Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a paradise full of white-sand beaches, stunning clifftops and crystal and clear waters. What you might not know, however, is that Sicily is also home to some of the best food not just in Italy, but the whole of the Med. If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned to this beautiful destination, with our top ten guide on the best food in Italy, you’ll be sure not to miss out.

Best food in Sicily: What not to miss

There are so many delicious dishes to choose from. Here we have selected some of the most loved culinary creations. 

Arancini: crunchy, filled rice balls with an innovative origin story

Arancini (aka “arancine”), golden and crispy rice balls, have found fame in various parts of Europe and the world now. You may not be aware, however, that they are actually of Sicilian origin. Filled with a variety of ingredients like ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, peas, or ham, these deep-fried delights are a testament to the island's resourcefulness and creativity. They started as a way to use leftover risotto, turning it into a portable and delicious treat.

 Caponata: deliciously vegetarian aubergine stew

Caponata is a classic Sicilian aubergine dish, rich in Mediterranean flavours. This sweet and sour vegetable stew typically includes eggplants, tomatoes, celery, onions, capers, and olives, all simmered together and seasoned with vinegar and sugar. Caponata showcases the island's produce and its ability to balance contrasting flavours.

 Pasta alla Norma: a famous pasta dish named after an opera

Named after Vincenzo Bellini's opera "Norma," this pasta dish is a tribute to the composer's Sicilian heritage. It features pasta (usually rigatoni or spaghetti) dressed with a rich tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata cheese, and fresh basil. Pasta alla Norma highlights the simplicity and freshness of Sicilian cuisine.

Cannoli: sweet, filled pastries that have found global fame

No culinary journey through Sicily would be complete without tasting cannoli. These crispy, tube-shaped pastries are filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with sugar, vanilla, and often chocolate chips or candied fruit. Cannoli exemplify the island's expertise in desserts and the use of local ricotta. If you find yourself asking what to eat in Taormina, cannoli are always a great thing to try.

Granita: a traditional frozen dessert older than ice cream

Sicilian granita is a refreshing frozen dessert that predates modern ice cream. If you’re wondering, what do Sicilians eat for breakfast? - the answer is granita! Made from water, sugar, and natural flavours like lemon, almond, or coffee, granita is served semi-frozen, often accompanied by a soft brioche bun. This icy treat is perfect for the island's hot summers and showcases Sicily's high-quality citrus fruits and nuts.

Sarde a Beccafico: the best of Sicilian seafood

This dish of stuffed sardines reflects Sicily's deep connection to the sea. Fresh sardines are filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and herbs, then baked until tender. Sarde a Beccafico is a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury, typical of Sicilian cuisine, and a nod to the island's abundant seafood.

Panelle: a crispy street food snack

Panelle are chickpea flour fritters, a staple street food in Palermo. These thin, savoury slices are deep-fried until crispy and often served in a sandwich with sesame bread, sometimes accompanied by potato croquettes. Panelle highlight Sicily's Moorish influences and the island's tradition of simple, yet flavourful street food. If you’re looking for Palermo what to eat, panelle is a market staple.

Sfincione: a bready dish created for special occasions

Sfincione is Sicily's answer to pizza, hailing from Palermo. This thick, spongy bread is topped with a tomato-based sauce, onions, anchovies, and a sprinkle of caciocavallo cheese, then baked to perfection. Sfincione is a festive dish, often prepared for special occasions, and reflects the island's love for hearty, communal meals.

Pasta con le Sarde: where land meets the sea

A quintessential Sicilian dish, pasta con le sarde combines fresh sardines with wild fennel, pine nuts, raisins, and saffron. This unique pasta dish captures the essence of Sicilian cooking with its mix of land and sea ingredients, and a blend of sweet, salty, and savoury flavours.

Cassatella di Sant'Agata: tasty dome-shaped cakes

Also known as Minne di Sant'Agata, these small, dome-shaped cakes are dedicated to the patron saint of Catania. In terms of what to eat in Catania, these are a must-try. Made from sponge cake and filled with ricotta, chocolate, and candied fruits, then covered with marzipan and icing, these treats are both a culinary and cultural icon. They reflect Sicily's rich tradition of pastry-making and religious festivals.

Each dish in this culinary journey through Sicily tells a story of the island's rich culinary history, its fertile lands, and its bountiful seas. From street food to festive pastries, Sicilian cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, lovingly passed down through generations. Whether you're exploring the coastal towns or the inland hills, these ten dishes of what to eat in Sicily offer a true taste of Sicily's culinary heritage.

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