Italian Food
Simple pleasures!
This is Sicilian based Don Pepinu, its a chain that you can find scattered through Sicily.
Gelato
You can’t go past gelato in Sicily.
The flavours are incredible—crafted with local produce that sometimes seems very new.
My favourites are Cocco (coconut) and Ciliegia (cherry). Two scoops, one of each, in a cone. OMG—just delicious. And definitely not flavours I can find in gelato back home in NZ.
Prices are usually around €3.50 for two scoops, but here’s a tip: watch people as they come out of the gelateria. Scoop sizes can vary dramatically for the same price, so a little observation goes a long way!
I do have my favourite spots in Catania and Taormina, but sometimes the best choice depends on the day. I would suggest trying something new.
Cannolo
I have to restrict myself with these beautiful treats—cannoli are dangerously good.
My preference was always to find a local panetteria and ask if they made them fresh. You might need to wait a few minutes but trust me: nothing beats one that’s just had its ricotta filling piped into a crisp, golden case.
Prices were usually around €1–2 from a local bakery, and the experience was always better than grabbing one from a tourist-heavy café where you may pay double the price.
Arancini
Arancini are one of Sicily’s most beloved street foods—crisp, golden rice balls stuffed with ragù, béchamel and ham (burro), or even eggplant alla norma.
At first, I wasn’t sure they were for me.
But then I was led to Savia, one of Catania’s institutions, and everything changed.
The crunch, the delicious filling, the balance of flavours—I was converted!
Prices vary from €1.50 at a local panetteria to around €3 in the city centre.
Bar snacks, and cocktails
When you order a drink, you often get a small table snack to go with it.
You may end up paying for this in your 'coperto' cover charge but its sometimes all you need.
Otherwise, there is always a selection of appetisers to enjoy with your Aperol.
My go to lunch - I can't get enough of this simple plate.
Most days in Sicily, I make my own little plate of delights— olives and fresh tomatoes from the local markets. I mix up the cheese depending on how I feel. Just a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, some delicious fruit and a swirl of balsamic glaze. Sit outside in the sun with a glass of Prosecco and a book… mmm, can't beat it!
It’s a simple taste sensation. No fuss, no recipe—just fresh ingredients. This is my kind of luxury: local, seasonal, and slowly enjoyed.
Pizza, from Pizzeria Coppola
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza served in the middle of Catania. An elegant touch is the golden shears for slicing (cutting really!)
For me, the best pizzas are the classic ones like a Marguerita —simple, with just a few carefully chosen ingredients that let the flavors shine.
Calzone from L'antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Channeling Julia Roberts and Eat Pray Love here - I ordered a calzone in the Catania store of L'antica Pizzeria Da Michele (as seen in the movie).
I knew it would be big, but seriously—this was huge. Crisp on the outside, savoury inside, it was super delicious. I’d have it again in a heartbeat.
“I’m in Love. I’m having a relationship with my Pizza.” In this instance, it's with my Calzone ha ha
Fresh produce and dried fruit
In the markets a familiar site will be stalls overflowing with both fresh produce and dried fruit.
Seasonal fresh produce:
I have been known to carry about 3-4 kilos of fresh fruit and vegetables back from the markets, I get literally carried away by the sight of it and have to buy some.
Dried fruit:
Beware—you might find yourself swept up in the temptation of ‘just a little of this, a little of that’ and end up with far more than you intended. Some varieties lean a bit too sweet, but overall, they’re delicious.
Seafood
I didn’t grow up eating a lot of seafood, but my time in Sicily has certainly expanded my palate.
There is an abundance of fresh seafood at incredible prices particularly at the markets. When it’s cooked with pasta, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil—it’s simply divine.
Spaghetti vongole is my absolute favourite.
