Some of Our Favorite Places to Eat in Castellammare del Golfo
/Castellammare del Golfo is an enchanting seaside town in the northwestern part of Sicily. It is known for its lovely beaches, picturesque streets, and numerous charming restaurants that offer some of the most delicious local specialties. This is what sealed the deal for us when we were looking to buy a home in Sicily. The town is a perfect size, with many delicious restaurants walkable from the historic center, so your taste buds will always be delighted. Here are some (but not all) of our favorite places to eat in Castellammare del Golfo.
Restaurants
H80Fame: H80Fame is a popular restaurant located on the beautiful Piazza Petrolo. The name “H80Fame” is a play on words in Italian. H+80+Fame= H+Ottanta+Fame=Ho Tanta Fame, which means “I'm so hungry.” And we suggest you bring your appetite! Everything on the menu is delicious, so I will tell you what we ate on our last meal there instead of describing the entire menu. We absolutely love the bruschetta alici e salmone (marinated anchovies and salmon), pappardelle tartufelle (pasta with meat sauce, mushrooms, ham, cream, truffles, pepper, and parsley), the Risotto H80Fame (rice with olive oil, onion, smoked salmon prawns, mixed mushrooms, cream, curry, pepper, and parsley), involtini di pesce spada (stuffed swordfish rolls), cozze scoppiate (mussels with lemon, pepper, and parsley), and cous cous di pesce. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the made-to-order Sicilian eggplant parmigiana. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the staff, Liliana and Vincenzo, are always friendly and helpful.
I Sapori Sicilian Grill: I Sapori Sicilian Grill is a butcher shop and specialty store on one side and an award-winning steakhouse on the other, serving some of Sicily's best meat dishes. Taking charge of the kitchen is Vito and his wife, Barbara. While Barbara meticulously crafts the appetizers and sides using only the finest ingredients, Vito is the Grill King and a profound connoisseur of the various types of meat and the varied cooking periods.
The restaurant uses locally sourced meat from their pig and cattle farms, cooked to perfection over an open flame. Some must-try entrees at I Sapori Sicilian Grill include the pork BBQ ribs, tagliata entrecôte di scottona served with arugula, balsamic, and Parmigiano, and their Fiorentina cut. The restaurant also has a great wine list that complements the meat dishes perfectly.
Rosmarina: Rosmarina is an elegant, refined restaurant located in the lower port by the marina. The restaurant offers mainly seafood fare, either a la carte or several tasting menus paired with wine using only local seasonal ingredients. Its main chef Gianni Grillo carefully selects each ingredient and artfully presents each dish as a substantive homage to Arab influences and Sicilian culinary traditions. The restaurant's sophisticated menu and attentive, cordial service create an intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
The name “Rosmarina” was chosen for several reasons. First, it comes from the word for rosemary in the Sicilian language (Fun fact: Sicilian is so distinct from Italian that it is considered its own language, not a dialect). The local ingredient grows spontaneously throughout the Zingaro Nature Reserve in Castellammare, and local ingredients are a staple in Chef Grillo's cooking. Also, because the restaurant is located in the port area, which is called “the Marina” by the local Castellammaresi, they liked the wordplay.
Gusto - Pizzeria Siculo Napoletana: Gusto is a pizzeria that specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza. I know what you are thinking... but aren't we in Sicily?! So, if you love amazing pizza, you will thank me later. This award-winning restaurant was recognized as the “Best Emerging Pizza in Sicily in 2022.”
The restaurant uses a wood-fired oven to cook the pizzas, which gives them a delicious crispy crust. Their menu is divided into the “reds” and the “whites.” Some of the must-try red pizzas at Gusto include the classic Margherita, the Diavola, and La Norma with fried eggplant. My favorite of the whites is the Mortadella and Ricotta, made with fiordilatte dei monti (delicate cow's milk cheese), mortadella with pistacchio from Bronte DOP, local ricotta, and lemon zest.
