Posted On November 16, 2023 By Louis

Best Restaurants in Syracuse

Syracuse, a city on the eastern coast of Sicily just below Catania, is home to a wide range of fantastic seafood and fish restaurants. Some of the restaurants in Syracuse have even been nominated or reviewed by Michelin, which is a prestigious culinary guide. Make sure you visit these for an incredible experience whilst on holiday and book early as Syracuse is fairly small town and the best restaurants are usually reserved.

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How we select the best restaurants in Syracuse

When selecting the best restaurants in Syracuse, we seek out establishments that truly embody the city's rich history and culinary heritage. Exceptional reviews from food critics and passionate locals guide our choices, highlighting warm Sicilian hospitality, vibrant flavors, and inviting ambiances that transport you through time.

We favour eateries nestled within historic buildings or charming piazzas of the Ortygia island, as well as those offering alfresco dining with breathtaking views of ancient Greek ruins or the sparkling Ionian Sea. Particular emphasis is placed on restaurants that showcase locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce while masterfully reinterpreting traditional regional dishes with a contemporary flair. Our curated selection aims to provide an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Syracuse's unique gastronomy and celebrates its rich cultural tapestry.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

There are 6 Michelin-reviewed restaurants in Syracuse. Since 1936, Michelin has been awarding restaurants with up to 3 stars for the best restaurants in the world, starting at 0. 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. Here are some of the top Michelin restaurants in Syracuse:

Cortile Spirito Santo is an incredible 1 starred Michelin award restaurant in Syracuse. You can find the venue towards the end of the island of Ortigia inside a 17th century palace. Cortile Spirito Santo is led by Chef Giuseppe Torrisi that has experience in other Michelin restaurants and makes creative Sicilian dishes. All the ingredients are carefully selected and sources such as meats, truffles and mushrooms from Etna's forests. Recommendations are the daily fish specials that are caught by the local fishermen. Open 6 days a week and closed on Mondays.

Address: Via Salomone, 21, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

See the Cortile Spirito Santo Menu
Don Camillo is a small family run modern Sicilian restaurant opened in 1985 and led by Chef Guarneri. The dining room exudes an old-world charm, with timeworn tufa walls from the 15th century, antique wood furnishings, and elegant wrought-iron chandelier. Interestingly they four menus to choose from so you have lots of variety and Chef Guarneri has paired the items very well. You must try the spaghetti alle sirene and tuna tagliata. The menus at Don Camillo are around 100 euros a head and I would recommend going a few times to try each of the 4 menus out if you have the time. Open every day except for Sunday.

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

Check out the Don Camillo Menu
Next to the Syracuse Cathedral and in a 1700's baroque palace is Ristorante Regina Lucia a highly reviewed Michelin venue. Here you will find Chef Roberto Gallo and Salvo Calleri serving Sicilian food with a contemporary twist. You can sit outside overlooking a square in the summer and enjoy the Syracuse atmosphere. Make sure to try the swordfish and the shellfish ravioli. Ristorante Regina Lucia is open every day for lunch and dinner except for Tuesday.

Address: Piazza Duomo, 6, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

View the Regina Lucia Menu

Fine Dining Restaurants

Syracuse is home to a vibrant fine dining scene, with a variety of restaurants to choose from, each offering its own unique take on Sicilian cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated fine-dining restaurants in Syracuse:

Il Tiranno is a classic Sicilian restaurant led by Chef Valentina Galli. Valentina from Milan chooses only the best raw materials, and reinterprets traditional dishes at puts on a display of Art. She also has a passion for desserts so make sure not to leave without trying one. It has a fantastic view of the Syracuse forum and is found in the Caportigia Boutique Hotel which is one of the top hotels in Syracuse. Favourite dishes at Il Tiranno are the Cuttlefish Cous Cous and the Spaghettone. Open Monday to Saturday in the evening except for Tuesdays. On Sunday you can dine at lunch time.

