June 18, 2025 – Sicily, Italy – Step into the heart of the Mediterranean and discover 11 unforgettable Sicilian dishes that tell stories of ancient traditions, noble feasts, and sun-soaked coastlines. Whether you're a passionate traveler, a food lover, or simply curious about authentic culinary culture, this is your essential guide to Sicilian cuisine—from the streets of Palermo to the vineyards of Marsala.
Sicily isn’t just a destination—it’s a feast. And now, through Italy’s beloved home-cooking network Cesarine, travelers can embark on a deeply immersive culinary itinerary across the island, learning traditional recipes in the homes of real Sicilians. Each cook offers not only a dish but a piece of living heritage, shared over laughter, hands-on cooking, and authentic meals around the family table.
Here’s what you need to try (and learn how to make) on your Sicilian journey:
- The Leopard’s Timballo (Il Timballo del Gattopardo)
A majestic baked pasta dish inspired by the iconic novel The Leopard, layered with rich meat ragù, hard-boiled eggs, local cheeses, and silky pasta—this is aristocratic Sicily in edible form. You can experience this extraordinary dish at the home of Cesarina Rossella in Palermo. - Messina’s Pidone (or “Python”)
Golden, folded focaccia stuffed with escarole, anchovies, and cheese—this is the perfect bite of Sicilian street food with a rustic soul. Learn how to make it at Cesarina Giusy’s home in Messina. - Sfincione
Sfincione is Palermo’s thick, fluffy answer to pizza—topped with tomato, caramelized onions, anchovies, and cheese. Try making this traditional recipe with Cesarina Rossella in Palermo. - Sicilian Cannoli & Busiate with Trapanese Pesto
From the crisp cannoli shells filled with sweet ricotta to busiate pasta tossed with Trapanese pesto (almonds, tomatoes, basil)—this duo is a symphony of texture and taste. Learn how to make both in a seaside home in Erice with Cesarina Timea. - Caponata & Almond Pesto
A sweet-and-sour eggplant dish layered with olives, capers, and celery—served alongside a velvety almond pesto. Earthy, elegant, unforgettable. Try this amazing combination in a stunning location inside Baglio Florio in Alcamo, with Cesarina Liliana. - Arancine (Sicilian Rice Balls)
Crispy, golden rice balls filled with ragù, peas, and cheese. Comfort food, perfected. Try it in Bagheria, at a farmhouse-style home with Cesarina Antonella. - Cacio all’Argentiera (Silversmith’s Cheese)
Pan-fried aged cheese with garlic, vinegar, and oregano—a humble dish born from hardship, rich in flavor and history. Discover this dish in Menfi with Cesarina Mariolina. - Biancomangiare (Almond Milk Pudding)
Light, creamy, and delicately perfumed with cinnamon or lemon zest—this almond milk pudding is a centuries-old Sicilian dessert. Try this traditional Sicilian dessert in Messina with Cesarina Maria Costanza. - Chitarra alla Norma
Thick, handmade spaghetti served with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, salted ricotta, and basil—a tribute to Bellini’s opera Norma and a Sicilian classic. Near Cefalù, in Campofelice di Roccella, Cesarina Graziella will teach you this iconic dish. - Facci ri Vecchia (Rustic Sicilian Pizza)
Meaning “Old Woman’s Face,” this rustic flatbread from Cinisi is topped with onions, anchovies, and aged cheese. A soulful bite of local tradition with Cesarina Luigina in Cinisi. - Traditional "gnocculi"
Enjoy a sunset picnic among the vineyards of the Stagnone Nature Reserve, sipping Zibibbo and Marsala wines while learning to make traditional "gnocculi", busiate, or ricotta-filled ravioli with Gianfranco and his family. A truly immersive farm-to-table moment in Marsala with Cesarino Gianfranco.
Palermo Sailing & Cooking Experience
And if you're feeling adventurous, embark on a unique experience: cook, sail, and dine along Palermo’s stunning coastline with local home chefs who will guide you through authentic Sicilian recipes—right on board.
With the new culinary itinerary across Sicily, Cesarine invites travelers to discover the deep-rooted traditions, flavors, and family stories behind every plate. Each experience is a private cooking class and shared meal with a local Cesarina, set in a charming home or scenic location.
Travelers can book these experiences now at www.cesarine.com.
Cesarine is a food experience platform connecting travelers with Italian home cooks who
organize authentic culinary experiences in their homes. Founded in Bologna in 2004, Cesarine connects travelers with passionate hosts who share their knowledge, traditions, and home-cooked meals. Offering hands-on cooking classes, traditional meals, and immersive food and wine tours, Cesarine has become Italy’s most widespread network of home cooks. For the platform, which originated under the shadow of Bologna’s Two Towers and now spans the entire country, the United States remains the main market, with over 30,000 guests in 2024. Following are Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Northern Europe (particularly Germany, France, and Switzerland). As a Slow Food Community and advocate of
sustainable tourism, Cesarine preserves Italy’s culinary heritage while empowering local communities. Cesarine’s advisory board includes: Niccolò Branca, CEO of Fratelli Branca; Daniele Ferrero, CEO of Venchi, the Finalca Group of the Cazzola family, and CDP Venture Capital, Davide Maggi, executive director of the Digital Marketing & Communication Executive Program of the Bologna Business School, CEO of Home Food Srl, a Società Benefit, which owns the Cesarine.com platform, and the related Community of amateur cooks and chefs.