Must-see restaurants in Southern Italy

  • Bar Arcobaleno

    Western Sicily

    Perched directly above the tiny port, Gino's no-frills village cafe cooks up a bird's-eye view of the big blue sea and ferries sailing to the island…

  • La Stanza del Gusto

    Naples

    Focused on artisanal producers, this cultured address offers a buzzing ground-floor bistro and a quieter dining room upstairs. The tasting menus aren't…

  • Da Antonio

    Catania

    Humble yet quietly sophisticated, Da Antonio spoils food-lovers with well-priced, beautifully cooked food served by knowledgeable waitstaff. Despite…

  • Ristorante Da Spadone

    Cetara

    A new player in Cetara’s rigidly traditional dining scene, Spadone is the kind of place where the head chef stands ingratiatingly at the front door at 7pm…

  • Biancuccia

    Catania

    This tiny bakery has developed a cult following for its wholesome artisan breads, made with ancient Sicilian grains like tummina and perciasacchi. You'll…

  • Antichi Feudi

    Salerno & the Cilento

    This gracious restaurant is located within a swish boutique hotel just off Teggiano’s elegant main piazza. The menu varies according to what's in season,…

  • Tavernetta Ai Lumi

    Trapani

    Housed in what was palazzo stables in the 18th century, this old-world tavern with peeling racing-green paintwork and a market-fuelled kitchen on Trapani…

  • Jonico-a Rutta 'e Ciauli

    Syracuse

    It's a long and not particularly enticing hike to this seafront restaurant, but once you're there you'll appreciate the effort. On warm days, the terrace…

  • Spinella

    Catania

    The Slow Food movement especially recommends Spinella's traditional sweets – try the frutta martorana (marzipan sweets shaped like fruits and vegetables)…

  • Il Maestro del Brodo

    Palermo

    A homely, historic trattoria in the Vucciria, Il Maestro del Brodo revels in Italian soul-food classics, whether it be tortellini in broth, zucchini-and…

  • Ristorante Palazzo Branciforte

    Palermo

    Located in a blue-blooded palazzo, this restaurant is popular for its Sunday brunch. Book ahead for a table in the elegant courtyard, the best spot to…

  • Trattoria la Foglia

    Syracuse

    An Edwardian-like jumble of antique furniture, lacework and flowers, this is one of Syracuse's most eclectic-looking eateries. Settle in for simple,…

  • Trattoria Ai Cascinari

    Palermo

    Yes, it’s a bit out of the way, but Ai Cascinari, 1km north of the Cappella Palatina, is a long-standing Palermitan favourite. It’s especially enjoyable…

  • Carni e Delizi

    Trapani

    It doesn't get more local than this neighbourhood macelleria (butcher's shop) and deli, with a street cart selling panini con mezza (burgers) and a…

  • Osteria Mangia & Bevi

    Palermo

    While some may find the aesthetics a little contrived – think waiters wearing traditional Sicilian coppole (caps) – this Capo district eatery is serious…

  • Scaturchio

    Naples

    In a city infamous for belt-busting temptations, this piazza-side pasticceria (pastry shop) enjoys celebrity status. While you'll find all the local…

  • Trattoria Il Solitario

    Capri

    Eating here is a bit like being invited to someone’s home: tables are set in a small backyard with lemon trees and children’s toys in the corner, and the…

  • Liccamúciula

    Southeastern Sicily

    Peckish? Famished? Thirsty? This shabby-chic, piazza-side cafe-bookstore-boutique has you covered. A curated jumble of distressed furniture, flower pots…

  • Drogheria Vladivostok

    Catania

    Easy, indie-spirited Vladivostok is both a produce store and a cafe, feeding students, artists and suits with salubrious salads, lasagne and filling…

  • Trattoria La Sirena di Mancuso

    Ionian Coast

    Among the numerous eateries flanking Lago di Ganzirri, La Sirena stands out for its affable nature and well-executed, surf-centric homecooking. Celebrate…