The restaurant also offers a great selection of Italian wines that pair perfectly with the pizzas.
Aperitivo Time
Apertivo is a pre-dinner drink meant to open the appetite while meeting with friends. It's a centuries-old Italian tradition featuring famous light drinks such as the Aperol Spritz and Prosecco served with snacks such as potato chips and olives. Here are a few delightful places to enjoy your pre-dinner cocktail in Castellammare.
Jamo Fish & Drinks - Aperitivo
Jamo Fish & Drinks: Jamo Fish & Drinks is a gastropub in the main port featuring outdoor seating in an old open-air building that was once used as part of the fishing industry that used to dominate the town. It has a spontaneous and bohemian vibe, yet effortlessly put together. I'm reminded of the Italian word “sprezzatura,” which means "a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it." I love that Italians have a word for this!
Jamo has a variety of light sandwiches and tapas to order. Take the Scalinata Porta Marina, walk towards the Castello Normano, and enjoy cocktail hour before dining at Rosmarina.
Il Kiosco: The 'Kiosco' is in a picturesque location in the town, boasting stunning panoramic views of the sea, mountain, and charming old center of Castellammare, making it the perfect spot to unwind and relax directly across from the Hotel Sopra le Mura.
Indulge in the delightful granitas and gelato made from fresh fruits, prepared according to the traditional Sicilian recipe, accompanied by a soft brioche con 'tuppo' (with a 'top'), available anytime. Alternatively, gather with your friends during warm summer evenings and enjoy a refreshing aperitivo, cocktail, local beer, or cold beverage while admiring the beautiful harbor view. Spend delightful hours in good company, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
La Dolce Vita
Sicilians are known for their love of all things sweet and dessert. From decadent cannoli to rich cassata cake, Sicilian cuisine features an abundance of indulgent treats that are beloved both on the island and around the world. Dessert is considered an essential part of the Sicilian culinary experience, and it is not uncommon to see locals and visitors alike savoring a sweet treat after a meal or enjoying a pastry with their morning espresso.
Tropical Bar: The Tropical Bar in Castellammare del Golfo originally opened its doors in 1987 and serves a wide variety of traditional Sicilian food and desserts, including arancine and other savory takeaway options for lunch, delicious breakfast treats such as creme-filled cornetti or ciambelle (donuts), gelato, and Frutta Martorana which are traditional marzipan sweets. They serve Illy coffee and make an incredible cappuccino. (Pro tip: Do not order a cappuccino after 11am in Italy - it's meant to be a breakfast drink.)
The famed Cassatelle di Castellammare del Golfo, a local treat that resembles a fried brioche filled with ricotta cream and chocolate chips, is unquestionably the local specialty.
Tipicamente: On Corso Garibaldi, the main street in the historic center, Castellammare del Golfo's Tipicamente cafe and pasticceria is a popular choice for cannoli, coffee, and sweet pastries. We often walk there for our morning cappuccino and cornetti from Palazzo del Golfo. They provide a range of small and large sizes to suit everyone's preferences, and the pastries are always delectable and fresh. It is owned by Vito and Barbara of I Sapori and has some of the most delicious cannoli in town. And yes, you can eat a cannolo for breakfast.
Vernaci Gelateria: Vernaci Gelateria is hands down THE best gelateria, not just in Sicily but all of Italy! Yes, this is a strong statement, but I challenge you to argue with me after you have had their Pistacchiosa! And the best news is that it is literally steps from Palazzo del Golfo. Moonlight gelato, anyone?
In conclusion, Castellammare del Golfo is a food lover's paradise, boasting an extensive selection of restaurants that serve some of the most mouth-watering regional dishes. So, whether you crave seafood, meat, pizza, or classic Sicilian cuisine, you will undoubtedly discover something that tantalizes your taste buds in this charming town, all steps away from Palazzo del Golfo. Contact us to learn more or book your stay.
