top of page

Wine and Dine in Noto

  • Mar 23
  • 4 min read

Updated: Mar 27

Where to eat in Noto, Sicily? Noto has a surprisingly rich food scene, with everything from traditional osterias and local bakeries to wine bars and Michelin-starred dining. If you’re visiting Noto – even just for a day – we highly recommend planning a lunch or dinner here. During our longer stays in the city, we explored a wide range of restaurants, wine bars and cafés. Here are our personal favourites – places we kept returning to, again and again.


Looking for more travel tips? Read our full guide to Noto →



Osteria Villadorata

This cosy osteria is tucked away in one of Noto’s charming streets, with both a lovely outdoor seating area where you can watch the world go by, and a warm, elegant interior inside.

We simply can’t praise the people working here enough. This is, without a doubt, our favourite restaurant in Noto. Everything is homemade and prepared with care – from the freshly baked bread to dishes that blend modern touches with traditional flavours. The result? Food that truly melts in your mouth.

We keep coming back, again and again. If you’re visiting Noto, this place is a must. It quickly became our go-to spot.








Orti Villadorata

This fantastic restaurant is located on the estate of Country House Villadorata, about 10 minutes outside Noto. The food, the service and the surroundings – everything is simply beautiful.

Local, organic, full of flavour and thoughtfully executed. A true culinary experience that stays with you long after you leave. This is Sicilian cuisine at its very best.

Wear something comfortable – and enjoy the journey.








RitroVino - Enoteca a Noto

This wine bar is located in one of Noto’s cosy side streets, just inside Porta Reale at the entrance to the town. It quickly became one of our favourite spots.

Gaetano, the owner, is incredibly knowledgeable about Sicilian wines. Originally from Florence, he has lived in Sicily with his family for many years. Alongside his impressive wine expertise, he also serves simple hot and cold dishes inspired by Sicilian traditions.

These are not Spanish-style tapas, but rather small dishes such as warm ragùs and cold spreads served on bread. Simple, flavourful and a little different from what you might expect.

RitroVino offers a wide selection of Sicilian wines, as well as wines from across Italy. Sit down, trust the recommendations, and enjoy the atmosphere in this narrow, charming street.

A true favourite in Noto.








Rooftop terrace at Gagliardi Boutique Hotel Noto

This charming hotel, located just a few streets from the main road, has a large and beautiful rooftop terrace with stunning views over Noto’s baroque rooftops and palaces.

Sitting here at sunset is something you simply have to experience. The rooftop bar serves everything from cocktails and drinks to wine and beer. There are comfortable lounge areas, stylish seating and even a small mascot dog named Capitano.

He will happily welcome you – but don’t be surprised if he expects a little attention in return.

This is the perfect place for an aperitivo before dinner, or simply to relax with a drink while taking in the views.








Aria Boutique Hotel Noto 

This rooftop terrace is located high up in Noto Alta – the upper part of the town. It is slightly hidden and not easy to spot from the outside, which makes it feel like a bit of a secret.

From here, you get a panoramic view over the entire town. If you’re lucky enough to get one of the sofas at the edge of the terrace, you can simply sit back and watch the sun set over the rooftops.

The golden light reflects beautifully on balconies, buildings and the surrounding landscape.








I Crociferi Noto 

A lounge bar with music and events set in stunning baroque surroundings. This place is hidden away in one of Noto’s narrow streets – and what a place it is.

As you walk inside and out into the courtyard, you’re met with one of the most unique outdoor spaces in the city. It’s both a restaurant and a bar, and in the evenings – especially on weekends – DJs take over and the courtyard transforms into a dance floor. It’s also a great place to simply unwind after a long day.

I Crociferi feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city.








Secret 

This is one of Noto’s most colourful and vibrant nightlife spots. It hosts live concerts, has a large courtyard terrace, and one of its most unique features is the small live performances held on the steps outside.

Guests sit on cushions while being served drinks right there on the steps. It’s a relaxed and inclusive place, known for its diversity and lively atmosphere.

Perfect if you enjoy music, people and something a little different.








Maidda bakeri - Panificio Maidda

This bakery produces fresh bread made from Sicilian ancient grains and local flours. One of our favourite bakeries in Noto, where we often stopped by to pick up breakfast. They also have a small outdoor seating area and make excellent scaccie – a Sicilian, focaccia-like filled bread.








Anche gli angeli 

This beautiful restaurant is located a few streets from the main road, inside one of Noto’s elegant palaces.

With high vaulted ceilings and refined interiors, it offers a classic menu with its own creative twist on traditional dishes.








Caffe Costanzo 

This traditional Italian café and pastry shop is located just a short walk from the main street. A cosy, classic place where you can either sit outside and watch people pass by, or enjoy a quick espresso at the bar like the locals do. They also serve cakes and traditional Sicilian granita. A charming café that has preserved its historic interior – and one of our favourites.







Explore more of Noto

Noto is more than just great restaurants – it’s one of Sicily’s most beautiful baroque towns, with golden streets, rooftop views and and beautiful nature.










Comments


bottom of page