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One of the enduring joys of travelling is experiencing the culture of a destination. And while culture can be found in many places and many forms, there's no better way to enjoy the authenticity of a place than through the local cuisine. If you're planning a Mediterranean holiday to Sicily to have a true cultural taste experience, its capital, Palermo, is the perfect place to discover some rich culinary traditions. After many years of visiting Sicily (and many wonderful meals partaken), here are some of my top restaurant picks in Palermo. Pasticceria Cappello There's something special about the Italians' passion for food, and when it's a family business, even more so. For many years, the father and son Cappello team has been quietly crafting their exquisite pastries for an adoring public in Palermo. The business originally began out as a dairy then a bar, but under the magic master pastry chefs Salvatore and Giovanni it's thrived. The production of daily delicacies includes traditional Sicilian specialities like torte gelato, their famous seven-layer sponge cake and, after so many trips to Sicily, still my all time favourite accompaniment to an afternoon cappuccino – cannoli. Find it: Via Colonna Rotta 68. Tel: +39 091489601 Gagni Social Restaurant If you could bottle the Sicilian spirit and take it home after your Mediterranean holiday, this restaurant could be the main ingredient. It's such a warm and inclusive atmosphere, with long tables set up to create one huge, happy dinner party – so you can't help but get involved in conversations with your neighbours. Set in a restored 16th century building, the worn stone and timber décor and candelabra lighting add to the ambience of the dining experience. And by the way, the food is fabulous too! Expect classic Sicilian dishes with a contemporary twist. Find it: Via Dei Cassari 35. Tel: +39 091589918 Al Fondaco del Conte Tucked beside the bustling Ballaro markets, the unassuming ancient façade of Al Fondaco hides a wonderful secret. With a menu packed with flavour, the aromas wafting from the kitchen are intoxicating before you even get to try the specialities like sea urchin tagliatelle, gorgonzola and chicory risotto, and grouper ravioli with shrimp sauce. Follow up with an almond parfait or a 'seadas sarda' (ravioli baked with honey and cheese and served with Zibibbo wine) and your taste buds will be floating on air. Find it: Piazza Conte Federico 24. Tel: +39 0916522312 Kursaal Kalhesa The menu and décor of Kursaal Kalhesa are a nod to Sicily's fusion of Arabic and Italian heritage. The vaulted ceilings, soft silk cushion seating and 15th century stone surrounds are a delightful complement to its seaside setting. Kursaal Kalhesa is a genuine cultural meeting place, and has a fantastic menu of Sicilian and Arabic cuisine. There's an onsite exhibition space and bookshop, which offers a busy programme of art, literary and music events. This is one of my most relaxing and intriguing discoveries in Palermo. Find it: Foro Italico Umberto 1, 1. Tel: +39 0916162282 Antica Focacceria San Franceso With its roots dating back to 1834, I've been known to joke that coming to this restaurant is like going on a whirlwind Mediterranean holiday in one sitting! The menu and décor really do take you on a mouth-watering cultural journey, melding the influences of Greek, Arabic, French, Spanish and regional Sicilian cuisine – and it delivers on its promises with every delicious dish. A simple yet evocative menu, with an emphasis on the island's rich cultural heritage and spectacular local produce, has made the restaurant a favourite with locals for nearly two centuries - and also with this quasi-local… Find it: Via Alessandro Paternostro 58. Tel: +39 091320264 John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury Mediterranean holiday accommodation in Italy, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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