The A-list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Sicily 2025

Sicily, one of the most sought-after destinations for elite travellers seeking a high-end vacation in Italy, is the sun-soaked heart of the Mediterranean. It is a region of striking contrasts, from the rugged cliffs of the Aeolian Islands to the turquoise waters of its southern shores. This enchanting island offers refined experiences for travellers staying in their private luxury villas for rent, with bespoke itineraries designed to meet the highest standards of comfort, exclusivity, and cultural immersion. Its cuisine, shaped by centuries of Arab, Greek, and Norman influence, bursts with bold flavours like sweet-and-sour caponata, saffron-filled arancini, and pistachio-stuffed cannoli. Today, Sicily’s culinary soul is celebrated in Michelin-starred restaurants across the island, where tradition meets innovation in dishes that honour the land’s rich bounty and timeless spirit, making it a true jewel of high-end travel in Italy. Here, you’ll find the top 5 experiences that define gourmet excellence in Sicily.

Fine dining in Sicily

Vineria Modì, Taormina
Vineria Modì, located in the heart of Taormina, is a refined restaurant known for its innovative Sicilian cuisine crafted by chef Dalila Grillo. It features an extensive wine cellar with over 1,000 fine labels, offering expertly paired selections to complement each dish. The sleek, modern setting combines minimalist design with warm, local touches, creating an intimate and exclusive dining experience. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Vineria Modì also offers unique cocktail pairings curated by top mixologists. It’s the perfect spot for food and wine lovers seeking a sophisticated, gourmet atmosphere in Sicily.

Vineria Modì, Taormina

Sapio, Catania
Sapio Restaurant in Catania offers a modern twist on traditional Sicilian cuisine, highlighting fresh, local ingredients from the Mount Etna region. Chef Alessandro Ingiulla creates refined, gourmet dishes in a beautifully restored 16th-century space that doubles as an art gallery. Recognized with a Michelin star, Sapio combines innovative flavours with elegant presentation. The warm, contemporary ambience and attentive service make every meal memorable. It’s a must-visit for discerning travellers seeking authentic, exclusive Sicilian taste with a creative edge in Italy.

Sapio restaurant, Catania

MEC Restaurant, Palermo 
MEC Restaurant in Palermo offers an exceptional dining experience that blends modern Sicilian cuisine with innovative artistry. Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century palazzo, the restaurant is adorned with vintage Apple memorabilia, creating a unique ambience that merges history with technology. Chef Carmelo Trentacosti, a disciple of renowned chef Nino Graziano, crafts dishes that highlight the rich flavours of local ingredients, ensuring a refined and balanced culinary experience. Recognized with a Michelin star, MEC Restaurant stands out for its commitment to excellence, creativity, and high-end dining in the heart of Sicily.

MEC Restaurant, Palermo

Zash restaurant, Riposto
Nestled within a former vinification space at the enchanting Zash Country Boutique Hotel in Riposto, north of Catania, the intimate Ristorante e Bar offers a truly immersive “slow” dining experience, where the ambience invites guests to pause, inhale natural aromas, and savour every moment. Under the creative stewardship of chef Giuseppe Raciti, honoured with a Michelin star continuously since 2019 and named a Michelin-starred chef in 2025, the cuisine here is a compelling blend of tradition, inventiveness, and local terroir. Every dish is thoughtfully presented in an atmosphere that feels timeless, exclusive, and deeply connected to the soul of Sicily. It’s a gourmet retreat for those seeking high-end culinary artistry in Italy.

Zash restaurant, Riposto

St. George by Heinz Beck, Taormina
The St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck, located within the elegant The Ashbee Hotel in Taormina, is a beacon of Mediterranean haute cuisine, awarded two Michelin stars. Opened in 2018, this high-end dining destination blends the gastronomic elegance of world-renowned three-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck with the vibrant, passionate interpretation of resident chef Salvatore Iuliano, a native of Calabria. Its menu, inspired by seasonality and local Sicilian ingredients, offers dishes that are light yet full of character, celebrating Sicily’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can savour these creations in the sophisticated dining room or on the panoramic terrace, where breathtaking views stretch across the Strait of Messina, an exclusive experience in Italy.

St. George by Heinz Beck, Taormina

Reach out to us and begin planning your la Dolce Vita escape to Sicily. Discover our curated collection of luxury villas for rent, each offering comfort, style, and breathtaking surroundings. Let our top-tier concierge service enrich your experience, turning every moment into something truly unforgettable. Your Sicilian journey awaits, where every detail is tailored, every view is a masterpiece, and every flavour tells a story.