31 Best Sicilian Foods To Try in 2025

With diverse influences from the rest of Italy, as well as Arabia and Africa, Sicilian food is incredibly varied, making Sicily one of the top foodie destinations in the world. 

Whether you’re looking for local menu inspiration or you’re heading on a trip and want to know the Sicilian food that should be on your must-try list, we’ve got everything you need. 

Our list showcases 31 of the best Sicilian food choices, from sweet breakfast specials to pasta, seafood and delectable desserts.

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• What Food is Sicily Known for?
• The 31 Most Popular Foods of Sicily, Italy
• Try Culinary Experiences in Sicily

What Food is Sicily Known for?

As well as stunning scenery, glorious weather and friendly residents, Sicily boasts a food scene like no other. Known as the “Crossroads of the Mediterranean,” Sicily has a rich history that has inspired a globally-influenced food culture.

The island of Sicily became part of a unified Italy in 1861 and its cuisine is predominantly based around Italian fare. However, those who came to the island from Greece, Rome, Spain, France and North Africa during the centuries before unification have all left their distinct culinary influences. 

Sicilian food also makes use of some of the finest fresh ingredients in the world. As an island, it’s no surprise that Sicilian cuisine is famous for fresh seafood, including sardines, used in pasta con le sarde and sarde a beccafico, as well as octopus and shrimp. 

An amazing variety of fruit, vegetables and dairy and, of course, platefuls of fresh pasta, have also contributed to Sicily’s reputation as a gastronomic heaven. The island is also home to world-famous foods you may already know of, such as cannoli, arancini and Marsala wine.

The 31 Most Popular Foods of Sicily, Italy

1. Arancini

An absolutely iconic Sicilian food, arancini (meaning ‘little oranges’ in reference to how the final dish looks despite not being sweet or orange-flavored) is made from deep-fried risotto rice. 

There are two distinct types of arancini in Sicily — the version found in Palermo and the west are round. On the other hand, in Catania and the east, they have a more conical shape. 

Filling and cheap, arancini come with an assortment of fillings, including ham and cheese (called al burro), eggplant and mortadella.

2. Pane Cunzato

Demonstrating the Mediterranean influence on Sicilian food, pane cunzato comprises a flatbread drizzled with olive oil and topped with a range of ingredients. Capers, tomatoes and olives are popular options, as are tuna, anchovies, mozzarella and ricotta. If you’re looking for speedy Sicilian food to fuel you up then pane cunzato is a top choice.

3. Cannoli

A beloved food of Sicily, cannoli are fried pastry tubes filled with creamy flavored ricotta and decorated with small slivers of candied orange or lemon and chopped nuts.

The fillings may come in an assortment of flavors, including chocolate and pistachio. If you can, look out for a café or pasticceria where cannoli tubes are freshly filled to order.

4. Torta di Pistacchio

Referred to as ‘green gold’ by locals, pistachios are used to make some of the most popular foods of Sicily. The best-known pistachios come from Bronte, a village near Mount Etna, and are crushed to form a sweet paste that’s used on bread and pastries as well as in torta di pistacchio.

Incredibly moist, this cake is made from pistachio flour which gives it a beautiful color and means that it’s suitable for those avoiding gluten. The delightful cake is filled with pistachio cream, adding even more delicious taste of pistachio.

5. Caponata

One of the most famous recipes among Sicilian food, caponata is traditionally viewed as a humble meal. However, this delicious stew of aubergines, onions and tomatoes, with olives, pine nuts and raisins for a touch of sweetness is anything but. It can be served hot or cold and is a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.

6. Couscous alla Trapanese

North African ingredients have found a permanent home in the rich tapestry of Sicilian food, as exemplified by this dish. Found in the Trapani region, this recipe varies by restaurant but is always served with fish or seafood.

It most commonly appears as a first course (primo piatto) where it plays a similar role to pasta. In fact, in this region, you’re more likely to be served couscous than pasta; there’s even a Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo each September. 

