Sicilian Food: One of the highlights of dining in Italy is the rich diversity of regional cuisines, and this is vividly demonstrated when sampling the food in Sicily.
Over the centuries, Sicily has been influenced by various rulers including the Greeks, Arabs, Byzantines, and Normans. Each has left a unique imprint on the island’s culinary traditions.
This historical blend results in a Sicilian cuisine that is both varied and unexpected, often differing significantly from what is typically associated with Italian food outside of Italy.
Planning a trip to Sicily and curious about what to eat? This guide to Sicilian cuisine will point you in the right direction!
How to Sample a Variety of Sicilian Foods
Looking to experience several of Sicily’s best dishes in one go, or prefer to try small portions to avoid any culinary missteps?
Consider joining a food tour in Sicily!
We highly recommend the food and history tour in Palermo, which provides a fantastic introduction to both the city and Sicilian cuisine.
Not visiting Palermo? You might also enjoy food tours in Taormina, Syracuse, or a Sicilian street food tour in Catania, all of which come highly recommended.
Food tours are a great way to discover new favorites early in your trip, leading to more adventurous dining experiences throughout your stay.
Must-Try Traditional Sicilian Dishes
Don’t leave Sicily without sampling these iconic dishes!
Arancini
Arancini are fried rice balls, typically filled with meat and coated in breadcrumbs. They’re a beloved street food in Sicily and come in various shapes depending on the region—cone-shaped in the east and round in Palermo.
Caponata
This dish features fried eggplant, capers, olive oil, and a mix of other vegetables. The exact recipe can vary, but it’s a staple side dish in Sicilian cuisine.
Pane Con La Milza
For the adventurous eater, pane con la milza is a must-try: it consists of fried spleen stuffed into a soft sesame-seed bun, served as a sandwich.
Pasta alla Norma
A favorite Sicilian dish, pasta alla norma combines macaroni with eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta.
Cartocciata
Hailing from Catania, cartocciata resembles a mini-calzone filled with mozzarella and tomatoes, though other fillings are also available.
Pasta Con Le Sarde
Seafood lovers will enjoy pasta con le sarde, a flavorful dish topped with anchovies and sardines.
Panelle
Made from chickpea flour and fried, panelle are a popular street food, especially in Palermo, often enjoyed on their own or in a bread roll.
Sfincione
Known as Sicilian pizza, sfincione features a thick, bready crust topped with onions, tomatoes, and a small amount of cheese—distinct from the pizza found in Naples.
Insalata Siciliana
This salad highlights Sicilian oranges, sometimes complemented with olives, onions, or fennel, but always featuring oranges as its base.
Crocché
These deep-fried snacks, similar to French croquettes, are made from mashed potatoes and eggs and are a popular street food.
Oranges
Sicily is renowned for its oranges, with the blood orange being especially celebrated.
Busiate alla Trapanese
Busiate, a type of macaroni, is paired with a Sicilian pesto made from tomatoes, almonds, and basil.
Sweet Delights in Sicily
Sicilian desserts are a treat. Here are some of the most popular, including a breakfast option!
Granita
Imagine a slushie but much better—Sicilian granita is a semi-frozen dessert with a fantastic texture and flavor, varying by region.
Cannoli
Famous worldwide, cannoli are tube-shaped pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta. Sampling these is essential to your Sicilian experience.
Cioccolato di Modica
Modica’s chocolate is unique, made by hand-grinding cacao and processing it cold, resulting in a grainy texture that’s distinct from modern chocolate.
Cassata
This rich dessert features sponge cake soaked in liqueur or juice, layered with candied fruit and ricotta, then covered in marzipan and topped with more candied fruit.
Fruta Martorana
Marzipan sweets shaped like fruits or vegetables are traditional Sicilian treats.
Brioche Con Gelato
For an indulgent breakfast, enjoy a brioche bun filled with gelato, creating a delicious ice cream sandwich.
Biscotti Regina
These small cookies from Palermo are coated in sesame seeds, offering a sweet and salty flavor.
Beverages to Enjoy in Sicily
Fresh Orange Juice
Sicilian oranges are best enjoyed fresh—nothing beats a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Sicilian Wine
The island’s wine industry is thriving, with popular varieties like Nero d’Avola and lesser-known regional grapes. Be sure to accompany your Sicilian meal with some local wine.