3 Best Cities to Explore the Food of Sicily

Palermo is the commercial and culinary capital of Sicily. The traditional cuisine of Palermo adheres to the local and fresh ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, utilizing fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, potatoes, and legumes, pork, sheep, beef, cheeses, and olive oil. Seafood ingredients are also a staple of traditional dishes from Palermo, including sardines, anchovies, and shellfish. The distinct dishes of Palermo reflect the culinary heritage that stems from Arab culture and remains most prevalently in desserts. The flavors of Palermo cuisine can range from delicate to robust, with each dish containing local, fresh, and simple ingredients that create layers of fascinating flavors.

Famous dishes of Palermo: Caponata | Pasta with Sardines | Baby Goat with Potatoes | Stuffed Artichokes with Sauce

Syracuse is an ancient city of Greek origin known as the foundation of Western cuisine, housing the first cooking school in Europe. The traditional food of Syracuse includes ingredients like olives, fish, cheeses, pastas, breads, citrus fruits, almond, sugar, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, sausages, and aromatic herbs. The geography of Syracuse provides an abundance of ingredients from the land and sea, including cuttlefish, tuna, and roe. The Arab influence in Syracuse brought citrus fruits and almond trees, while the Middle Ages provided sugar and salt. Rice, mollusks, and crustaceans remain popular in the typical cuisine of Syracuse, resulting in meals that are commonly divided by courses with cheese, meats, and seafood.

Typical dishes of Viterbo: Pasta with Sicilian Zucchini | Spaghetti with Cuttlefish Ink | Spaghetti all Siracusana | Tuna with Peppers | Babbaluci

Catania is a bustling city and is often considered the second capital of the island famous for its culinary traditions. With one of the largest fish markets in Italy, the city embodies the land and sea for an unforgettable culinary tradition that exemplifies Sicilian cuisine. The antique architecture, unrivaled energy, and earthy ambiance create the perfect blend for a city devoted to the simple pleasures of robust culinary flavors. Catania leans on its heritage to shape the powerful presence of culinary mastery using the combination of historic piazzas, dazzling skyline, and typical ingredients.

Popular dishes of Catania: Arancini | Pasta alla norma | Granita | Cassatelle

The towns and cities of Sicily embrace the rich history and local ingredients to bring a seasonal celebration to the tables of the island. Whether with Greek customs or Phoenician aesthetics, you can find the culinary treasures of the volcanic island. Dreaming of your Sicily food tour? You can speak with an Italy travel expert by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.