Discovering Sicily: A Culinary Journey Through the Mediterranean Paradise
- quimmarquet
- Jun 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is home to Europe’s most active volcano. When you think of Sicily, you might picture The Godfather. However, what you should truly envision is a land bursting with some of the best produce in the world: wine, lemons, almonds, aubergines, and, of course, iconic Italian creations like Arancini, Cannoli, Granita, and Caponata.
Sicilian cuisine is deeply rooted in the land and sea, overflowing with sun-ripened flavours. Think citrus, olives, capers, pistachios, and fresh herbs. Every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and the island’s rich cultural blend.
Sicily has been a cultural crossroads for millennia, shaped by Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. I visited the island at the beginning of this month, and here’s how my culinary adventure unfolded!
Day 1: Arrival in Catania and Siracusa Delights
We started our journey by arriving in Catania, located on the eastern coast of the island. A trip from London takes less than three hours! After picking up our car, we headed south to Siracusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We decided to explore the old town and enjoy an informal lunch at the local market. The food options were diverse, with stalls offering raw seafood and various types of fritti (deep-fried fish). We chose to eat at a takeaway shop, but you can also enjoy your meal on-site.
Lunch at Caseificio Borderi
For lunch, we visited Caseificio Borderi, where we shared delicious paninos, caponata, and sweet and sour ricotta.
Address: Via Emmanuele Benedictis, 6, 96100
Price: €50 for four people, including beers.
Of course, we couldn’t resist having gelato afterward! There are many options, but we stopped at a Sicilian institution: Don Peppinu. Opened in 1960, this artisanal gelato shop has ten locations across Sicily and is perfect for refreshing your hot afternoon.
Address: Via Cavour 28, 96100
After checking in and taking a power nap, we strolled around town, heading to our dinner destination: Sicilia in Tavola. This local restaurant boasts a long wine list and embodies classic Sicilian cuisine with rustic decor. We enjoyed local pasta dishes like fettuccine allo scoglio and spaghetti Siracusa.
Address: Via Emmanuele de Benedictis 9, 96100 Siracusa
Price: Starters, mains, and desserts: €45 pp (including Sicilian wine, liquor, and coffee).
Day 2: Exploring Noto and Marzamemi
Noto: The Baroque Capital
On our second day, we ventured to one of the most famous towns in the southeast: Noto, known as the Baroque Capital of Sicily. This UNESCO World Heritage site was featured in a Netflix episode of Chef's Table due to local hero Corrado Assenza and his Café Sicilia.
Before indulging in dessert, we visited a local bakery: Panificio Maidda. Just a few meters from the cathedral, this gem offers local delights like Sicilian scacce (filled flatbread), sfincioni (local pizza by the slice), and focaccias. Prices vary, but if you’re looking for a cheap eat with a street food vibe, try the panicifios—you won’t regret it!
Address: Via Ducezio 85, 96017
Price: €10 pp, including a beer.
Dessert at Café Sicilia
Now, onto dessert! Café Sicilia is probably the best ice cream I've ever had. Located in the central square, right under the cathedral's shadows, this gelato heaven has been open since 1892. You can choose from desserts, cakes, granitas, and gelatos, all made with local produce of the highest quality. It’s an absolute must-visit!
Address: Vittorio Emanuele 125, 96017
Price: Granita and brioche: €6.50.
Dinner in Marzamemi
After our sweet indulgence, we drove about 45 minutes to the coastal village of Marzamemi. This charming fishing village has become a tourist destination in recent years. With plenty of seafood delights and local wines, we had many options for dinner. We chose Liccamuciula, a seafood restaurant located in an elegant old building.
Address: Piazza Regina Margherita 2, 96018
Price: Mains €20-25.
Day 3: Chocolate in Modica and Ragusa's Flavours
After enjoying a classic Sicilian breakfast, we headed to one of the most famous cities in this part of the island: Modica.
