What to eat Sicily? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Sicily being a very touristic country, the traditional trattorias are usually open every day for lunch and dinner in the middle and high season. In winter, the opening hours change and some places close.

Low budget. From €10 to €20 per person. Sicilian snacks are always available on the go, and can be quite hearty and inexpensive: arancini in particular, but also panini . .. If you're feeling a bit hungrier, a dish of lasagne, pasta or a good pizza is never too expensive.

Average budget. From €25 to €40 per person. Sicily's trattorias and traditional restaurants are marvels of affordable gastronomy, similar to France.

High budget. From €50 per person. Gastronomic restaurants spread their beautiful white tablecloths in all Sicilian towns. Wines can also go upmarket if you're looking for rare vintages or great Italian wines.

In Italy, "bread and cutlery" costs from €1.50 to €3 per person, and it's impossible not to pay for it. The price is displayed on the menu. The 20% service charge is included in the menu price. Mineral water is standard in restaurants, and is automatically brought to the table. You'll be asked if you want still or sparkling water, but not if you want tap water.

You'll be offered a menu of antipasti, starters, followed by primi piatti, fresh homemade pasta dishes, or rice dishes (risottos). Then comes the secondi piatti menu: meats and fish, with contorni, or side dishes. Finally, the dolci, the desserts. Eating everything is a challenge. You can also do as the Italians do: order several dishes and share everything!

Sicilians are very family-oriented. So much so that children are always welcome in all restaurants.

Restaurant terrace tables are generally in smoking areas. It is rare that a restaurant is completely non-smoking.

In general, avoid restaurants that are too close to the main tourist attractions. Avoid restaurants that drive customers out into the street. Always check the restaurant's reputation on the Internet. Finally, follow the advice of the Petit Futé to avoid disappointment with your food!

Cafés are generally open very early, with early-morning workers lounging at the zinc to gulp down a ristretto before heading out. Bars close at the same times as in France, but bar-clubs much later.

Bars are less expensive than in France, with a good cocktail costing between €5 and €8, but some bars charge similar prices to Paris, in the €12 range. Coffee is also well-priced throughout Sicily, and it's bound to be good, whether you take it ristretto, corto or largo (strong, short or long).

In Italy, bars are open to people aged 18 and over.

Bars offer aperitivo formulas with appetizers, bruschettas, eggplant caviar, breadsticks.... or a buffet, included in the price of your cocktail. Enoteca are wine bars that usually also have a food menu.

In bars, outdoor terraces are generally open to smokers.