Posted On November 18, 2023 By Louis

The Best Restaurants in Sicily

Sicily, an island off the coast of Italy, is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and, of course, delectable cuisine. From fresh seafood to hearty pasta dishes, Sicilian cuisine is known for its bold flavours and traditional cooking methods. If you're planning a trip to Sicily, be sure to add these best restaurants in Sicily to your itinerary. From rustic trattorias serving up traditional dishes to Michelin-starred establishments offering innovative takes on Sicilian cuisine, there's something for every palate in Sicily.

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Michelin Restaurants in Sicily

There are many Michelin restaurants in Sicily, each with its own unique style and flavour. Michelin has been awarding stars to restaurants since 1936, and the coveted three stars represent the pinnacle of culinary excellence. A Michelin star can have a significant impact on a restaurant's business. For some, it can mean a surge in popularity and reservations. For others, it can mean the pressure of living up to high expectations. But for all, it is a testament to their culinary skills and artistry.

Here are some of the top Michelin restaurants in Sicily:

Sapio - Catania

Sapio is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Catania, Sicily, run by a young couple, Roberta Cozzetto and Alessandro Ingiulla. The restaurant has a modern ambiance with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Chef Alessandro's cuisine is inspired by his grandmother's traditional Sicilian recipes, but he adds his own modern twist to create dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.

See the Sapio Menu.

Address: Via Messina 235, Catania, 95129, Italy
MEC Restaurant - Palermo

Mec Restaurant is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Palermo, Sicily, led by renowned chef Carmelo Trentacosti. Chef Trentacosti represented Italy in international cooking competitions from 2009-2012 as part of the Italian National Cooks team. Mec is located in the newly renovated Palazzo Castrone, a beautiful and historic building. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star for its exceptional cuisine.

Chef Trentacosti's dishes are creative and innovative, while still remaining true to traditional Sicilian flavors. He incorporates secret family recipes and local ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning. The restaurant is open six days a week for dinner until late. It is closed on Sundays.

See the Mec Restaurant Menu

Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele 452, Palermo, 90134, Italy
St. George by Heinz Beck - Taormina

St. George by Heinz Beck is a two-Michelin-star restaurant located in the Ashbee Hotel in Taormina, Sicily. The restaurant is led by Chef Salvatore Iuliano, who has been in charge of the kitchen since 2022.

The restaurant features a prestigious dining room with a British feel and a terrace overlooking Taormina with an infinity pool for summer. It offers a five-course or seven-course menu with pairings. Guests can expect to receive a unique culinary experience that is both modern and a refined approach to food.

See the St George Restaurant Menu.

Address: Viale S. Pancrazio, 46, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Otto Geleng - Taormina

Otto Geleng is a Michelin-starred Mediterranean and Sicilian restaurant located in the Belmond Hotel Taormina. The intimate restaurant features only eight tables on a terrace overlooking Mount Etna, the Bay of Naxos, and the city of Taormina.

Chef Roberto Toro's culinary creations showcase a modern interpretation of traditional Sicilian dishes, using seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. The restaurant's extensive wine list, featuring over 400 wines from Italy, France, and local wineries, provides the perfect complement to Chef Toro's exquisite cuisine.

See the Otto Geleng Menu

Address: Viale S. Pancrazio, 46, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Cortile Spirito Santo - Syracuse

Nestled in the heart of Ortigia, Syracuse's captivating island, lies Cortile Spirito Santo , an exquisite one-Michelin-starred restaurant that exudes culinary elegance. Housed within a 17th-century palace, the restaurant offers a captivating ambiance that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern sophistication. At the helm of Cortile Spirito Santo stands Chef Giuseppe Torrisi, a culinary maestro with extensive experience in Michelin-starred establishments. His passion for Sicilian cuisine is evident in his creative and innovative dishes, which showcase the island's rich culinary heritage.

Chef Torrisi meticulously selects each ingredient, ensuring the utmost freshness and quality. From succulent meats to aromatic truffles and earthy mushrooms handpicked from the slopes of Mount Etna, every element is carefully curated to create a symphony of flavors. Indulge in the daily fish specials, expertly prepared with the freshest catches of local fishermen. Cortile Spirito Santo is open six days a week, inviting you to embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of Sicily, except on Mondays.

See the Cortile Spirito Santo Menu

Address: Via Salomone, 21, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Gna' Sara - San Vito Lo Capo

Gna' Sara is a charming, family-run restaurant in San Vito Lo Capo that has been serving customers with traditional Sicilian cuisine since 1993. The restaurant is owned and operated by Giuseppe and Katia, who have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy a variety of dishes. Gna' Sara does not accept reservations. Instead, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This is because the owners want to ensure that every guest has the opportunity to experience the restaurant's unique atmosphere and delicious food.

The wait is usually worth it, as the food at Gna' Sara is some of the best in San Vito Lo Capo. The menu features a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, seafood, and meat. All of the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, and the dishes are cooked to perfection.

See the Gna' Sara Menu.

Address: Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 8, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy.

Fine Dining Restaurants in Sicily

There are many fine dining restaurants in Sicily for foodies and those who want to enjoy some of the best local food the country has to offer. Sicily is a foodie paradise, with a rich culinary history dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today, the island is home to a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants and other fine dining establishments that serve up some of the best food in the world.

