Local food

Created by Cindy Bastiaansen, Modified on Fri, 12 Dec, 2025 at 4:15 PM by Julie Nielsen

Local foodSicily has a rich and diverse culinary heritage that reflects its history, geography, and cultural influences. The island's cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique dishes that showcase the bounty of the Mediterranean. Here are some local dishes you must try when visiting Sicily:

Arancini

These are deep-fried risotto balls, usually filled with a variety of fillings such as ragu (meat sauce), peas, cheese, pistaccio, or spinach. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, which makes for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Caponata

Caponata, a traditional Sicilian eggplant dish, a sweet and sour vegetable stew made with eggplant, tomatoes, celery, olives, capers, and vinegar. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer and is usually eaten at room temperature.

Pasta alla Norma

This classic Sicilian pasta dish consists of pasta with a sauce made from fried eggplant, tomato, ricotta salata and fresh basil. The dish is named after the opera "Norma" by Vincenzo Bellini, a famous Sicilian composer.

Sicilian Cannoli

Cannoli are deep-fried dough tubes filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling, often mixed with chocolate chips or candied fruit. They are one of Sicily's most famous desserts and a must-see for visitors.

Swordfish

Swordfish is a staple of Sicilian cuisine, often grilled or served in dishes such as "swordfish involtini" (rolled swordfish with various fillings). It is usually simply seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and spices. Very popular also in a pasta sauce.

Deep fried seafood

Frittura di pesce, a popular dish in seaside resorts, consists of a variety of seafood, lightly breaded and deep-fried. It is often served with lemon wedges.

Panelling

Made from chickpea flour, panelle are deep-fried fritters that are usually eaten as Street Food. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served in a bun with a pinch of salt and lemon.

Granita

Refreshing frozen crushed ice and flavored with fruit, coffee or nuts. Granita is especially popular in the summer and is served with a brioche and often eaten for breakfast.

Fish Couscous

This dish reflects the Arabic influence on Sicilian cuisine. It consists of steamed couscous served with a flavorful fish stew made with local seafood, tomatoes, and spices. Many can be found in the west of Sicily, especially in Trapani.

Setteveli Taart

A rich, layered cake made with chocolate, hazelnut, and mousse, known for its decadent flavors and beautiful presentation.

Taglière with Sicilian wine

Sicily is known for the "Tagliere", a bowl with different cheeses and salami. Ggeten together with the typical Sicilian wine, especially varieties such as in red Nero d'Avola, Cattarratto, Nerello Mascalese and in white Grillo and Inzolia.

Some nice restaurants or Tavola calda to visit.

Letojanni:

Restaurant Pizzeria Florian

Via Luigi Rizzo, 36, 98037 Letojanni (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/AJ16iiSLZys6wCm37

Ciao Ciao Restaurant

Via Luigi Rizzo, 11, 98037 Letojanni (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/SLCJqRjQBguVecEz9

Flamingo Beach

Via Michelangelo Garufi, 34, 98037 Letojanni (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/MqG6b8irbWezZcA48

Ristorante Arco Rosso Viale Alcide De Gasperi, 27, 98039 Mazzeo (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/SJz6RLWkGSNnSvsS7

Taormina:

Da Christina for the best Arancini (this is not a restaurant but tavola calda)

Via Strabone, 2, 98039 Taormina (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/sMhoBVfjV4MjDq3f7

Taverna Don Nino: typical Sicilian with only products from Sicily. This is not a restaurant but here you can eat the delicious dishes with salami, cheese, prociutto and mortadella, etc.

Via Bagnoli Croci, 19, 98039 Taormina (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/hqDuQqxkmJ5ZCsaS7

Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro

Piazza Carmine, 5, 98039 Taormina (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/398SPJq9NhNgiM8M8

Al Giardino Restaurant

Via Bagnoli Croci, 84, 98039 Taormina (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/dxxhwUdeF7CBbEZy7

Malvasia Restaurant

Via, Viale Apollo Arcageta, 8, 98039 Taormina (ME)

https://goo.gl/maps/fSSEoqMSks2m4hJB6

Granduca Restaurant Taormina