In the province of Ragusa, this ancient town is renowned for its Baroque buildings and chocolate-making history. The grainy chocolate traces back to an ancient Aztec recipe brought via Spain, often flavoured with cinnamon, chili, or vanilla. The town even hosts the Chocomodica festival (Chocomodica Festival) and the famed Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Bassa.
We decided to take a local touristic train for about 45 minutes (the city is quite hilly, and it costs €5 per person). Afterward, we had to buy chocolate! We visited Tipico Barocco, where you can find a variety of flavours. Prices start from €3 for a chocolate tablet.
Address: Via Risorgimento 8G, 97015, Modica
Lunch in Ragusa
After our entertaining morning, we headed north for lunch in another Baroque town: Ragusa. The city is divided into two parts: Ragusa Superiore (the upper modern part) and Ragusa Ibla (the lower old town). In front of the cathedral, we stopped at a little café for what we thought would be a light bite.
At Caffe Biancomangiare, we enjoyed pasta a la nona, couscous, arancini with mortadella, and, of course, cannoli.
Address: Via del Convento 15, 97100
Price: €20 per person, including drinks and coffee.
After lunch, we desperately needed to check in to rest and digest. After a short drive, we arrived back in Catania. This is the second-largest city on the island, where the new city stands atop Roman ruins, showcasing the true essence of Sicilian life: noisy, vibrant, and full of character.
Evening Snacks at Vermut
We wanted to try the local aperitivo, so we trusted some friends' recommendations and started our evening snacks at Vermut. This local gem allows you to sit outside in the street and watch the city and its residents pass by. They offer various drinks and snacks, from sliced meats to cheeseboards, to complement your vermouth, wine, or cocktails. You can reserve a table, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Address: Via Gemmellaro, 39, 95131
Price: Vermouth from €3.50, beers from €5, sliced meats from €2.50.
After soaking in the vibrant streets, we chose to have dinner at Me Cumpari Turinddu. Here, you can try exotic dishes like donkey or sweet couscous for dessert. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a counter displaying Sicilian meats and cheeses and an extensive wine list.
Address: Piazza Turi Ferro, 36/38, 95131
Price: Around €35 per person for a starter, main, and dessert, including wine.
Day 4: Mount Etna and Taormina's Charm
On our last day, we woke up to a beautiful surprise: Mount Etna was erupting! In Catania, this is like your weekly shopping; locals don’t even stress or change their plans—they’ve lived with it for hundreds of years. Instead of exploring the volcano, we decided to visit a nearby city: Taormina.
Taormina is known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and its dramatic blend of Greek, Roman, medieval, and modern influences. Elegant, romantic, and walkable, Taormina has been a favourite of artists, writers, and royalty for centuries. It’s one of the most photographed spots!
Since we didn’t want a formal lunch and the day was hot (25°C at the beginning of June), we opted for some of our favourites at a local panificio: Rosticceria Da Cristina. Here, arancini range from €3.50 to €4.50, slices of local pizza are €3, and scacciate (rolled, filled flatbread) cost between €3.50 and €4.
Address: Via Giovani di Giovanni, 28, 98039
After a refreshing power nap back in Catania, we were almost ready to say goodbye. We made a second visit to Vermut to enjoy the aperitivo one last time.
Farewell Dinner at Uzeta Bistro Siciliano
Not far from there, Uzeta Bistro Siciliano awaited us to bid farewell with a smile. This little bistro offers sharing plates, mixed starters, and fantastic desserts. You can eat inside or enjoy the local buzz on the terrace. The range of local and Italian wines is impressive, and the service is friendly and attentive. The pasta a la Norma, octopus, and panna cotta were particularly fantastic!
Address: Via Penninello, 41, 95124
Price: €35-45 per person for mains, dessert, and wine.
Did you enjoy our little tour? Do you want to visit Sicily? Send us a request, and we will find the best deals, accommodations, and food tips!
Let’s explore the world through food together!
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