7 Dishes to Try on Your Trip to Sicily

Arancini are iconic rice balls, typically coated with bread crumbs and deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. While often stuffed with savory meat sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and tender peas, the versatility of arancini shines through the creativity of Sicilian chefs and home cooks. Many culinary artists love to include fillings like earthy mushrooms, rich pistachios, or tender eggplant, showcasing the island's abundant produce. It's a common and cherished practice for home cooks and commercial purveyors to craft these delicious spheres from leftover risotto, transforming a simple meal into an extraordinary treat.

This beloved Sicilian delicacy boasts a rich history, believed to have been created around the 10th century AD in Messina, during Arab rule on the island. The name "arancini" derives from its rounded shape and inviting golden-orange color, reminiscent of a small orange – "arancia" in Italian. With a choice of various delectable fillings, arancini serves as a delicious introduction to the vast and captivating world of Sicilian culinary delights.

When savoring Arancini, you can expect:

• Crispy Exterior: A perfectly golden-brown, breaded crust.
• Warm, Flavorful Rice: A core of creamy risotto, often saffron-infused.
• Diverse Fillings: From classic meat and cheese to vegetarian options like eggplant or pistachios.
• Street Food Appeal: A perfect, portable snack or light meal.
• Rich History: A dish deeply rooted in Sicilian tradition dating back centuries.

Arancini can be found throughout Sicily, but some places are renowned for them:

• Messina, considered the birthplace
• Catania
• Palermo

Pasta alla Norma, a dish of profound simplicity and exquisite flavor, originated in the vibrant city of Catania and stands as one of Sicily’s most iconic and celebrated pasta dishes. This wonderful culinary masterpiece is beautifully "decorated" with succulent, ripe tomatoes, tender fried or perfectly sautéed eggplant, and fragrant fresh basil, all brought together and generously topped with a snowfall of grated, salted ricotta cheese. Known universally for its superb and balanced taste, this famous dish also carries a curious and enchanting legacy that adds to its allure.

It’s famously rumored that the renowned Italian playwright Nino Martoglio, upon tasting the dish for the first time, was so captivated by its perfection that he exclaimed, “Chista è 'na vera Norma!” or, “This is a true Norma!” His exclamation was a reference to the popular Italian opera of the same name by Vincenzo Bellini, a native of Catania. The legend holds true: Pasta alla Norma embodies the very best of the island’s vibrant Mediterranean flavors, combining fresh, seasonal ingredients into a harmonious whole.

When indulging in Pasta alla Norma, you can expect:

• Fresh Tomato Sauce: A rich and vibrant base made from ripe Sicilian tomatoes.
• Tender Eggplant: Fried or sautéed eggplant adds a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
• Fragrant Basil: Fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic counterpoint.
• Salted Ricotta: A generous topping of grated ricotta salata for a salty, tangy finish.
• Harmonious Balance: A dish where simple ingredients combine for a complex, satisfying taste.

This iconic dish is best experienced in its birthplace and beyond:

• Catania
• Any authentic Sicilian trattoria
• Local osterias throughout eastern Sicily

Trapani-style couscous is a delicious and deeply aromatic combination of fragrant, perfectly steamed couscous intertwined with wild-caught seafood from the sun-drenched coast. Created and perfected in the heart of Trapani, this dish is far more than a meal; it is the perfect representation of the cross-cultural history that underpins Sicily’s culinary heritage. It speaks volumes of the island's strategic position at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, absorbing influences from myriad civilizations.

This distinctive preparation of couscous is thought to have arrived in Sicily during the Arab colonization of the island, primarily during the 9th century AD, though some historians suggest later influences as well. It has remained a beloved Sicilian staple ever since, evolving to incorporate the bounties of the local sea. During your trip to Sicily, you will have the opportunity to savor this hearty and robust dish, which bursts with layers of bright citrus, the clean taste of the sea's salt, and exotic spices. These flavors exemplify the diverse tastes of Sicily, offering a direct link to the island's multicultural past and vibrant present.

When trying Trapani-style couscous, you can expect:

• Fragrant Couscous: Light and fluffy, often infused with aromatic broths.
• Fresh Seafood: A rich assortment of local, wild-caught fish and shellfish.
• Mediterranean Flavors: A harmonious blend of citrus, herbs, and subtle spices.
• Historical Significance: A direct culinary link to Sicily's Arab heritage.
• Hearty and Satisfying: A robust dish that serves as a complete and flavorful meal.

This specialty is best enjoyed in its region of origin:

• Trapani
• Erice
• Coastal towns in western Sicily

Pasta with sardines, known locally as Pasta con le Sarde, is a seasonal meal that typifies the close connection Sicily has with its perfectly fresh, hyper-local ingredients. This dish is a celebration of the island's natural cycles and the bounty of its land and surrounding waters. Its preparation is a meticulous dance with nature, relying on ingredients at their peak.

The pasta dish is typically made only between March and September, aligning with the peak ripeness of its most crucial ingredients. These include wild fennel, which lends a distinctive anise-like flavor, sweet and pungent onions, plump raisins for a touch of sweetness, crunchy pine nuts for texture, and, crucially, the prime fishing season for Mediterranean sardines. The confluence of these elements creates a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that define the dish. It's a culinary experience that encapsulates the very essence of Sicilian seasonality and the islanders' profound respect for the land and sea.

