Best Restaurants in Cefalu Sicily

There are many great restaurants in Cefalu. Being on the north coast of Sicily, fish dishes are popular along with traditional Sicilian dishes. You can also find venues that have been nominated by Michelin in the area. Italy has many of the most-starred restaurants in the world with over 370 Michelin stars given out. These are must-visits if you are into great culinary experiences when on an Italian holiday.

How we select the best restaurants in Cefalu

When curating the best restaurants in Cefalù, we seek out establishments that truly embody the town's coastal charm and celebrate the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. Exceptional reviews from food critics and enthusiastic locals guide our selections, highlighting impeccable service, fresh and vibrant flavors, and an inviting, laid-back ambiance.

We favour eateries offering alfresco dining with breathtaking views of the Norman cathedral, the picturesque historic centre, or the sparkling azure waters. Particular emphasis is placed on restaurants showcasing locally caught seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes infused with a distinctive coastal flair. Our curated choices aim to provide an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Cefalù's unique gastronomy and seaside lifestyle.

Michelin Awarded Restaurants in Cefalu

There are 5 Michelin awarded restaurants in and around Cefalu town. Since 1936 Michelin has been awarding restaurants with up to 3 stars for the best restaurants in the world Zero, 1, 2, or 3. The success of a business can greatly vary when receiving a star or losing one. One star means "A very good restaurant in its category". Two stars "Excellent cooking, worth a detour". Three stars mean "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey". Make sure to check their websites and book well in advance via the web or call. Here are some of the top restaurants in Cefalu:

• Cortile Pepe has Chef Gioacchino Gaglio at the helm, that has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and has been working at the Cortile Pepe restaurant since 2021. He prepares regional dishes with excellence and pays attention to a small group of local farms and breeders in the area along with sustainable fishing. He also has his own organic garden that is taken care of every day. The venue is in town and features an old vaulted ceiling. Closed on Wednesdays. It is very close to the top hotels in the city. See the Cortile Pepe Menu.
  
  Address: Via Nicola Botta, 15, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Qualia is a traditional family-run restaurant in Cefalu on a cobbled side street that features internal exposed brick with a view of the kitchen. You will be able to find all kinds of dishes prepared from scratch and to perfection. The cuisine is traditional Sicilian with a modern twist. My favourites are the oxtail ravioli and the cuttlefish.
  
  Address: Via G. Amendola, 16A, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Palazzaccio is a restaurant just 30 minute drive away in Castelbuono, Madonie Park. Chef Sandro is at the helm and has a wealth of experience all over Italy, and the world and serves up traditional Sicilian country cooking. What is special about this place is that Michelin has nominated it with Bib Gourmand. In a nutshell, this is the great value for an incredible food award, those that offer a 3-course meal for a reasonable price. It boasts a wine list of over 300 labels that can be paired and served by Giuseppe, the master of ceremonies.
  
  Address: Via Umberto I 23, Castelbuono, 90013, Italy

Fine Dining Restaurants in Cefalu

There are lots of fine dining restaurants in Cefalu for those that want to enjoy some of the best & local food the town has to offer. Here are some best fine-dining restaurants:

• B.I.F. Braceria Italiana Fuorimondo is in the historic centre of town and is one of the top Italian Braceria. Sicily is known for its seafood so it's refreshing to swap this out every now and again. Some favourites are the Angus beef, steak tartar with burrata and carbonara. These can all be paired with great recommendations from their in-house sommelier. See the BIF Menu.
  
  Address: Via Madonna degli Angeli, 12, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Agorà Ristorante is a Sicilian venue featuring the enhancement of gastronomic culture in the area and is located by the Cathedral of Cefalù. The place has elegant decor and architecture whilst the cuisine is innovative but traditional. The menu features, fish, pasta and pizza along with an extensive wine list. See the Agora Ristorante Menu.
  
  Address: Piazza del Duomo, 13-14-15, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Cala Luna Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant set on the lawn of Hotel Le Calette during summer with ocean views. The open-plan kitchen is headed by Chef Dario Pandolfo since March 2022. His menu is lively and contemporary with nature being the inspiration. He actively selects his produce from local farmers, breeders and fishermen and tends to avoid wholesalers plus importers. See the Cala Luna Restaurant menu.
  
