A Mostly Northern Sicily List

On my recent trip to Cefalù, the designers behind the very chic minimalist Italian brand Asciari, a brother/sister/mother team, reached out to me and offered a few recommendations as they know the area quite well. When I found out they are based in Milazzo, I asked them to share their favorites in the area since it’s the town that most people pass through on their way to the Aeolian Islands. They also shared some great spots along the northern coast, south of Etna, and a guest house they love outside of Ragusa.  

MILAZZO

Cappereto del Capo – A small caper farm on the capo, the highest part of the Milazzo peninsula, offering not only the endemic rare small capers of the region, but an array of delicious caper-based sauces and creams.

Siké – Award winning ice-cream in the center of town, made with seasonal raw natural ingredients

Bagatto – A 30-year-old bistro impeccably managed by chef-owner Chiara Surdo. Mellow music, soft lighting and a bohemian crowd complement a strong wine list and a Slow Food menu with local ingredients. In the last few years, a locanda with more refined rooms has been added to the bistro.

Asciari – The brand’s headquarters are in the center of Milazzo. Everything we make is artisanally crafted in Sicily using natural materials and with traditional principles of Italian craftsmanship and heritage. 

CASTEL DI TUSA

Atelier sul Mare – A contemporary museum-art hotel conceived by the visionary mind of Antonio Presti. The room itself becomes a work of art—and the artist’s work is at the guest’s disposal in order to awaken emotions and meditations: by staying in a room, the work of art will be completed. Apart from the hotel, Presti has created the Fiumara d’Arte foundation with landscape art placed all around the hotel area and grounds. 

CEFALÙ

Qualia – A modern bistro with a curated and minimalistic design managed by a young couple who spent time in Northern Europe before returning to Sicily. The food is based on fresh and organic seasonal ingredients from local and small suppliers, reinterpreting Sicilian cuisine with an international twist. They also have a great natural wine selection. Definitely one of the best not-yet-Michelin-starred restaurants in Sicily.  

ETNA SOUTH

Bar Russo – One of the oldest family owned bar-patisseries in Sicily, featuring a true local experience via three generations of heritage recipes. 

Locanda Milia – At the heart of a chestnut forest 5,000 feet above sea level, this property lets you explore Etna’s last wilderness area from a refined mountain lodge. The owner also owns Santa Barbara Refuge, about 6,000 feet up in the heart of Piano Vetore, so customized excursions can be arranged. 

CHIARAMONTE GULFI

N’orma – Andreina, an interior designer, and Maurizio, a former journalist, are the amazing couple behind this soulful place built on an original old Sicilian masseria. The ancient roots of the building are well integrated with a contemporary re-design, featuring a square courtyard with just two guest rooms around it. The idea is to enjoy the space and the landscape, pampered and unhurried, with delicious food, a pool, and a small library with a great book selection. One of the best parts of staying here is chatting with Maurizio and Andreina over a glass of wine on the terrace, with a view of Chiaramonte Gulf’s incredible landscape. It’s off the path from Sicily’s most touristed destinations but a perfect location for visiting the Baroque cities of Ragusa, Modica, Noto, Syracuse and the coast.