7. Pasta Con le Sarde

One of the most famous of all Sicilian foods, this pasta dish is a mainstay at many restaurants in Palermo. Showcasing the depth of Sicilian food history, pasta con le sarde features a sauce made from sardines and anchovies, with fennel, raisins, pine nuts and saffron also added. 

It’s all served with fresh pasta, generally a long type of pasta like spaghetti or bucatini. This combination of ingredients may not appeal to everyone but trust us, this is a dish that you’ll want to eat again and again. 

8. Pasta alla Lido

Another unique Sicilian food, pasta alla lido (also known as pasta con pesce spada) is a classic dish. A base of casarecce pasta, shaped like long, thin rectangles, is layered with a sauce made from tomato, eggplant and swordfish, finished with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves. This is another pasta dish that may not be what you’re used to but is well worth a try!

9. Granita

Granita is a semi-frozen dessert that’s very popular across Sicily. It’s available in a range of flavors, from limone (lemon) and pistacchio (pistachio) to fragola (strawberry), caffè (coffee) and mandorla (almond).

As with lots of Sicilian food, the recipe can differ depending on where you are — in the west of Sicily, granita has a chunkier texture whereas, in the east, it’s made with smaller, fine granules.

Granita can be made extra indulgent with a serving of whipped cream and is served any time of day. However, one of the most popular ways for it to appear on the menu is as granita con brioche, coming up next on our list of the best Sicilian food.

10. Granita con Brioche 

A typical choice of Sicilian food for breakfast, granita con brioche is, you guessed it, a buttery brioche roll served with frozen granita on the side. An excellent way to cool down in the Sicilian heat, granita con brioche is available from cafés and eateries across the whole island.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you might want to check out the Sicilian slant on an ice cream sandwich: brioche con gelato. Scoops of smooth and creamy gelato are placed in a sliced brioche bun and sometimes topped with cream.

This dish can be purchased from market stalls or gelaterias and is also often eaten for breakfast; what better treat to start a day of exploring the most famous Sicilian food?

11. Bottarga

Distinctive among Sicilian food, bottarga is the dried and compressed roe of certain fish, most usually grey mullet or bluefin tuna. Generally, bottarga is served thinly sliced atop bread to make crostini but it can also be grated and added to sauces.

12. Macco di Fave

One of the healthiest of all of the Sicilian food picks on our list, this radiant green soup contains fava beans, scallions and fresh fennel. It works perfectly as an appetizer or could be combined with bruschetta and salad for a light summer meal.

13. Pesto alla Trapanese

Although pesto originated in Genoa, it’s reported that Genoese sailors may have brought the recipe to Sicily while traveling in the region. Over time, this original recipe was adapted and given a unique Sicilian food spin with this specific variety of pesto said to originate in Trapani. 

In common with the best Sicily, Italy food, pesto alla Trapanese contains a limited number of ingredients, all of which are very fresh. These include blanched tomatoes, pecorino Siciliano, garlic, almonds and a handful of basil leaves, plus a drizzle of olive oil.

14. Panelle

Looking for Sicilian food for vegans and vegetarians? Then panelle, fried chickpea fritters made from ground chickpeas and sprinkled with salt, pepper and parsley, are a great choice.

This tasty dish can be eaten alone but is most often found served in a sesame seed roll. It’s a carb-heavy snack but very delicious and filling — ideal fuel for a day of sightseeing. This Sicilian street food can be grabbed fresh from most local markets to eat on the go.

15. Pane Siciliano

As well as appearing alongside panelle, pane Siciliano deserves its own spot on our list of must-try Sicilian food. This light white bread features a crisp crust scattered with sesame seeds which give it a delicate sweetness. It’s very versatile and can be paired with olive oil for dipping or as a base for your favorite spread or sandwich filling.

16. Insalata Eoliana

A great choice of Sicilian food if you’re looking for a hearty, healthy meal, insalata eoliana is a Sicilian-style potato salad made with potatoes, plus tomatoes, capers and olives.

