The Best Restaurants In Syracuse Sicily

A bustling city of 125,000 people, Syracuse was once an ancient, thriving metropolis on the east coast of Sicily. Sicilian food comes with the strong flavours of the southern Mediterranean, introduced by the ancient Greeks, and the sophistication of the Arabs who ruled Sicily in the 10th century. Through a tribe of smart new restaurants, Syracuse has been revived. Discover 10 of the best here.

Regina Lucia

The ideal location for a romantic dinner in the Dammusi inside, outside in the Duomo square, or upstairs on the floor of Palazzo Borgia del Casale, Regina Lucia offers excellent fresh fish. Elegantly contemporary, this is the place to go for dishes like potato gnocchi in a spicy seafood sauce with tenerumi, with a special attention to presentation. Use this dining opportunity to take in the Piazza Duomo, which regular visitor and Crabtree & Evelyn founder Sue Townsend calls the ‘essence of Sicily’.

Retroscena

Taverna Sveva

Taverna Sveva is a casual tavern, tucked away on the streets behind the Castella Maniace. Far enough away from the tourist areas, this small restaurant offers traditional Sicilian dishes, both land-based and seafood, served on hand-painted ceramic ware. On a warm evening, the outdoor terrace on the cobbled square in front of Syracuse’s 11th century castle is the place to be.

Don Camillo

A small, family-run restaurant, Don Camillo was born in 1985, the brainchild of Camillo and John Guarneri. Don Camillo has become an institution, known for its quality. The rooms are made from the remains of a church that collapsed in the 1693 earthquake, and the medieval structure, lined with wine bottles and images of old Siracusa, is filled with locals. With a wine cellar containing over 800 types of regional, national and international wines, make sure to browse their award-winning drinks menu.

Le Vin de L’Assassin Bistrot

Le Vin de L’assassin gives a French twist to Sicilian ingredients. The owner, Saro, spent years in Paris and brings a sophisticated style to this Ortigia restaurant. The ceilings are tall, the walls are bright and the flavors are unforgettable. There is no cover charge, making Le Vin de L’assassin the perfect place for either an extensive meal or a late-night stop for wine by the glass.

Il Veliero

Il Veliero is the restaurant where local patriarchs treat their families to a meal. The atmosphere is plain and rustic, and lets the food do the talking. When you’re looking for a good fish restaurant in Ortigia, Il Veliero is the place to go for the freshest catches of the day and some seriously unusual options gracing the daily specials menu. What’s more, the location at the entrance of the Syracuse historic town is perfect, with a classic Latin ambience seeping in from the side street out front.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.