A guide to food and drink in Sicily

Exploring Sicily's delicacies

Sicily has a rich diversity of foods thanks to the Greek, Arab and Spanish influences that have advanced on the island over the centuries. Sicily holidays are the perfect opportunity to sample the local desserts and pastries, such as cannoli – sweet tubes of ricotta – which originates here.

You’ll see the Arab influence in brightly coloured marzipan treats and delicious variations of cakes and ice-cream featuring candied fruits, pistachios and chocolate. There are also several red and white wines, as well as Sicily’s sweet marsala dessert wine and vino alla mandorla, a wine made with almonds.

Tasty Italian cuisine and superb sea views at Villa Dei Melograni, Cefalu

For a special holiday treat head to Villa Dei Melograni which is located at the foot of Cefalu castle and has superb views across the bay. This beautifully renovated ancient villa has three dining rooms on different levels and features a smart Mediterranean style cream and terracotta decor.

Serving delicious traditional Italian and European cuisine, this family-friendly restaurant has open-air terraces and a gazebo where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s a great place to go for dinner as a couple, or with a group of friends.

Delicious fresh seafood and inner courtyard at Cortile Pepe, Cefalu

Located in the centre of Cefalu town, Cortile Pepe is a charming restaurant that serves beautifully presented Italian and fresh seafood cuisine, which varies depending on the catch of the day. You’ll find dishes such as tuna with orange and basil sauce, homemade gazpacho soup and Sicilian-style fried anchovies.

You can enjoy a tasty lunch here in the coolness of the open-air courtyard, or have a relaxed dinner with friends and family.

Authentic Sicilian cuisine and amazing scenery at Trattoria Chicchirichi, Castelmola

You’ll find a friendly welcome at the family-run Trattoria Chicchirichi in Castelmola and amazing views over the mountains, along the coastline and out to sea. Specialising in homemade traditional Sicilian cuisine, they use only locally sourced produce and ingredients for their dishes.

You can dine on delicious pasta and seafood options such as fresh mussels with herbs and relax on the large open-air terrace. There is also a small pool here, where you and the kids can cool off in the sunshine.

Luxurious fine dining and views over the bay of Isola Bella at Villa Antonio, Taormina

The classy interior and surroundings of Villa Antonio in Taormina are just a 10-minute taxi ride from the hilltop town of Castelmola. You can enjoy your meal in one of the opulent dining rooms or sit outside on the smart terrace and take in fantastic views over Isola Bella bay.

Specialising in delicious fusion dishes, combining traditional Sicilian and Mediterranean flavours you’ll find an interesting menu featuring dishes such as pasta stuffed with fresh seafood, vegetarian lasagne and baked sardines. Like most Sicilian restaurants this is a family friendly venue, making it an ideal choice for a holiday treat.

Views of Mount Etna and freshly cooked Italian dishes at La Taverna dell'Etna, Castelmola

Owned and run by the Finocchito family for over 20 years, La Taverna dell’Etna is a small, traditional style restaurant with a relaxed feel and charming hand-painted murals of the local scenery on the walls.

Enjoy home-cooked dishes such as seafood ravioli and other great pasta options for lunch or dinner, and dine on the terrace at the back of the restaurant which has fantastic panoramic views of majestic Mount Etna.