If there’s one thing that will steal your heart in Siracusa (aside from those honey-coloured Baroque streets and shimmering sea views), it’s the food.
Here, the scent of grilled seafood drifts along narrow, sun-warmed alleyways, thick pistachio cream oozes from flaky pastries, and every meal feels like a celebration of Sicily’s bright, bold flavours. The beauty of Siracusa’s food scene is its variety – you can go from a quick €3 arancino to an elegant multi-course dinner in the space of a few streets, all while experiencing the same incredible quality and freshness.
I have visited Siracusa three times (so far!) and have spent many happy hours in its restaurants, especially in Ortigia – the enchanting little island linked to the city. After lots of “serious research” (a tough job, I know!), sampling everything from golden, crispy arancini to rich, indulgent pasta, I’ve put together a guide to the best restaurants in Siracusa. Alongside restaurants, you’ll find my favorite street food stalls, bakeries, gelaterie, and wine bars. These are places I recommend wholeheartedly and would go back to in a heartbeat.
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Best Restaurants in Siracusa (Ortigia & Beyond)
La Tavernetta da Piero, located near the Temple of Apollo on Ortigia, is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Both times I’ve eaten there the dishes were fresh and full of flavour, showcasing the very best of traditional Sicilian cooking. The service is attentive and friendly, and it can fill up fast so I recommend making a reservation in advance.
Lemon Tapas & Drinks Ortigia is a hidden gem tucked down a quiet side street, serving small “tapas” dishes (which are actually pretty generous portions). Run by the warm and welcoming Francesco (chef) and Chiara (front of house), this spot has a really carefully curated menu and I was really impressed by the taste and quality of their dishes. I’m still dreaming about the grilled octopus – perfectly tender, with a deep, smoky flavour – paired with cocoa, crunchy bacon sugar, and soft, buttery potato.
Locanda Del Collegio offers an elegant, softly lit setting where you can linger over classic Sicilian dishes. Their seafood-focused menu is a delight: the spaghetti with fresh sardines is fragrant with saffron and sweet bursts of raisins, balanced by the crunch of pine nuts. The swordfish, topped with a nutty pistachio and herb crust, is delicately flaky and full of flavour.
Astrattu is a family-run restaurant close to Siracusa train station. Intrigued by the glowing online reviews, I decided to check it out and was really impressed by the chef’s creativity and modern twists on classic dishes. The pasta with mussels was beautifully balanced – sweet cherry tomatoes, briny mussels, and a subtle hint of fennel oil tying everything together. The staff spoke excellent English and the service was really warm and friendly.
Carnezzeria, located in Ortigia’s lively food market, is a feast for the senses – voices calling out, the clatter of plates, and the aroma of fried seafood filling the air. The fritto misto is irresistibly crispy, while the octopus and potato salad, dressed with lemon and olive oil, is light, zesty, and refreshing.
Ortigia Fish Bar is all about ultra-fresh seafood, served simply and deliciously. The insalata Siciliana is a standout – juicy orange slices, briny anchovies, crisp fennel, and olives creating a bright, tangy medley. The mixed fried fish arrives golden and crisp, while the grilled stuffed sardines are rich and deeply satisfying. Make sure to leave room for their homemade tiramisu, which gets rave reviews.
Latteria Mamma Iabica is hugely popular, and it’s easy to see why. The seafood is delicious and beautifully cooked, but there are also excellent meat and vegetarian options. I personally recommend their pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) and involtini di carne, which are tender rolls are typically made with thin slices of beef or veal, stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, pine nuts and cheese, then grilled or baked.
Cod da Saretta is one of the best-value spots in Ortigia, serving generous portions of flavour-packed dishes like grilled seafood, mussel soup, spaghetti with squid ink, sardines or clams. The fritto misto is a golden pile of perfectly fried seafood (including swordfish, prawns, squid and dorado) and, while the grilled octopus is tender, slightly charred, and drizzled with fragrant olive oil.
Want to try multiple spots in one day?
Joining a local food tour is one of the best ways to experience Siracusa’s food scene – especially if you’re short on time or want deeper insight into Sicilian cuisine. Many tours include market visits, street food tastings, and wine pairings.
Best Pizzerias in Siracusa
Era Ora Ortigia is one of the most popular pizzerias in Siracusa and for good reason. Their pizzas range from classic to adventurous, with toppings like black cherry jam, beef carpaccio, and smoked swordfish. You can choose a thin and crisp crust (Roman-style) or the thick, pillowy Neapolitan crust, both of which are excellent. Don’t skip the starters – they have deep-fried burrata balls with mortadella ham and pistachio pesto which are absolutely incredible!
Pizzeria Schiticchio turns out reliably delicious pizzas, with crisp bases and generous toppings every time. Alongside the classics, they also offer fried pizzas, burgers with chips, and a good selection of beers on tap to pair with your meal. You might have to wait a bit for a table, but service is quick and the staff are friendly and attentive.
Oleum Ortigia has an exciting menu ranging from traditional pizza to creative and experimental, all showcasing high quality Sicilian ingredients. I am still dreaming about their “Guanciale” pizza – rich pork cheek, smoked Ragusana provola cheese, sweet caramelised onion, and soft potatoes layered on a perfectly baked base. When your pizza is brought to the table, you are also given some small bottles of flavoured olive oil to drizzle on the pizza. The oils – citrus fruit, black pepper, chilli, garlic, rosemary, ginger, anise and goji berries – add a new dimension with every bite.