  • Gastronomia Mancino

    Lampedusa

    At lunchtime, locals pour into this downtown tavola calda (cafeteria) with abundant outdoor seating on a central Lampedusa square. The reasonably priced…

  • Da Bruno

    Positano

    With a row of pavement tables overlooking the town and its umbrella-lined Spiaggia Grande, easy-going, cliff-side Da Bruno serves up beautiful southern…

  • Cavalluccio Marino

    Lampedusa

    Lampedusa's go-to address for refined island cuisine, Cavalluccio Marino puts a modern spin on Sicilian classics, from swordfish cannoli to champagne…

  • La Locanda del Colonnello

    Modica

    Whether it's a tramezzino (Italian white-bread sandwich) filled with lamb shoulder, artichoke, pecorino cheese and mint, or Roman cacio e pepe pasta made…

  • Millefoglie

    Catania

    Delicious, flesh-free grub awaits at little Millefoglie, a shabby-chic, whitewashed eatery with concrete floor, communal tables and an open kitchen. The…

  • Gelateria Buonacore

    Capri

    Ideal for quick takeaways, this popular, down-to-earth snack bar does a roaring trade in savoury and sweet treats. Hit the spot with panini (sandwiches),…

  • Pan X Focaccia

    Palermo

    Panini go glam at Pan X, a contemporary, sit-down sandwich joint with a dizzying list of eat-and-go options. It offers a wide choice of breads, including…

  • Andreas

    Taormina

    Subdued and sophisticated (if slightly clinical), Andreas is home to chef Andreas Zangerl, a long-time fixture on Taormina's fine-dining scene. While the…

  • Domus

    Syracuse

    Tending this snug little bistro are chef Marco and waiter Fabio, who together serve up excellent regional cooking with idiosyncratic twists. Offerings…

  • Punto e Pasta

    Marsala

    Pasta fiends will be in foodie heaven in this veritable ode to pasta. Be it ravioli, tortellini, gnocchi, pappardelle or the region's much-loved busiata,…

  • I Cuochini

    Palermo

    Hidden inside a little courtyard off Via Ruggero Settimo, this long-standing Palermitan favourite specialises in low-cost snacks, including delicious…

  • Baglio San Pietro

    Central Sicily

    Effortlessly blurring country and creative (think truffle caviar followed by smoked veal carpaccio), this agriturismo restaurant is also well known for…

  • Casa li Jalantuúmene

    Promontorio del Gargano

    This renowned restaurant owned by well-known chef Gegè Mangano serves excellent fare amid an intimate setting. The seasonal menu always features good…

  • Bar Pasticceria Palummo

    Sorrento Peninsula

    Tucked away in the tiny mountain town of Pimonte, this family-run pastry shop and cafe is famous for torta palummo, a scrumptious concoction of pan di…

  • Trattoria le Zie - Cucina Casareccia

    Lecce

    Where better to eat cucina casareccia (home cooking) than a place that feels like a private home, with patterned cement floor tiles, paper-strewn desk and…

  • Cioccolateria Lorenzo

    Palermo

    Should you devour the rose and raspberry truffle or the pistachio praline? These are the conundrums faced at this cocoa-obsessed cafe. Scattered with…

  • Pizzeria da Attilio

    Naples

    Its more-famous rivals might get much of the international press, but this come-as-you-are veteran fires some of the best pie in town. Lording over the…

  • Trattoria Castel dell'Ovo

    Naples

    Many locals ditch the bigger, more touristy restaurants on Borgo Marinaro for this cheaper, friendlier bolthole. Sit beside bobbing boats and tuck into…

  • Vicolo della Neve

    Salerno

    A city institution on a scruffy street, this is the archetypal centro storico trattoria, with brick arches, fake frescoes and walls hung with works by…

  • Il Gambero Pazzo

    Catania

    Weathered stairs lead up to 'The Crazy Prawn', a humble, family-run eatery loved for its fresh, affordable seafood and homestyle cooking. Don't miss the…

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