Address: Viale Montedoro, 78, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

See the Il Tiranno Menu
Inside the the 5 star Grand Hotel Ortigia is the La Terrazza del Grand Hotel Ristorante. This venue has one of the best views of ocean surround Syracuse and treat to dine at especially in the warm summer. Even if you don't want to go to dinner at least visit the venue for Aperitivo in the sunset. The restaurant can be accessed via a glass lift to the third floor. They cook up classic Sicilian dishes with the menu always changing and following the seasons. Test out the 10 course meal if you are feeling hungry. Parking is hard to find in the area however they have free parking for diners. La Terrazza del Grand Hotel Ristorante is open 7 days a week.

Address: Grand Hotel Ortigia, V.le Mazzini, 12, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

View the La Terrazza del Grand Hotel Ristorante menu
Ristorante Porta Marina da Salvo is a top seafood restaurant in Syracuse. The venue is set in a building from the 1400's with a vaulted ceiling and stone walls, perfect to enjoy as a couple or with an intimate group. It is led by Chef Salvo Di Mauro who cooks up a storm and uses the most freshest of materials. Amazing dishes are the Risotto and Octopus dishes. Ristorante Porta Marina da Salvo is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Address: Via dei Candelai, 35, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Take a look at the Ristorante Porta Marina da Salvo menu

Traditional & Local Restaurants

After a long day of exploring on your Sicilian holiday, there's nothing quite like winding down at a local restaurant with family or friends. These restaurants offer a more casual atmosphere than the tourist traps, and they often serve up traditional dishes that you won't find anywhere else. Prises are usually more reasonable. Be sure to check the opening and closing hours in advance, as they may vary, especially during the off-season.

Trattoria La Pigna is a traditional Sicilian restaurant in Syracuse owned by Francesco and his wife Patrizia. They cook up classic dishes such as tuna steak, mussels and some really fresh fish of the day. What is best is that Trattoria La Pigna is away from the tourist area down a quiet street. Go early or try and book as the locals know it. The restaurant is open Tuesday - Sunday.

Address: Via della Conciliazione, 12, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Osteria Il Cantuccio is a roman restaurant just before the island of Ortigia. It is another family business between and husband wife. They serve us classic Italian dishes and many rave about the tagliolini alla gricia con carciofi and also the classic roman dish cacio e pepe. Prices are only around 12/ 16 euros for a main dish and you can sit on a lovely terrace outside. Osteria Il Cantuccio is open for lunch and dinner every day except for Monday.

Address: Via della Dogana, 5, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
A Putia is the taste of Sicily in the heart of Ortigia led by owner Salvo. It may look a bit older however this is a must visit authentic restaurant with a lot of history. All dishes are very homely with some of the favourites being the pistachio pasta and the pasta alla norma. They do no take reservations so make sure to go earlier to get a seat. A Putia is open from Tuesday to Sunday from lunch to dinner.

Address: Via Roma, 8, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

See the A Putia Menu

Dessert Places

Syracuse is a city that is known for its delicious food, and it doesn't stop at savoury dishes. There are many great places to enjoy dessert in Syracuse, from traditional Sicilian pastries to more modern creations. Here are some of my top picks:

One of the best gelato shops in Syracuse is Gelateria Belfiore Gelato & Cioccolato. They are located just before the island of Ortigia and have lots of seats outside to enjoy a cold ice-cream in the warm weather. Top rated flavours include salted pistacio, mandarin and ricotta. Gelateria Belfiore Gelato & Cioccolato also has many other treats and cakes to choose from so not just gelato. Open Tuesday to Sunday until late.

Address: Via Luigi Greco Cassia, 5, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Don Peppinu is your go to gelato shop conveniently located in the centre of Syracuse. Here you will find a large range of flavours and also cannoli and granitas. The top flavours are the mulberry and pistachio ice-cream. Don Peppinu has plenty of space inside to enjoy your dessert. What is brilliant is that they are open every single day from lunch till late.

Address: Corso Giacomo Matteotti, 39, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
You cant visit Syracuse and not spend a few visits at Pasticceria Artale. This is the perfect place to go to find classic Sicilian desserts. The Pasticceria was founded in 1980 and passed down through the family. Make sure to try the Cuccìa which is a historic dessert from the Feast of Saint Lucia. You will also find freshly piped cannoli.Seating is available both inside and outside. Pasticceria Artale is open 6 days a week from early morning to early evening. They are closed on Thursday.

Address: Via Saverio Landolina, 32, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy