Ortigia attracts an a large number of visitors throughout the year, and the island is packed with restaurants. During our five-week stay in the winter of 2025, we discovered some places we absolutely loved – restaurants we returned to again and again. It’s a pleasure to recommend some of the best restaurants in Ortigia, our personal favorites..
Chiodo – showroom con cucina…
We stumbled upon this restaurant completely by chance one day while out walking. We happened to peek through a courtyard – and thank goodness we did! This place quickly became our favorite spot in Ortigia. It’s relaxed and unpretentious, yet the food and wine are of incredibly high quality. The service was also wonderful.
The atmosphere reminded us of both Barcelona and New York, with a touch of Grünerløkka in Oslo. They host concerts, art exhibitions, and sell Sicilian-made art and crafts. Chiodo has a wonderfully laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger.
Cortile Spirito Santo – a Michelin-starred restaurant
This Michelin-starred restaurant is located inside Palazzo Salomone, a restored 17th-century palace. The food was simply outstanding – what started as a six-course tasting menu quickly turned into twenty different tastings. The service was impeccable. Glasses were changed frequently, always with white gloves, and the staff was so attentive that it felt like they had eyes in the back of their heads. They were at our table in a flash, making us wonder for a brief moment if they could read minds. Everything was perfect!
Salumeria Fratelli Burgio…
This place quickly became one of our absolute favorites. The legendary deli and restaurant is an institution in Ortigia. Everyone comes here – celebrities, tourists, and locals alike.
Located at one end of the bustling food market, it’s open only during the day, closing around 4:00 PM. They serve top-quality cheese and charcuterie boards, panini, seafood dishes, and fresh salads. In addition to meats and cheeses, they sell wine, their own pickled vegetables, Modica chocolate, and all sorts of delicious Sicilian specialties. This place is a must!
The quality of ingredients is sky-high, and we were treated so warmly by Alessandra, who works there. She greeted us with kisses on both cheeks every time we visited, making the experience even more special.
This is truly a one-of-a-kind place.
Taverna Giudecca – an intimate and charming taverna
This super-cozy and intimate taverna is tucked away in the charming Giudecca district. With just a three tables in the street outside and few inside, it’s a small, welcoming spot.
The menu is simple and classic, with just a handful of dishes to choose from – but every bite is packed with flavor. Something about this place kept drawing us back. The owners are incredibly welcoming, and the prices are just as inviting. Classic and simple – but full of charm.
Profumi e Sapori – Ortigia’s best pasta?
This place was recommended to us, and we just barely made to visit before leaving Ortigia. It closes for the winter and only reopens in late March. But we’re so glad we got to visit!
It’s a super charming spot serving simple but truly delicious food. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is located on a small, cozy piazza in the heart of Ortigia. With mostly outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place on a warm summer day. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy an aperitivo while people-watching.
Zefiro Solarium & Restaurant
This was the only beach club open during our winter stay in Ortigia. Located on the sunset side of the island, it’s a perfect spot to drop by for an aperitivo and watch the sun go down.
You can rent sun loungers and go for a swim in the warmer months, and there’s also a restaurant on-site. We had lunch here once and ordered a fritto misto – and what arrived was possibly the biggest platter of crispy, fried seafood we’ve ever seen!
A lively spot with music and great vibes all day long.
