Sicily Food Guide

Sicily, a sun-drenched island with a rich history, beckons with its vibrant culture and mouthwatering cuisine. From the aromatic streets of Palermo to the coastal towns of Catania and Trapani, the island's culinary scene is a captivating blend of Mediterranean flavours, with influences from Greek, Arab, and Norman cultures.

Learn about Sicily See our weekly menu

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What to eat, see and do in Sicily

A melting pot of culture with Arabic, Norman and Baroque influences scattered across the island, Sicily has a rich heritage and its history is captivating. Palermo, the island’s capital, is the perfect place to sample Sicilian street food such as deep-fried arancini and sweet cannoli. Moving away from the coast, one will find a wealth of flora flourishing, from prized citrus fruits to delectable Datterini tomatoes.

Taste

Tomatoes

Some of Italy's sweetest tomatoes come from the town of Pachino, in Sicily, from which they take their name.

Sausage Meat

In Sicily, sausage meat is almost always infused with finocchio, or fennel, for a fresh, herbaceous flavour.

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a classic dish of Sicily, and features regularly on our menu, made with the island's bountiful aubergine crop.

Casarecce

Literally "handmade", casarecce are one of Sicily's most iconic pasta shapes.

Pistachios

Sicilian pistachios are famous in the gastronomic world. Viviaciously green and flecked with pink, they form the base of the island's pistachio pesto.

Ricotta Salata

Ricotta Salata is a hard, salty cheese from Sicily, not dissimilar to feta, though firmer in form.

Arancini

Arancini are Sicily's iconic balls of fried rice and, often, mozzarella. Naughty, but ever so nice.

Cannoli

Cannoli are like oversized cigars: delicious, but not very good for you. These Sicilian pastries are filled with cioccolato and ricotta.

See

Teatro Massimo

Palermo's Teatro Massimo is a colourful opera house on the Piazza Verdi.

Cefalu

Cefalù, a small town on Sicily's northern coast, is known for its small, rustic streets and cathedral.

Palermo Cathedral

Added to and altered over the course of many centuries, this cathedral tells the tale of Sicily's myriad history.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna, an active volcano, has loomed over the people of Sicily for thousands of years.

Fontana Pretoria

Built in Florence, this fountain was transported to Palermo in 1574. To be moved it was disassembled in 644 pieces.

Temple of Hera Lacinia

Temple of Hera Lacinia is a Greek temple in the Valle dei Templi, Sicily, dating back to 450 BC.

Catania

Sicily's second city of Catania is irresistibly pretty, straddling the island's east coast.

Tonnara di Scopello

The Tonnara di Scopello, nestled in a bay of exquisite beauty, sits on a land protected by two medieval towers.

Learn

Archimedes

Archimedes, the ancient mathematician, hailed from Syracuse in Syria.

Triskelion

The Triskelion, known in Sicily also as the Trinacria, is the three-legged woman that symbolises Sicily.

Moorish Influence

Sicily was conquered by the Moors, from North Africa, and Moorish influence remains to this day, unique in Italy.

Festa del Pistacchio

Bronte, a small town in Sicily, is known for its pistachio harvest. Each year it celebrates the Festa del Pistacchio.

Almond Trees

Sicily is famous for its almond tree blossoms. Acqua di Parma's classic fragrance "Mandorlo di Sicilia" takes its name in honour of Sicilian almonds.

Catania Cathedral

This Roman Catholic cathedral is dedicated to Saint Agatha and displays Norman and Baroque architecture.

Byzantine Mosaics

Byzantine mosaics, such as this, are scattered beautifully across Sicily.

Largest Island

Sicily is the largest island of the Mediterranean, bigger than other islands like Sardinia, Corsica and Crete.

Read about Sicily

Journey on with us to explore some of Sicily’s hidden treasures. With our guide to the best Sicilian street food and our delicious summer-evoking recipes, we will whisk you away to warmer climes.

My Time in Sicily: Lachlan Mackintosh

Tipple of Sicily: The Italicus Spritz

A Foodie's Tour of Sicily

A Taste of Sicily: Cavatelli with Broccoli & Chilli Sauce

Overview of Sicilian Wines

KEEP TRAVELLING

Don’t stop there – there’s so much more to see! Continue your Italian odyssey and explore other regions below.

Summer Tour of Italy

Winter Tour of Italy

BECOME A PRO PASTAIO

PASTA MAKING KITS

Take your Italian education one step further by learning to make your own pasta at home. Our pasta making kits come complete with specialist tools and flours, and if you’re a complete newbie, don’t worry – we have a range of gift sets that cater for all abilities. Once you’ve perfected the basics, you’ll become a pasta pro in no time!

VIEW PASTA MAKING KITS