12 Best Restaurants in Siracusa and the Southeast, Sicily

This small bar and deli is another must-visit spot on the fringes of Ortigia's historic market. You can choose from a generously stuffed panini, a plate of the local antipasti, or a small plate of whatever is in season from the sea. Be sure to visit the deli before you leave to stock on food-based souvenirs to take home.

In a fantastic spot by the now-drained river in Scicli, you'll need to book ahead here to enjoy a meal since it's quite popular with locals. That's thanks to the menu and the fact that you can enjoy a variety of dining options, from a simple aperitivo to a full-blown meal from the ever-changing seasonal menu. Choose a wine from the exceptional wine list to accompany your meal and listen to the owner or his staff tell you with pride how everything is produced locally or organically. If you want a reminder of your meal, you can buy some ingredients from the small display at the back of the restaurant.

Palazzolo Acreide has become a bit of a food town in recent years, and this blink-and-you-miss-it spot, housed in an ancient grotto off the main street, is a big part of that. The family-run restaurant offers house antipasti big enough to share (like the unique Mortadella mousse) and a short menu of high-quality entrées including a black lentil risotto. For dessert, don't miss the grape granita: two frozen berries and a lemon semifreddo.

Vegetarians and vegans will find their options can be somewhat limited when dining in Sicily, so they will be delighted to find Singola, a restaurant that focuses on organic vegetarian and vegan food with Sicilian flare. It’s a little outside of town, but it's set within a lovely garden.

Ideally located for people-watching on Noto's main thoroughfare, this place serves up jam-packed panini, with most of the ingredients (including meats) supplied by local producers, who also subscribe to the slow food movement. Once you've had your fill, you can head next door to their store to stock up on high-quality Sicilian gifts. 

If you are visiting the local historic market nearby, this is an essential place to stop and refuel. The owner can usually be found outside tempting people with paninis that will keep you full until dinner. Be prepared to practice your Italian as he engages in nonstop conversation with locals and tourists alike.

As the name suggests, this is a temple to everything from the sea, caught fresh and prepared simply. Choose from local clams, prawns anointed with lime, calamari, or whatever else that has been recently caught. Just prepared to book ahead as this is very popular with locals, and a table may be hard to find if you just walk in.

A short walk from the Fontana di Diana, this restaurant prepares traditional Sicilian dishes with a French influence, such as the savory cannoli starters. One of the mainstays on the menu is tuna lasagne, which is quite popular with locals. There are only eight tables at the restaurant so be sure to reserve ahead.

A must-visit for seafood lovers, here you'll find various fish-only tasting menus ranging from €25 for six appetizers to the full experience of 10 courses (six appetizers, one first course, two mains, and one dessert) for €45. If you are here on a Sunday, book ahead and enjoy a set price menu of an appetizer, first course, main course, dessert, and wine for only €30.

Decorated in a modern style with lamps illuminating each table, Ristorante Vicari provides a contemporary take on an authentic Sicilian restaurant. This extends into the kitchen with chef Salvatore Vicari delivering delicious, modern, and humorous versions of classic dishes, like octopus, potato millefeuille, and red onion in sweet and sour cream or roast chicken with cream of carrots, lemon, and spinach. Don't miss Vicari's own spin on the classic cannoli for dessert. Reservations are definitely recommended.

Following the slow food approach, this restaurant is known for showcasing high-quality, local ingredients, thanks to a chef who captures the essence of classic Sicilian dishes while still upgrading them to the level of fine dining. The menu changes daily depending on what's in season and available at the local market, but there's always the award-winning sausage and an excellent rabbit pasta dish.

This family-run eatery in the center of town is known for low-key but reliable local dishes and a pleasant atmosphere. If you're not tempted by the fish of the day, you can choose between the various land-based dishes offered, such as ravioli with pork ragù, roasted veal, and rabbit with olives and mint.