Sicily’s Best Food and Restaurants by Vincenzo Piscopo & Rosalia Traina

As Sicilian natives, Vincenzo Piscopo and Rosalia Traina can recommend the island’s best dining spots, where local flavours flourish in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Vincenzo Piscopo and Rosalia Traina take us on a personal tour of their favourite restaurants in Sicily, sharing an authentic taste of the island. 

Vincenzo & Rosalia’s top five:

1. Hostaria del Vicolo

A charming restaurant in Sciacca, known for its warm hospitality.

2. La Lampara

An elegant fish restaurant by the harbour, with panoramic views.

3. MATES

A family-owned gem in Caltabellotta, with a proud heritage.

4. Locanda Perbellini a Mare

A sophisticated beachfront restaurant, perfect for special occasions.

5. La Foresteria Planeta Estate

A picturesque winery in the countryside.

“When the sun is shining, we have everything we need.”Vincenzo
“We are so lucky to live here.”Rosalia

A gourmet guide to the island

For something close to the resort, we recommend Hostaria del Vicolo in the centre of Sciacca. It’s a small, family-run restaurant, there are maybe only eight tables, and they have amazing Sicilian food. Along the harbour, we also have La Lampara, which has a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea. It’s a very elegant restaurant and their sommelier was voted the best in Sicily in 2021. So you have this perfect combination of fantastic wines and fresh fish from the harbour. About 35 minutes from Verdura Resort, you will find MATES in Caltabellotta. It has wonderful local produce, including traditional Sicilian meats – you won’t find any fish here, since it’s up in the mountains! The restaurant is decorated with tools and memorabilia of the people who live and work on the land here, so they are very proud of their heritage. We also recommend Locanda Perbellini al Mare, located right on the beach at Bovo Marina, its stunning setting creates a truly unique dining experience. I often suggest it to guests celebrating a special occasion, such as an anniversary or honeymoon. Arrive around 7 pm to enjoy a beautiful sunset aperitivo.

Taste the Gourmet Nights at Verdura Resort

Our must-try dishes

Rosalia: I was at La Lampara last week, and I have to recommend the agnolotti with octopus. It's a dish of fresh pasta filled with octopus and a Sicilian cheese cream. I feel hungry just thinking about it, and it was presented so beautifully.

Vincenzo: I recently visited Porto San Paolo, which is also in Sciacca – I had the pasta with anchovies, pine nuts, raisins, and fennel—a traditional Sicilian dish. It reminds me of something my mother or grandmother would have made, but it’s wonderful to see how the restaurant has evolved the recipe.

Discover our Verdura Resort concierge's Sicilian culinary suggestion

Unforgettable dining

Rosalia: A truly memorable experience for me was the service at La Lampara. The staff gave us such a warm welcome, and the sommelier was exceptional, pointing out all the flavours in our dishes and expertly pairing them with wines. It’s something I always think about when welcoming guests at Verdura Resort—how would I feel if I were in their place?

Vincenzo: For me, it’s Locanda Perbellini al Mare. We had a spectacular view of the sea and ordered a set menu curated by the chef. The presentation of each dish was stunning. While the dishes were simple and traditional, they felt entirely new, like we were being taken on a culinary journey.

A trip to the market

The best local markets are in the heart of Palermo, where you'll find an authentic taste of Sicily. Just wandering through these vibrant streets is an experience in itself. We highly recommend Ballarò and La Vucciria. Ballarò is known for its selection of meats, vegetables, and fresh fish, all displayed along a colourful, lively street filled with the aromas of the freshest produce. These markets are integral to Sicilian culture, offering a glimpse into everyday life. Locals greet each other like old friends, catching up as they shop for their groceries – it's a true community atmosphere.

Welcome to Verdura Resort: 230 hectares of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, countryside, spa and golf.

concierge.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
Phone Number*
+39 09 259982008
Address
S.S. 115 Km 131
Sicily, Italy
Sicily 92019
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Welcome to Verdura Resort: 230 hectares of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, countryside, spa and golf.

concierge.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
Phone Number*
+39 09 259982008
Address
S.S. 115 Km 131
Sicily, Italy
Sicily 92019
View map

1. Personal Data
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2. Events Details
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Welcome to Verdura Resort: 230 hectares of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, countryside, spa and golf.

concierge.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
Phone Number*
+39 09 259982008
Address
S.S. 115 Km 131
Sicily, Italy
Sicily 92019
View map

1. Personal Data
Title*
Best Time To Reach*

2. Events Details

Desired Date
Alternate Date

Do you need accomodation for all or some of your guests?*

3. Past Events

Have you held event with us before?*