Cefalù, a Sicilian gem nestled between the Parco delle Madonie and the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a must-see tourist destination. Perched on the waterfront, the town is famous for its Norman cathedral and 12th-century fortress.
But Cefalù also has a vibrant restaurant scene, and Sicilian cuisine is a major draw for visitors. Most of the restaurants in Cefalù highlight fresh, local ingredients.
Exploring Traditional Sicilian Flavors in Cefalù
You can’t visit Cefalù without experiencing the region’s unique and delicious cuisine.
Signature Sicilian Dishes
Pasta dishes are a staple, and you’ll find many variations on the menu. Be sure to try spaghetti alla norma (with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta, and basil) or pasta with anchovies, raisins, and pine nuts. Another favorite is pasta a taianu, with mozzarella, eggplant, tomato, and basil.
Because Cefalù is right on the coast, seafood is another important part of the local cuisine. You’re sure to find fresh grilled fish prepared in a number of ways, along with more unusual dishes such as couscous in cuttlefish ink with ricotta tart.
Local Ingredients
Restaurants in Cefalù pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients, such as Nero dei Nebrodi Siciliano pork and Vastedda cheese. Fresh produce from the region adds flavor to every dish, and regional specialties are always on offer.
Restaurant highlights in Cefalù
You’ll find plenty of great places to eat in Cefalù, whether you’re looking for a family-run establishment, a restaurant with a view, or a place to grab a sweet treat.
Family-run establishments
At La Botte, you’ll find creative dishes and unique offerings, such as couscous in cuttlefish ink with ricotta tart. Ristorante Le Chat Noir serves up traditional Sicilian dishes, like spaghetti alla norma and pasta with anchovies, raisins, and pine nuts.
Restaurants with a view
Ristorante La Brace offers a variety of dishes and a great ambiance. Sample the mushroom gratin, rolls of swordfish, or beef carpaccio, or try the gorgonzola pasta. At Al Porticciolo, you’ll find pizza and seafood, including capricciosa and margherita pizzas, and special combos with vastedda cheese, Nero dei Nebrodi Siciliano pork, lemon zest, rocket, and olive oil.
Sweet treats and more
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by L’Angolo delle dolcezze for traditional Sicilian desserts like cassata, doughnuts, and frutta martorana. Galleria Ristorante offers a modern take on traditional cuisine, including pasta a taianu (with mozzarella, aubergine, tomato, and basil). And at Baglio del Falco, you can get Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh grilled fish, bruschetta, and roasted meats.
How to find the right Cefalù restaurant for you
Tripadvisor is a great resource for finding restaurants, but how do you navigate the rankings and reviews to find exactly what you’re looking for?
Tripadvisor restaurant rankings
Restaurant rankings are based on a number of factors, including page views, user reviews, price range, cuisine, location, and Tripadvisor’s own aggregated data.
Travelers’ Choice awards
The site’s Travelers’ Choice awards are given to the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews from all over the globe.
Filtering options
You can filter your results by establishment type, meal type, cuisine, dishes, price, online options, traveler ratings, and dietary restrictions, so it’s easy to narrow down your choices.
Online options and special offers
Many restaurants in Cefalù offer online reservations, and some may have special offers available. Be sure to check those out as you’re planning your dining experiences!
Putting It All Together
Cefalù offers a feast for the senses, with its traditional Italian restaurants focusing on fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant scene offers plenty of variety, from casual eateries to more upscale dining experiences.
To get a true taste of Sicily, I encourage you to explore the local culinary hotspots. You might even want to take a Sicilian food tour. By checking out the restaurant offerings and descriptions, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite and create lasting memories.