Wine and dine in Sambuca di Sicila
- Else-Marie Kasmer
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
Sambuca di Sicilia is truly a gem among Sicily’s hilltop towns, near Agrigento and Trapani. Life moves slowly here, and everything feels genuine and real. The town has so far escaped the heavy waves of tourism, which is exactly why it still holds onto its charm – but that also means the dining scene is smaller than in many of the island’s more visited towns.
In Sambuca, you won’t find rows of restaurants and cafés spilling out onto the pavements. Instead, you’ll discover small, family-run places – simple spots with heart and soul. And if you look a little closer, you’ll also find a few exclusive surprises. Here are four places to eat in and around Sambuca di Sicilia that we truly loved – from a local pizzeria to elegant dining among the vineyards.
Pizzeria Ristorante Lu Saracinu
High up in the town you’ll find Lu Saracinu, a true classic among Sambuca’s restaurants. This is one of those timeless places that proudly calls itself both a Ristorante and a Pizzeria – and with good reason. We were told about it on our first day in Sambuca, and the recommendation couldn’t have been better.
Locals gather here for birthday dinners and long Sunday lunches with the whole family, filling the place with laughter and conversation. The restaurant also boasts a beautiful view over the rolling landscape that surrounds the town. The menu is purely traditional Sicilian – where things are done the way they always have been. The wood-fired pizza oven comes alive every evening, and the smell of freshly baked pizza fills the air. Simple, authentic, and absolutely delicious.
Sol e Sale – Cantina Social
Right in the center of town, on Piazza della Vittoria, you’ll find Sol e Sale – Cantina Social. Tables are set out on the charming little square, surrounded by the old churches – the perfect spot for an aperitivo in the evening sun or a relaxed dinner as night falls.
The restaurant describes its philosophy beautifully: “Cooking the way our grandmothers did – but with an eye on the present.”The menu offers traditional, simple, and local dishes made from seasonal ingredients, all treated with care and respect.
The truffle pasta here was unforgettable, and the atmosphere just as memorable. Sol e Sale is a place where people gather, talk, and linger into the night – a true slice of Sambuca, full of soul and warmth.
Insula ristorante
A short drive from Sambuca brings you to Insula Beach Club, one of the most beautiful seaside spots we’ve visited in Sicily. This isn’t just a place for sun and sea along the Menfi coast – it’s also home to an exceptional restaurant.
Set beneath the pine trees, just a few hundred metres from the water, this peaceful oasis is made for slow afternoons and long, relaxed meals. The menu features elegant interpretations of local dishes, created by Chef Angelo Pumilia, who combines Sicilian flavours with a refined Japanese touch. It’s an unexpected pairing – and one of the best dining experiences we had during our entire trip.
The restaurant is run by the renowned wine producer Planeta, and dining here is an experience for all the senses. Make sure to book a table in advance!
La Foresteria Ristorante
Just outside Sambuca, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, lies La Foresteria – Planeta’s boutique hotel and one of Sicily’s most elegant dining destinations.
Here, Angelo Pumilia has been head chef since 2009, continuing to impress with a menu that blends respect for Sicilian tradition and local produce with creativity and subtle Asian influences. The restaurant terrace looks out over the rolling vineyards – the perfect setting for slow, late dinners as the sun sets, with a glass of Planeta wine in hand.
This is slow dining at its finest – tasteful, serene, and beautiful.
Book your table well in advance!
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