Best Street Food, Bakeries & Gelato in Siracusa
Il Cucchiaino is a paradise for sweet lovers. They sell gelato, granita, cakes, biscuits and the classic Sicilian cannoli (crispy rolls of pastry filled with creamy sweetened ricotta and dipped in chopped nuts). I love their filled cornetti (croissants filled with vanilla, chocolate or pistachio cream). You can find pistachio cornetti all over Sicily, but the ones here are practically bursting at the seams with a more-than-generous portion of divine pistachio cream.
Viola Bakery is a charming spot where everything looks (and smells) irresistible. Despite the prime location near the Duomo, the prices are really reasonable. Their rum baba, cafe crema and cappuccino are all delicious but the pistachio cheesecake was the showstopper for me. The cream cheese filling was delicate and light, the pistachio topping had a distinct nutty flavour and buttery base. Their thick hot chocolate is pure indulgence – thick enough that your spoon practically stands upright – and they also have a range of gluten-free treats which can be hard to find in Siracusa.
Levante Gelato Artigianale serves up some of the best gelato in Siracusa – it’s exceptionally high quality, with really delicious flavours. The granita is just as good – light, icy, and packed with natural fruit flavours, like passion fruit, almond, coconut, lemon, mango and strawberry. I really recommend the pomegranate and mandarin granita which are both incredibly tasty and refreshing on a hot day.
Caseificio Borderi is a true Siracusa institution, and the long queue outside says it all – it’s absolutely worth the wait. Their sandwiches are enormous (you can easily split one between two people) and are practically overflowing with high-quality local ingredients. The Chef’s Special is unforgettable – layers of cured meat, smoky blow-torched bacon, the creamiest, tastiest mozzarella you will ever try, sun-dried tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and basil, all wrapped in fresh bread. Another favourite of mine is Panino #4, with pistachio pesto, sun‑dried tomatoes, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and mortadella. One word sums it up – swoon!
Paninoteca da Antonio e Daniele is a no-frills food truck serving tasty panini (sandwiches). I couldn’t resist trying their horse meatball sub, having tried horse a couple of times before. It was a great choice – rich and hearty meatballs, full of flavour and tucked into soft bread. They sell different types of meat if horse isn’t your thing (though I didn’t spot any vegetarian options). It’s very popular with locals so expect a bit of a wait. It is cash only, and stays open late in case you’re peckish before bed.
Antica Giudecca is a family-run Sicilian bakery, selling the best arancini I have ever tried. These fried rice balls are a staple of Sicilian cuisine, but unlike most restaurants and snack bars, Antica Giudecca makes all their arancini fresh to order. They arrive piping hot, with a crisp golden shell giving way to a steaming, tasty filling – whether rich beef ragu, soft aubergine, or nutty pistachio. The staff are really helpful and friendly, prices are excellent and they also sell bread, pastries and a small selection of lunch dishes.
Il Mastro Gelataio offers authentic, affordable gelato away from the crowds. The flavours are fresh and satisfying – the lemon tart is zesty and bright, while the coconut is smooth and tropical. Beyond those standouts, you’ll find a wide range of classics like pistachio, hazelnut, and dark chocolate, alongside seasonal fruit sorbets that taste as if they’ve come straight from the market. They also serve granita and a few indulgent semifreddo options if you’re after something richer.
Pasticceria Artale is perfect for a quick sweet fix. Their cannoli are crisp, creamy, and an absolute bargain at just €2.50 each. Beyond that, the counter is a treasure trove of traditional Sicilian delights, including delicate cassatine, syrup‑soaked babà, and glossy fruit‑topped crostate. You’ll also find trays of buttery biscuits, rich chocolate pastries, and seasonal specialties like marzipan figures and festive cakes.
Best Wine Bars in Siracusa
Divino Mare is an elegant wine bar specialising in organic, natural wine, with a carefully curated menu highlighting some of the freshest fish Siracusa has to offer. The owner has an excellent knowledge of wine and can make suggestions based on your preferences. The food is just as impressive – delicate, beautifully presented dishes like squid ink arancino and fresh anchovies paired with unexpected flavours like plum and pink peppercorns.
Enoteca EVOÈ is a must for wine lovers. This family-run bar has an extensive wine menu and the staff will recommend wine based on your preferences. You can tell the staff are really passionate and knowledgeable about wine (don’t worry if you don’t speak Italian, as the owner speaks excellent English). I also ordered their delicious platter of locally sourced meat and cheese, which complemented the wine perfectly. This is also a wine store should you want to take away a bottle or two.
La Tana del Gufo, a cosy and atmospheric bar, is a great spot for sampling Sicilian wine and specialty beer, as well as doing some people-watching on busy Via Cavour. Snacks and small dishes are also available, and you get a small snack with every drink purchase (normally crisps or olives).
I hope this post has shown you Siracusa isn’t just a place you visit – it’s a place you discover through its food. Whether you’re lingering over a long seafood dinner, grabbing a sandwich in the bustling market, or cooling off with a scoop of gelato as the sun sets, every meal feels special. Come hungry, take your time, and don’t be afraid to order “just one more thing” – because in Siracusa, that’s always a good idea.
Planning a visit to Sicily? Check out my post What To Do and See In Siracusa, Sicily for my sightseeing tips and suggestions about where to stay. I’ve also written a detailed guide for first-time visitors, a post about how to spend 10 days in Sicily (which includes a stay in Siracusa) and my Sicilian food guide – with 25 must-try dishes!
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow