What are the best restaurants, bistros and pizzerias in the Ragusa area? A guide to find out what and where to eat in Ragusa, a city in Sicily.
Known to most as "the island within an island", with one of the most varied cultural, architectural and gastronomic heritage in theSicily, the city ofRagusait is a destination able to satisfy every type of traveller... but above all of the palate!
What is defined as "the emblem of the Sicilian Baroque" is in fact a place full of slow food presidia that preserves genuine flavors, local smells and tables capable of expressing all the culinary variety.
If you are planning aitinerary in the areas of Ragusahunting for its most beautiful attractions, it will certainly be useful for you to know which dishes are not to be missed andwhere you can enjoy them at their best.
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In this article I want to leave you a small list of what to eat in Ragusa and where, with lots of advice on the best restaurants, bistros and pizzerias in the city and in the province.
What to eat in Ragusa
Ragusa cuisine is a perfect blendbetween past and present, between tradition and innovation.Starting from a wide range of products that mainly derive from the land, it is able to elaborate first courses, second courses, side dishes and desserts characterized by genuineness, strong flavors and imagination.
If you are wondering "what then is absolutely to eat in Ragusa" I have for you a list of the seven unmissable dishes.
The bunch of beans
The Broad beansis one of the traditional first courses of Ragusa. It is a typical Sicilian soup that grandmothers used to prepare with fresh broad beans. Despite being an autumn and winter dish, thanks to its creaminess and flavour, it is appreciated in all seasons. Macco di fave is prepared with both fresh and dried legumesoften used as a single dish accompanied by chard and chicory.
Tripe alla Ragusana
Theretripe alla Ragusanait is a single dish of the Iblean cuisine that can be eaten at any time of the year. Also in this case its tradition has its roots in our ancestors. On tables it is almost always served with almonds, shelled walnuts, chopped cinnamon, the delicious Ispica carrots and white onions.
Ragusan scacce
Among the absolutely must-eat things in Ragusa, thescacce,thin sheets made with flour dough and stuffed with spinach, ricotta, broccoli, tomatoes or aubergines. They can be found with a mix of these ingredients, with all of them or in the single variant… they are delicious in any case!
Pastries
The pastieriare a typical appetizer of the areaModica. These are small pastries filled with minced lamb and goat meat, seasoned with cheese, pepper and eggs.
buccellato
The buccellatoit is a dessert that is made in different areas of the province of Ragusa, especially during the Easter and Christmas holidays. It is a particular donut prepared with shortcrust pastry and filled with dried figs, raisins, almonds, orange peel and other ingredients which vary according to the area where it is made. Before being served, it is always covered with icing.
Cucciddateddi
The Cucciddateddithey are another typical dessert from Ragusa and it is practically impossible not to include them in the list of "things to eat in Ragusa". These are particular biscuits composed of flour, lard and sugar dough, and then filled with dried figs, almonds, raisins, cinnamon, bitter cocoa and pine nuts. Crunchy and very tasty… be careful because one leads to another!
Modica chocolate
Modica chocolate needs no introduction. Known throughout the world, it is synonymous with quality, goodness and particularity. The processing with which it is produced is called "cold" and excludes the conching phase. Its aftertaste is sparkling, according to the ancient Aztec indications that arrived in Sicily thanks to the Spaniards, and since 2018 it has been a PGI product.
Best restaurants and places to eat in Ragusa
After having left you a small list of the 7 things you absolutely must eat in Ragusa, I leave you the recommendations on restaurants, bistros and pizzerias (all tried and tested).
Calamanca Sea Bar & Restaurant (Ragusa Marina)
Located within themarina of Marina di Ragusa, with a spectacular sea view, theCalamanca – Sea Bar & Restaurantit is an elegant and delicious restaurant that has a well-kept interior, a terrace often used for parties, music and events, and an outdoor area with small gazebos placed directly on the sand.
If you love the sea and are looking for a place to enjoy fresh and delicious fish, the Calamanca is exactly for you. The raw materials are of excellent quality and particular attention is also paid to the dishes.The raw and cooked fish are highly recommended, selected every day by the chef based on the catch.
La Haberdashery – Foods and Vices (Modica)
La Haberdashery – Foods and Vices is a mixology pub located in the historic center of Modica, the perfect place to listen to live music while enjoying a cocktail or a burger with friends. In fact, at the Merceria all the drinks are sought after (every year the drink list changes to amaze even the most demanding palates) andSandwiches made with local ingredients are always a delight. All accompanied by board games and evening entertainment.
The cuisine offered is gourmet without ever forgetting the traditional Ragusan recipes and the meat used is km0. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are also available. A must tryNebrodi Hot Dog, their workhorse!
Delicatessen in grocery store (Ragusa)
Delicatessen in Groceryit's a picturesque onegourmet grocerywhich is located in the city of Ragusa, an innovative place born from the fusion of an ancient and traditional food shop and a 70s restaurant. Whether it's a lunch or a dinner, at the Delicatessen you don't just eat but you doa real experiential journey to rediscover the typical flavors of the area.
All the products used are local and genuine and, in addition to being able to be consumed within onerefreshment area with flowers(which ideally represents the inside of a vintage suitcase), you can also buy them as you do in a normal shop. Absolutely to taste the cold cuts and cheeses typical of Ragusa, lecaponataand the house roast beef, the veg burger alternatives and thedipssuch as soya or mustard and honey… all accompanied by a craft beer or a glass of red wine.
Curiosity!In the summer season it is possible to buy the dishes and enjoy them in the “Delicatessen OFF” outdoor area, a small garden with a view of the station that the restaurant has taken on board, redeveloping it and giving it back to the citizens in a lively and very very romantic version.
Go!!!!!! Pizza (Pozzallo)
Among the best places to eat in Ragusa stands outGo!!!!!! Pizza, best pizzeria sandwich shop ofPozzallowhich hosted the famous MAN VS FOOD world contest. The proposed menu is as rich as their pizzas, made in a wood oven and topped with local ingredients. Absolutely to try also the sandwiches that manage to enhance all the flavors of Ragusa.I recommend the “Porcini” pizza and the Mr. King Burger!
Pinsére – Cuisine and Tradition (Scicli)
Located in the historic center of Scicli,Pinsére – Cuisine and Traditionit's a delicious onepizzeriawhich bases its proposals on the use of organic flours of ancient Sicilian grains and extreme care in leavening and fermentation. The culinary project was born from the idea of two brothers, Carmelo and Fabio, chefs and pizza chefs by profession, who had the courage to revisit one of the typical dishes of the Italian tradition: pizza…. And they did it excellently!
Pinsére's menu changes continuously as it follows the seasonality of the products, strictly local such as the extra virgin olive oil from Sicily which is always used. Absolutely recommended“culinary journey”by the chef which includes the tasting of different doughs and tastes that change from time to time. A real treat for the eyes and the palate!
Verónica Crocitti
