Sicilian Food

During any holiday in Sicily, visitors are always wowed by the variety and wonderful flavours of Sicilian food. You can't beat the freshness of the produce: fresh fish is brought in from the sea every day, and the markets groan with colourful fruit and vegetables. Each area of Sicily has its own specialities, but you will find amazing flavours wherever you go. Try everything, eat seasonally, and enjoy!

Seasonal Food

As the seasons come and go, Sicilian food changes, with different dishes and products being firm favourites at certain times of the year.

Aubergines

Sicily goes aubergine crazy during the summer months. You will see gorgeous aubergines for sale on every street corner and they will be the highlight of any meal in a restaurant.

Artichokes

Artichokes are adored in Sicily. Cooked in a variety of ways, make sure you try them grilled on the barbecue in spring!

Tuna

Fresh tuna is a spring speciality. Sicilians love this time of year, when the meaty fish arrives on the menu. Try it with a pistachio crust!

Cassata

A luxurious cake filled with ricotta and covered in marzipan. This is traditionally enjoyed in winter, especially at Christmas.

Granita

Granita is great all year round, but it is especially wonderful during the hot summer months. Eat it for breakfast – you're on holiday!

Oranges

Oranges are at their best during the winter months. A freshly squeezed spremuta is the best way to start your day!

Pasta con Pesto Trapanese

Pesto Trapanese – a sauce made from fresh tomatoes, almonds and garlic – is best tried in the summer when the tomatoes are at their ripest.

Fresh Fruit

With the summer sun beating down, there's nothing better than fresh Sicilian fruit! Strawberries, peaches, watermelons. The list goes on!

Top Picks

Don't miss any of these Sicilian specialities when visiting Sicily!

Pasta alla Norma

A heavenly mix of aubergine, tomato and ricotta salata makes this pasta dish famous throughout Sicily.

Pasta al Forno

Each area of Sicily has its own version with various additions, but essentially a pasta bake, with rich ragù and creamy béchamel.

Pasta con le Sarde

A wonderfully fresh pasta dish with a sauce made from sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins.

Caponata

A typical vegetable stew. The star of the show is aubergine. The sweet/sour sauce is incredibly tasty.

Arancine

What's the best thing you ate in Sicily? Many will answer, “arancine!”. Try one – although one is never enough!

Cous Cous

Don't miss eating cous cous – especially if staying in west Sicily. An unforgettable and delicious meal guaranteed.

Cannoli

A firm favourite with anyone with a sweet tooth! Fresh ricotta-filled tubes are the ultimate Sicilian sweet treat!

Sarde a Beccafico

A wonderfully simple dish of sardines, with raisins and pine nuts, baked in the oven. Extremely popular in Palermo.

Famous Products

Sicily has a wealth of incredible products that are known throughout Italy and indeed, the world. Here are just a few!

Bronte Pistachio

Sicily's “Green Gold”. Pistachios from Bronte, a town on the slopes of Mount Etna, are utterly delicious and used in sweets, in pasta and as a snack.

Pachino Tomatoes

The sweetest, freshest tomatoes come from Pachino in south Sicily. Beautiful on their own, in a salad, or with pasta.

Citrus Fruit

Sicily is known for its bright citrus fruit, especially lemons and oranges. Their vibrant flavour adds a punch to any dish they are used in - either savoury or sweet!

Capers

Capers add so much to any recipe! These little balls of flavour are incredibly Sicilian, and are especially famous in recipes hailing from the off-shore islands.

Ricotta

Ricotta is the star of many Sicilian dishes, ranging from pasta to sweets. Wonderfully versatile, this cheese is delicious!

Pasta Reale

Pasta Reale is similar to marzipan, a thick, sweet paste made from almonds. Famous in Sicily, it is often shaped into pretty designs for special occasions.

North Sicily

West Sicily

East Sicily

South Sicily

Discover Sicily

Travel to Sicily

Sicily

Puglia