These ingredients are then coated in a dressing of olive oil, lemon and oregano. It can be served al mare with tuna or octopus and can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. 

17. Parmigiana di Melanzane

This Sicilian food is likely one of the most recognizable on this list. The warming dish features thin slices of eggplant layered with rich and zesty tomato sauce and cheese, often Parmigiano Reggiano or a combination of mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano. 

While the origins of the dish are disputed, most agree it dates back to the 1700s. Today, it can be found in restaurants across Italy, including in numerous Sicilian eateries. 

18. Zucca in Agrodolce

Sometimes referred to as ‘poor man’s liver’ because of its resemblance to meat, zucca in agrodolce is made from thin slices of red or yellow squash. These layers of squash are cooked in a distinctive sweet and sour sauce made from sugar, vinegar, olive oil and mint to create a signature Sicilian food that highlights the area’s fresh produce. 

19. Gambero Rosso di Mazara

One of the reasons that trying Sicilian food should be on every foodie bucket list is this cuisine’s use of the freshest ingredients. A dish that highlights this is gambero rosso di mazara, red shrimp which are served raw, allowing the fresh flavor to be as pronounced as possible.

Uniquely sweet, these gambero are fished from the waters around Mazara del Vallo in the southwest part of the island and come to the table with just a squeeze of lemon juice. You may also see them called ammaru russu in Sicily.

20. Caciocavallo all'Argentiera

Made with caciocavallo cheese, this Sicilian food was apparently invented by the wife of a silversmith who lived in Palermo (working around Argenteria Street). She wanted to trick her neighbors into believing that she was having rabbit for lunch rather than the cheaper cheese.

The dish is made by cooking caciocavallo cheese in a pan with garlic and vinegar. It’s then topped with fresh herbs and may be served with anchovies. 

21. Sfincione

If you’re looking for a quick bite, this is an ideal Sicilian food to try. Sfincione are slices of pizza loaded with tomato sauce and, frequently, caciocavallo cheese. You might also find sfincione with anchovy or onion.

However, you should try the simpler tomato and cheese-only version at least once; there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular Sicilian street foods. This snack is especially popular among Palermo street food vendors but can also be found on some café and restaurant menus across Sicily.  

22. Stigghiola

A perfect example of how Sicilian food advocates against food waste, stigghiola is made from seasoned lamb or veal intestines wrapped around a leek or scallions and then grilled. It’s served in bite-sized pieces and makes a great (and adventurous for some) snack while you’re wandering around Palermo’s market.

23. Panzerotti

There’s no denying that Sicilian food culture can involve a lot of frying, as evidenced by our next addition: panzerotti. Available in various forms across Italy, Sicilian panzerotti are fried turnovers that look like small calzones and contain tomato sauce and cheese. 

Some versions also have ham, vegetables or other common pizza topping fillings. They’re a good portable breakfast option but are absolutely delicious at any time of day. 

24. Crocchè

A very popular Sicilian food, crocchè is the Sicilian incarnation of a potato croquette. They’re made from mashed potato, and may also contain eggs or grated caciocavallo cheese, which is rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. These golden beauties are delicious when eaten on their own, but they can also be added to a pane e panelle sandwich. 

25. Pasta alla Norma

This deliciously simple recipe is a Sicilian favorite and easy to recreate if you’re looking for Sicilian food inspiration. Like caponata, this pasta dish features eggplants in a tomato sauce along with basil and ricotta salata, which is ricotta cheese that has been pressed, giving it a crumbly, feta-like texture.

Pasta alla Norma was invented in the city of Catania and named in honor of the opera Norma by famed composer Bellini. However, it is now available across the whole of Sicily. 

26. Pasta Coi Ricci 

A distinctive Sicilian food starring fresh seafood, this dish is made with pasta and sea urchin. Like a lot of Sicilian food, the sea urchin here is simply cooked with olive oil, garlic and a pinch of salt although some recipes may also add extra seafood like shrimp.  

