La Casa In Pietra

A simple, almost rustic restaurant in the pedestrianised historic centre of one of the medieval villages that add to the special attraction of the Parco delle Madonie. Here, the owner prepares seasonal cuisine which is firmly anchored in the region, made from ingredients from the surrounding area. The antipasto is always good, and is served as a selection of five or six small bites made from vegetables, cheese and meat, as well as mushrooms. The home-made bread is excellent – the natural leavening process takes almost four days. A good wine selection completes the picture.

This restaurant, named after the ancient Sicilian musical mouth instrument similar to a small flute and used in folk music, is located in the heart of the historic center. It features a spacious outdoor area for the summertime and interior spaces that predominantly use materials such as wood and stone. The cuisine pays homage to traditional local dishes, expertly crafted and "revitalized," using ingredients that mostly come from the Madonie Park where the location is situated. The mushroom specialties are not to be missed, and the wine selection is also excellent.

In just a few years, young owner-chef Giuseppe Costantino has turned what was once the family trattoria into an elegant restaurant serving delicious reinterpretations of local specialities. There is just one tasting menu which features either meat or fish (although this can be discussed when you make your booking, which is essential). Given the excellent quality of the food here, this menu offers exceptional value for money.

Housed in an old “water house” with origins dating back to the 17C and a large water wheel still visible in the dining room, this restaurant is home to a chef with Albanian origins (who grew up in Italy) who creates fresh, imaginative and seasonal cuisine in colourful dishes that are full of flavour. Sicilian traditions (inland as well as coastal) with a highly personalised twist take centre stage on the à la carte and tasting menus. There’s also a firm focus on vegetables thanks to the restaurant’s own on-site kitchen garden, which is well worth a visit. Also not to be missed is a visit to th

This restaurant’s name comes from the initial syllables of the two restaurants that once stood here, which were combined and refurbished a few years ago. Now in the style of a modern bistro, Zamù serves traditional and generously portioned cuisine, plus a reasonably priced business menu at lunchtime. There’s an equal emphasis on meat and fish on the menu, while the clearly displayed blackboard lists the daily specials available.

Situated in the town centre, this restaurant can be accessed by car despite its location perched above the town. It takes its name from an old boundary stone that is still partially visible and which once separated the Arab and Norman sections of town (the word comes from the curious Gallo-Italian dialect spoken in parts of Sicily, which has more in common with the Lombardy dialect than those of the island itself). Meat takes centre stage, including the aged meats on display, although the menu also features generous, colourful classic dishes with a creative twist. There’s also an outdoor space

This small, rustic-style restaurant just outside the centre of Piazza Armerina serves personalised cuisine in which local ingredients take pride of place. Influences from elsewhere in Italy are also evident, with dishes such as artichoke pansotti (stuffed pasta) with local tuma cheese and black truffles on the menu.