved—from casual lunch spots to unforgettable dinner experiences. If you’re heading to Sicily and wondering where to eat, this list will point you in the right (and delicious) direction.
Sicilian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, with recipes passed down through generations and ingredients that are fresh, seasonal, and locally grown. You can image seafood caught just that morning, locally grown pistachios, rich tomato sauces, and pasta that always hits the spot.
Every region has its specialty, and part of the fun of traveling in Sicily is eating your way through it. These restaurant picks reflect a mix of the island’s diverse flavors—from rustic trattorias to the freshest seafood and an elevated experience I suggest EVERYONE check out.
Map of Where to Eat in Sicily
Click here to grab my Sicily Restaurant Google Map to save all these spots to your trip plan!
Incredible Sicily Restaurants (by City!)
Sicily is full of amazing food, and while this list is by no means exhaustive, these are the restaurants and spots we personally visited during our 4-day trip across the island. This guide doesn’t share anywhere I didn’t personally eat, and while I probably missed a few “viral” spots, this guide is a realistic experience. The restaurants I share are scattered across different towns throughout Sicily—Taormina, Palermo, Ortigia, and Castellammare del Golfo—so whether you’re planning a road trip or just staying in one area, hopefully a few of these places make it onto your itinerary too. We loved each one and wanted to share them in case you’re hunting for a good meal while exploring.
Table of Contents
- Why Sicily Is a Dream Destination for Food Lovers
- Map of Where to Eat in Sicily
- Incredible Sicily Restaurants (by City!)
- Ortigia (Siracusa)
- Palermo
- Catania
- Taormina
- Riposto
- Carini (near Palermo Airport)
- My Tips for Dining Out in Sicily
- Summary of My Top 12 Sicily Restaurants
Ortigia (Siracusa)
Ortigia Street Market
This was one of my absolute favorite food markets in all of Sicily. It’s loud, colorful, and chaotic in the best way possible. Come hungry, because you’ll want to taste everything—from freshly grilled sardines to the famous sarde a beccafico (stuffed sardines with pine nuts and raisins). Vendors will call out to you and offer samples, and the energy is just contagious. You can get freshly shucked oysters and a glass of local white wine that will make you never want to leave.
Tito Mare
My second favorite restaurant in all of Sicily is right in the heart of the Ortigia Street Market. Their swordfish carpaccio was melt-in-your-mouth fresh, and they had a selection of fried fish specials that changed daily based on what came in that morning. We grabbed the fritto mist and I was perfect – not too breaded, nor too oily. It’s simple food done incredibly well, with the market buzzing around you.
DiVino Mare
I’m still dreaming about this place (so many it’s tied for second?). It’s a cozy natural wine bar tucked away on one of Ortigia’s charming streets. The handwritten menu changes often and is full of delicious, locally inspired dishes. The vibe is romantic and cool, and it’s the perfect dinner spot after a sunset stroll. Order whatever catches your eye—I promise you can’t go wrong.
We ordered their fried sardines to start and they were fabulous. If you haven’t had fried sardines, you must! When they are done well, which for me is lightly battered and butterflied like these, there is really nothing better.
Palermo
Ballarò Market
Here you can start your day here for a true Sicilian breakfast on the go. This is one of the oldest and liveliest markets in Palermo, where you’ll be surrounded by shouting vendors, colorful produce, and the smell of sizzling street food. Grab a panelle which is a crispy chickpea fritters, or a piping hot arancino stuffed with ragù or cheese – to die for! It’s the perfect way to eat like a local and fuel up before sightseeing.
Bisso Bistrot Quattro Canti
Located near one of Palermo’s most iconic intersections, this cozy and creative bistro is so worth a visit for lunch. I absolutely love their Pasta alla Norma and Pasta con le Sarde—both super traditional and full of flavor. Pair it all with a chilled glass of Grillo, a crisp Sicilian white wine that’s refreshing and light, especially on a warm afternoon, and you will have a meal you won’t forget.
Ristorante Castello a Mare
This upscale seaside spot is the place to go for a special dinner in Palermo. It’s set near the harbor with views of the water and has an elegant ambiance. The menu focuses on elevated Sicilian classics, and I recommend trying the caponata—an eggplant dish that’s sweet, tangy, and totally unlike anyway I’ve had eggplant before. Their seafood is ultra-fresh and beautifully plated and is perfect for a night out.
MadoniEAT
Another great dinner option near the water. It’s a little more laid-back than Castello a Mare but still feels special. They have local wines, grilled octopus, and plates of fresh pasta under twinkling lights. It’s a perfect place to wind down after a busy day in Palermo.
Catania
The Etna Urban Winery
This wine tasting experience was honestly a highlight of our trip. It’s located right outside of Catania and offers such a unique look at how Mount Etna’s volcanic soil affects the flavor and minerality of the wines. We had a guided tasting with incredible food pairings—all designed to enhance the wines, and let me tell you. This was the best meal I’ve EVER had. I cried as we left and thanked our tour guide. It’s intimate, educational, and incredibly well done. Highly recommend booking in advance and not skipping this when you visited Sicily. Book Here!
Taormina
Osteria De Gustibus
This is a fantastic brunch or lunch spot to kick off your day if you are in Taormina. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and Sicilian classics with a twist. Expect dishes like stuffed zucchini blossoms, local cheeses, and house-made pasta. The restaurant is relaxed and welcoming, and it’s a great place to sit and linger a bit before sightseeing.
Nui Restaurant
One of the most beautiful restaurants we visited in Sicily. The views are honestly unreal. You’re perched up high with a panoramic view of the coast—and the food absolutely lives up to the setting. Their seafood dishes were fresh and creative, and the plating was stunning. Definitely make a reservation, especially if you want to sit outside. It’s the perfect upscale lunch or romantic dinner spot!
Riposto
Ai Tre Massi
This cozy local restaurant was a short drive from our hotel (Zash Country Boutique Hotel), and it completely exceeded our expectations. The pistachio cream pasta here was one of the best things I ate the entire trip—rich, nutty, and just so Sicilian. Their fresh fish and wood-fired pizza were also fantastic. If you’re staying anywhere near here, make this your last-night dinner spot, I promise you will love it.
Carini (near Palermo Airport)
Da Carlo Salumeria Marciano
Oh my gosh is this a hidden gem! Right before your flight out of Palermo, this is a must-stop for one last meal—and for stocking up on local goodies! Their paninis are stuffed with high-quality meats, cheeses, and spreads, and make for the perfect travel snack. Plus, you can pick up olive oil, pistachio cream, jams, and more at a fraction of the price you’d pay at the airport.
My Tips for Dining Out in Sicily
- Don’t skip dessert: Cannoli, tiramisu, or a simple gelato—you’ll regret not finishing your meal with any (or all) of these.
- Reserve ahead: Especially in smaller towns or during summer, tables book up fast.
- Eat late: Locals typically dine around 8:00–9:00 PM so keep that in mind when dining out.
- Ask for the daily special: It’s usually based on what’s freshest at the market and will always be unique.
Summary of My Top 12 Sicily Restaurants
Sicily is one of those places where the food truly makes the trip—and I hope this guide helps you discover a few new favorites. From markets buzzing with energy to cozy seafood restaurants by the sea, these Sicily restaurants brought so much flavor to our travels. My advice? Come hungry, order the local specialties, and don’t skip the wine. You’ll leave with a full heart, a full stomach, and a deep love for Sicilian cuisine.
Save this post for your next trip—or use it to plan your entire route around these Sicily restaurants!
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