When trying Pasta with Sardines, anticipate:

• Seasonal Freshness: Made with ingredients at their peak, typically March to September.
• Unique Flavor Profile: A distinctive blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes from wild fennel, raisins, and pine nuts.
• Mediterranean Authenticity: A true representation of Sicilian coastal cuisine.
• Harmonious Textures: The tenderness of pasta combined with the flakiness of sardines and the crunch of pine nuts.
• Local Connection: A dish that reflects Sicily's deep bond with its agricultural and marine resources.

This seasonal delight is best enjoyed where the ingredients are freshest:

• Palermo, its traditional heartland
• Along the Sicilian coast during sardine season
• Markets and trattorias with fresh, seasonal menus

Marsala is a decadent, luxurious fortified wine that proudly hails from the Marsala province in western Sicily, a region steeped in winemaking history. While it is often renowned and frequently used for cooking rich, caramelized sauces that impart a profound depth of flavor to various dishes, the fortified wine is also a cherished beverage. As a standalone drinking spirit, Marsala boasts intensely rich and often unexpected flavors, including notes of dried apricot, warm vanilla, exotic tamarind, and even subtle hints of tobacco.

The wine has three distinct styles, categorized by their increasing sweetness: dry, semi-dry, and sweet. Each adds a layer of complexity and nuance when incorporated into sauces, allowing chefs to perfectly tailor the flavor profile to their dishes. Marsala sauce is exceptionally versatile, proving excellent with asparagus and Brussels sprouts, and even enhancing the richness of chocolate desserts. Whether enjoyed in a glass as a sophisticated aperitif or digestif, or on a plate as the foundation of a sublime sauce, Marsala is one of Sicily’s prime gourmet treats.

When experiencing Marsala Sauce, you can expect:

• Rich, Caramelized Flavors: A deep, complex taste from the fortified wine.
• Versatile Pairings: Excellent with meats, vegetables, and even desserts.
• Distinct Sweetness Levels: Secco, semisecco, and sweet varieties offer different profiles.
• Aromatic Notes: Hints of apricot, vanilla, tamarind, and tobacco.
• Culinary Sophistication: A sauce that elevates dishes with a touch of luxury.

While the sauce is widespread, experiencing the wine at its source is ideal:

• Marsala province
• High-end restaurants across Sicily
• Specialty Italian delis

Italy’s culinary claim to fame is rooted in its rich, diverse, and high-quality olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine. Within this esteemed tradition, Sicily’s Trapani region stands out as the leading producer of the island’s world-famous oil, celebrated for its exceptional characteristics. Trapani’s unique environment, characterized by ancient salt mines and vast olive groves, allows the fruit to absorb the distinct flavors carried by the gentle sea breeze, imbuing the olives with a singular taste.

Trapani's premier product is Valli Trapanesi DOP olive oil, and it has gained the prestigious status of Protected Designation of Origin. This serves to rigorously protect and guarantee the quality of the cultivation, production, and distribution of the oil, as well as safeguarding the specific provinces in which it is produced. It ensures every bottle is a true representation of its origins, offering an authentic taste of Sicilian excellence and a profound connection to the island's agricultural heritage.

When tasting Valli Trapanesi DOP olive oil, you can expect:

• Vivid Green Color: Often with golden reflections, indicating freshness and quality.
• Herbaceous Aroma: A distinct, fresh scent hinting at its natural origins.
• Fruity Notes: Subtle or pronounced fruity undertones, depending on the olive varietal.
• Spicy, Bitter Finish: A pleasant pungency that signifies high quality and antioxidants.
• Protected Origin: Guaranteed quality and authenticity by its DOP status.

To truly appreciate this olive oil, visit its source:

• Trapani province for direct tastings and purchases
• Local markets throughout Sicily
• High-end grocery stores and specialty food shops

Pecorino Siciliano DOP is another of Sicily’s absolute staple ingredients, a robust sheep’s milk cheese that decorates and enhances many of Sicily’s key traditional dishes. Its strong white and equally strong flavor derive from the precise concentration of seasonings and the unique developmental process it undergoes during its maturation. What sets this cheese apart is its incredible history: its origins date back to the 10th century BC, making it one of the oldest cheeses in Europe.

Pecorino Siciliano also holds the prestigious status of Protected Designation of Origin. This maintains the high standard of quality for which the cheese is known, rigorously protecting how and where it is produced. This ensures every wedge of Pecorino Siciliano DOP delivers the authentic, bold flavors and consistent quality expected of such a historical product. You will thoroughly enjoy this wonderful delight during your foray into Sicilian cuisine, discovering how its piquant notes elevate everything from pasta dishes to salads.

When trying Pecorino Siciliano DOP, you can expect:

• Strong, Piquant Flavor: A bold, salty, and tangy taste from sheep's milk.
• Firm, White Texture: A dense, crumbly cheese ideal for grating or crumbling.
• Ancient History: A cheese with origins dating back to the 10th century BC.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for grating over pasta, adding to salads, or enjoying on its own.
• Protected Quality: Guaranteed authenticity and high standards through DOP status.

This ancient cheese is best sampled throughout Sicily, particularly:

• Any traditional Sicilian market
• Local cheese shops known as caseifici
• Restaurants serving traditional Sicilian cuisine

Sicily offers some of Italy's most diverse and delicious food, a result of its pivotal placement at the crossroads of the Mediterranean. It's an island that’s been transformed into a cultural sponge over centuries of history, absorbing myriad influences that have shaped its unique culinary landscape.

If you are ready to embark on a food tour of Sicily, browse our collection of Sicily tours and vacations or take a look at our Sicily travel guide. For even further information to inspire your trip, see our Italy food and wine tours or Italy food and wine travel guide.