Here are some of the top fine dining restaurants in Sicily

Serisso 47 - Trapani

Serisso 47 is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Trapani, Sicily. The restaurant is located in a warm and inviting palace, with a vaulted limestone ceiling that adds to the ambiance. Chef Gaetano Basirico is a self-proclaimed "researcher and taster of gastronomic delicacies," and he uses his passion for food to create innovative dishes that combine traditional Sicilian flavours with a modern twist.

See the Serisso 47 Menu.

Address: via Serisso 47/49, Trapani, 91100, Italy
Osteria Expanificio - Agrigento

Osteria Expanificio is a traditional Sicilian restaurant nestled in an old post-war bakery near the Pirandello theatre in Agrigento. The restaurant has garnered acclaim for its delectable interpretations of classic Sicilian dishes, such as busiate al pesto siciliano.

Osteria Expanificio's exceptional value has earned it the prestigious Bib Gourmand award from Michelin, recognising its ability to provide exquisite three-course meals at a reasonable price. The restaurant is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner, allowing guests to savour its authentic Sicilian cuisine at their convenience.

See the Osteria Expanificio Menu.

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Sinatra, 92100 Agrigento AG, Italy
Km.0 - Catania

Under the culinary expertise of Chef Marco Cannizzaro and his brother Fabio, Km.0 has established itself as a benchmark for culinary excellence in Catania since its inception in 2014. This exceptional dining establishment, recognised as one of the best restaurants in Sicily, proudly champions locally sourced ingredients, crafting a menu of contemporary fish, meat, and pasta dishes that showcase the essence of Sicilian cuisine. Km.0 is open for dinner every day except for Sunday, inviting guests to indulge in a symphony of flavours until late at night.

See the Km.0 Menu

Address: Via Antonino Longo 26/28, Catania, 95125, Italy
Cortile Pepe - Cefalu

At the helm of Cortile Pepe in Cefalu stands Chef Gioacchino Gaglio, a culinary maestro with experience in Michelin-starred establishments. Since 2021, he has graced Cortile Pepe's kitchen, masterfully crafting regional dishes that embody the essence of Sicilian cuisine. With meticulous attention to detail, Chef Gaglio sources ingredients from a select group of local farms and breeders in the area, ensuring the utmost freshness and sustainability. His dedication to ethical practices extends to his own organic garden, which he lovingly tends to each day.

Cortile Pepe's enchanting ambiance is set within an old vaulted ceiling, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for a truly memorable dining experience. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.

See the Cortile Pepe Menu.

Address: Via Nicola Botta, 15, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
Sacha - Messina

Under the culinary guidance of the talented Chef Sacha, Sacha restaurant in Messina embraces the symphony of flavours from Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. The restaurant's elegant ambiance is complemented by a chef's table that can accommodate up to four guests, offering an exclusive opportunity to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.

The open-plan kitchen allows diners to observe the meticulous preparation of each dish, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the dining experience. Sacha's extensive wine list, featuring exceptional vinos from small wineries across the region, perfectly complements the restaurant's culinary creations. Sacha is open six days a week for both lunch and dinner, offering a delightful gastronomic adventure, except on Fridays.

Address: Via Nicola Fabrizi 15, Messina, 98123, Italy
Don Camillo - Syracuse

Established in 1985 and helmed by Chef Guarneri, Don Camillo in Syracuse is a family-run gem that embodies the essence of contemporary Sicilian cuisine, making it one of the best restaurants in Sicily. Step into an era of timeless elegance, where ancient 15th-century tufa walls, antique wood furnishings, and an exquisite wrought-iron chandelier create an ambiance of refined charm. With four distinct menus to tantalize your taste buds, Don Camillo offers an exceptional culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Sicily.

Chef Guarneri's masterful pairings showcase his passion for culinary excellence. Don't miss the exquisite spaghetti alle sirene and the succulent tuna tagliata, two signature dishes that epitomize Don Camillo's culinary prowess. Priced at around 100 euros per person, each menu is a symphony of flavours, inviting you to embark on a culinary adventure that will linger long after your meal. If time permits, we highly recommend visiting Don Camillo multiple times to savour the distinct offerings of each menu. Open every day except for Sunday.

Check out the Don Camillo Menu

Address: Via della Maestranza, 96, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Map of the Top Restaurants in Sicily

Where to Eat in Sicily

Frequently asked Questions about Restaurants in Sicily

What is the best city in Sicily for food?

The top city for food in Sicily is Taormina which is on the east coast of Sicily. Taormina has most of the best restaurants in Sicily.

Do I need to make reservations for restaurants in Sicily?

I would always recommend booking in Sicily when it comes to restaurants, especially in the most popular towns.

What is the tipping etiquette in Sicily?

In Sicily you have to pay a "Coperta" which is a small charge for each person. This fee often covers bread, water, and the use of table settings. Usually, there is no need to tip due to this practice; however, a 5-10% tip is considered nice, especially when you come across the best restaurants in Sicily or encounter exceptional service or food.

What is the typical price of a meal at a restaurant in Sicily?

Prices for meals range depending whether you are going to a locally run restaurant or going to a fine dining venue. Typical prices are 10-20 euros at a local restaurant and then 20-40 at fine dining or a Michelin restaurant in Sicily.

What is the dress code for restaurants in Sicily?

There is no strict dress code for restaurants in Sicily. However, it is generally considered appropriate to dress nicely for dinner at a fine dining establishment. Local restaurants around the island you can wear short and a t-shirt. I would avoid wearing sandals.