Fine dining experience in Sicily: eating well and with elegance.

In several articles, we have narrated the stories, evolutions and differences from province to province of numerous typical Sicilian dishes including cannoli, granita, artisanal gelato, arancina, sfincia and much more. If you missed them, you can always take a look at our "Typical Products" column.

Why did we decide to tell you about these delicacies? Aside from being too good not to share, we cannot fail to take into consideration that hundreds of tourists (who every year land in our wonderful Sicily during their journey in search of relaxation and adventure) in addition to the sun and the sea, really want some great food!

This is the famous Food and Wine Tourism, that is that journey aimed at discovering and treasuring local culture and a sense of the place through food (and drink!). The close-knit bond that exists between culture, tourism and food and wine has now been highlighted by the World Tourism Organization itself which diligently states that "this tourist practice allows the traveller to come into contact with the culture of the place he is visiting in a more active and engaging way thanks to the "medium" of food."

Today in particular, and in contrast to the topic of street food previously discussed, we want to talk to you about Fine Dining which is a more sophisticated, unique and, naturally, a little bit more expensive dining experience than that of an average restaurant. In these regards, We have created for you an exquisite (in every sense) top five of fine dining restaurants, some of which have also been mentioned by the Michelin guide, located in the splendid and much sought-after tourist-seaside village of Cefalù: Cortile Pepe, Cala Luna, Qualia, Locanda del Marinaio and Palazzaccio (in reality the latter is closer to Castelbuono):

• Cortile Pepe is located a stone's throw from the Cathedral of Cefalù and presents a predominantly Mediterranean cuisine, which mitigates the flavours of the sea and the land with seasonal proposals, a perfect balance between modernity and tradition. The chef brilliantly enhances the flavours of the territory, enriching them with external influences on traditional Sicilian cuisine
• Cala Luna presents a contemporary cuisine whose dishes are rich in flavours and colours that enhance the gastronomic heritage of the area. In the months between June and September, the restaurant lies on a vast lawn under the starlight, with an open kitchen and a view of the sea, the Caldura stacks and La Rocca.
• Qualia is located in a delightful alley of the splendid town of Cefalù and presents an organic cuisine able to expertly satisfy all palates: from the most sophisticated to the more traditionalist ones. As the Michelin guide has well underlined: "In a side street in the centre of the beautiful town, in a room between exposed bricks and glimpses of the kitchen, regional products and fresh fish are offered in tasty dishes and enhanced by ancient techniques such as and the use of embers.“
• Locanda del Marinaio is a restaurant also located near the Cathedral of Cefalù. The cuisine features exquisite fish specialities, staples of the Sicilian tradition, skilfully revisited by the chef in a modern and innovative key.
• Il Palazzaccio is an elegant restaurant located near Castelbuono, a wonderful mediaeval centre in the Madonie Park. It presents a typical Sicilian cuisine, diligently revisited in a modern key by the chef with recent techniques to enhance the characteristics of the local raw materials following the seasonality.

In addition to being able to spend your holidays in one of our beautiful private villas in the area, Cefalù offers an excellent starting point for visiting the beauties of the area including: Palermo, is just a 40-minute drive to the west and it has one of the most beautiful historical centres of Italy. The Cathedral of Monreale is also worth visiting. To the east, in the direction of Messina, there are many beautiful beaches to visit. The villages of Sant'Ambrogio and Pollina nearby are stunning. Heading towards Messina there is the pottery town of Santo Stefano di Camastra and Capo d'Orlando. Heading inland there is the Madonie Natural Park, in a few minutes you can reach its green mountains and visit its mediaeval towns, including Collesano, Castelbuono, Gratteri, Polizzi Generosa, Petralia Soprana e Sottana and Gangi.

Baia Smeraldo: The emotions that this splendid property is ready to give you are truly indescribable: from the marvelous panorama of the crystalline sea that will accompany your gaze up to the promontory of Cefalù with its incomparable gold-coloured Arab cathedral, to the luxuriant flowery garden, to the delightful private swimming pool in which to cool off in the hottest hours of the Sicilian summer. Equipped with 4 bedrooms with a modern and Mediterranean taste, the house is ideal for hosting families and groups of friends up to 7 people.

Coda di Volpe and Punta a Mare: two magnificent villas with a simple and Mediterranean taste located in the splendid tourist-seaside area of ​​Cefalù, full of trattorias and restaurants where you can enjoy excellent fish-based dishes and more. Although the residences do not offer a private swimming pool, they do have direct access to the sea: on one side, the comfortable platform between the rocks and on the other, the golden sandy beach. The properties can be rented individually or together up to a maximum occupancy of 19 guests.

Carlotta: Carlotta is a delightful residence with a simple and modern taste, equipped with all the comforts one may need on holiday. It is located in the area of ​​one of the most famous seaside resorts in Sicily: Cefalù. Apart from the proximity to this town full of restaurants and shops, the house has direct access to the sea.

Faraglioni: Elegant villa born in one of the most fascinating areas of Sicily, the Kalura in the wonderful area of ​​Cefalù. The view of the sea and the fantastic Kalura stacks that the house offers you from its wonderful garden will leave you speechless. The property is built near a small beach access to which is reserved only for the owners of the villas in the area. On the other side, there is also a small concrete platform on which to enjoy the warm Sicilian sun and from which to dive into the wonderful turquoise sea. This platform is private. With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, the house is suitable for families or small groups of friends looking for a relaxing and peaceful beach holiday.

Casa dei Nomadi: Are you looking for a residence a few steps from the sea, with a private swimming pool and hydromassage tub for a holiday of both relaxation and fun? Go no further as Casa dei Nomadi is right up your alley. This delightful property is located between Finale di Pollina and Castel di Tuna, in north western Sicily in an exquisite bay called Baia Turchina. With 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, it is absolutely ideal for large families and groups of friends.

Calaluna: Delightful cottage born among the rocks, and partially obtained from them, of the wonderful area of ​​Cefalù called Kalura. It was born in front of the fantastic stacks of the area and is located almost on the water. Not surprisingly, you will almost feel like you are on a boat. Equipped with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this splendid property is suitable for couples or small families who wish to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday away from the chaos of the city.

Lalli House: Located on one of the most suggestive promontories of the Sicilian coast from which to enjoy unforgettable sunsets, this delightful charming retreat is ideal for couples of friends and small families who wish to spend a beach holiday away from the chaos of the city. The small beach, which is accessed via a stone staircase, is in fact reserved only for the owners of neighbouring villas.