3 Best Restaurants in Sicily, Italy

In the sleepy town of Santa Rita, you'll find a culinary gem worth the drive off the beaten path. Driving along narrow roads that may be filled with sheep herders, you'll get to Forno Santa Rita, a bakery managed by a father-and-son team who mill regional wheat to make the most delicate focaccia you'll ever taste. They also make pasta from the same organic semolina, which you can buy pre-packaged at their little shop along with other products like sauces, beers, and jams from the area. The bakery has a small dining room and a terrace. It's popular, especially on the weekends, so reservations are a must (send a text or call on WhatsApp). 

One of the most famous restaurants in Sicily—and one of only two on the island to have been awarded a second Michelin star—La Madia is a must-visit when you're here. Chef Pino Cuttaio is a legend within Sicily and beyond thanks to his incredible talent for creating unique dishes that fuse tradition and innovation, without ever losing sight of the kind of simplicity that allows the brilliance and flavors of first-rate Sicilian produce to shine. There are three tasting menus, inspired by the che's vision. Advance reservations are required.

This wholesaler specializes in oysters, mollusks, and crustaceans, and offers a tasting room that has become an obligatory stop for seafood aficionados in town. This may look like nothing but a fish market, but diners are dazzled by the quality of the seafood. There are 24 kinds of oysters, all manner of clams (including Galician percebes), local red prawns in several sizes, and a tank of lobsters and crabs as well as fresh seasonal tuna. Choose between having your fish raw, steamed, grilled, or a la gratin, and dine in the simple blue and white conservatory while enjoying a glass or two of local white wine. You can also get a fine fish couscous (one portion is ample for two people).