As the sea urchin season in Sicily lasts from November to April, this option isn’t available year-round. It also means that this dish can be a little more expensive than some on this list, so check the price before you order.

27. Pani câ Meusa

A speciality Palermo food that typifies the no-waste approach of Sicilian food, pani câ meusa is a sandwich made from veal offal which has been boiled and fried in lard. Occasionally, this street food is served with caciocavallo cheese or ricotta and is called maritatu (meaning married). If it doesn’t contain cheese, it is known as schettu (single).

28. Involtini di Pesce Spade

A great example of how Sicily, Italy foods focus on fresh, local ingredients, involtini di pesce spade are fresh swordfish filets wrapped in breadcrumbs and baked. Sometimes made with raisins and pine nuts, involtini di pesce spade will most often appear on a menu as secondo piatto or second course. There’s also a famous version of this dish made using sardines.

29. Cassata

A dessert that’s second only to the cannoli in Sicilian hearts, cassata is definitely one of the Sicilian foods you have to try. This cake is made from light sponge which has been drizzled with liqueur and filled with ricotta and candied fruit. 

Cassata Siciliano, flavored with pistachio, is the most famous version of this dessert and includes a sweet filling that was developed using sugar brought by Arabs to the area in the 10th century. In addition, the vivid green marzipan topping is a nod to the Spanish, who introduced almonds to the island.

30. Torta Setteveli

If you’re looking for Sicilian food to satisfy your chocolate craving then this decadent cake is the answer to your foodie dreams. Meaning seven-veil cake, torta setteveli is made from two layers each of chocolate sponge and hazelnut cream as well as one layer each of chocolate mousse and hazelnut crunch, plus a shining mirror glaze on top. 

It’s a popular choice for birthday cakes but is equally good any other day of the year (and might just make you feel like your birthday has come early).

31. Sicilian Wine and Digestivi 

As one of the finest Italian wine regions, Sicily boasts a huge number of native vintages to pair with all of the delicious Sicilian food on our list. And while not technically a food, these high-quality beverages deserve a place on this list!

One great option for wine is nero d'Avola, a rich red wine from the southeast region of Sicily. It pairs perfectly with the hearty recipes we’ve mentioned on this list. Alternatively, if you’re in a restaurant, you can ask for the vino della casa (the house wine) as this is quite often locally produced, good value and, most importantly, delicious.

The final part of any meal in Sicily is the digestivi, a liqueur that’s slowly sipped after a meal to aid digestion. One of the most famous digestivi is amaro which is made from herbs, spices, citrus peel and sugar syrup. Marsala, limoncello and arancello are also very popular options in Sicily. 

Try Culinary Experiences in Sicily

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, food tours in Sicily can provide expert insight into the island’s gastronomic culture as well as invaluable context on your favorite Sicilian food. Led by a guide with detailed knowledge of the local hot spots, you’ll discover the best cafés, ristorantes, trattorias and tavernas, all serving incredible Sicilian food.

Are you more interested in learning to make some of your favorite Sicilian foods? If so, attending a few local cooking classes is a great choice. Every chef in Sicily has their own secret recipe for classic Sicilian food dishes; and thanks to cooking classes in Sicily, you can learn some of these secrets in a fun and hands-on environment. 

Guided by an expert chef, you’ll perfect pasta, sear seafood and get to grips with gelato as you learn invaluable tips to create your own versions of Sicilian food favorites.

From recipes unique to Palermo in the north to specialties from Catania in the east, Sicilian food is a vibrant melting pot of ingredients, tastes and cuisines. The best way to get to know the island is to explore its many distinctive dishes, many of which are completely unique to the region. 

Knowing where to start on your gastronomic journey through Sicilian food can be tricky but by consulting our guide, you can easily taste your way across the whole island. From brioche for breakfast to incredibly fresh seafood, Sicilian food is some of the best in the world.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.