  Address: Hotel Le Calette Via Vincenzo Cavallaro, 12 - 90015 Cefalù PA Italy

Traditional & Local Restaurants in Cefalu

Nothing beats a local meal from a family-run cuisine in Cefalu. This is great for the family, a night out and is usually less known by tourists meaning you can get an incredible meal for great value and enjoy some local family service. One of my tips is always to check when they are open and when they close as many can close without notice if they are having a slower day. These are some of my favourite local cuisines:

• Triscele Restaurant is a traditional seafood restaurant that is set in a cave-like dining room and also a terrace. The owner is passionate about their food and some of the best dishes on the menu are the swordfish, octopus and tuna fish. Well worth a visit, closed on Monday but open most days for lunch and dinner late.
  
  Address: Via Umberto I°, 34, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Mas Que Nada provides classic Sicilian dishes. Many of the favourite dishes are mussels, prawns and various pastas. Desserts such as cannoli are also very popular. Sometimes you can get in without booking but are almost always very busy so recommend doing this in advance. Open 6 days a week (not Tuesday) for lunch and late dinner.
  
  Address: Via, Discesa Paramuro, 5/7, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Le Terme is set in the historical centre of Cefalu and has an archaeological feel inside, glass bottom floor along with a terrace with views of the sea. Featuring a 7 or 5-course meal along with a la carte, Le terme is an amazing restaurant to go especially at sunset on the terrace. Closed on Mondays but open for lunch and late dinner the rest of the week.
  
  Address: Via Bagni Cicerone, 19 Bis, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy

Dessert Places in Cefalu

For those who have a sweet tooth, want to have a walk around after dinner or just want to have a treat on their Italian holiday. As mentioned before always check when the dessert place is open as depending on the season they may close early or on certain days. Here are some delicious places to go for dessert in Cefalu:

• L’Angolo delle Dolcezze is the go to pasticceria in Cefalu. Its name means the sweets corner in English. They feature a wide selection of traditional Sicilian treats that are made from local ingredients, gelato and also cater for occasions such as weddings. Closed on Thursdays but open 6 days a week early to late.
  
  Address: Via Pietro Novelli, 2, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Squagghio is an ice cream shop near the Cathedral of Cefalu. They have a grande selection of different flavours with the favourite being pistachio. You can also go there for a pistachio or almond granita or a cannoli. Tip for ordering, posso avere una granita di mandorle translates to Can I have an almond granita? Open 6 days a week (closed on Wednesday) from lunch till 12am! This is also close to many of the hotels in Cefalu so you can pop out more often for a treat.
  
  Address: C.O, Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro, 69, Cefalù PA, Italy
  
• Cannolí as the name says is your Sicilian cannoli dessert place to go to in Cefalu. It may be a small shop and have a line but it doesn't disappoint. Cannoli are served fresh and piped straight away. The best of all is that it is open from 8.00 am to 1.00 am every single day. Pistachio and classic ricotta are their top sellers.
  
  Address: Via Bagni Cicerone, 17bis, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
  

Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurants in Cefalu

What are the best restaurants in Cefalu?

The top restaurants in Cefalu are Cortile Pepe, Qualia, and Cala Luna Restaurant.

What are the most affordable restaurants in Cefalu?

Triscele Restaurant and Mas Que Nada are the top restaurants that have a superb menu at a good price.

What are the most popular restaurants in Cefalu?

Cortile Pepe and Triscele Restaurant are the most popular restaurants in Cefalu.

What are the best restaurants in Cefalu for families?

If you are dining as a family Mas Que Nada and Triscele Restaurant are the top restaurants in Cefalu.

What are the best restaurants in Cefalu for couples?

If you are traveling as a couple you will love Le Terme, Cala Luna Restaurant, and Palazzaccio.

What are the best restaurants in Cefalu with a view?

Cala Luna Restaurant, and Le Terme are restaurants with amazing views.

What are the best restaurants in Cefalu for traditional Sicilian cuisine?

If you are looking for local cuisine in Cefalu be sure to visit Triscele Restaurant, Mas Que Nada and Qualia.