Sicilian Food and Palermo

Many individuals assume that Italian food is essentially the same all over Italy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Italy has long been a crossroads of European and Middle Eastern culture. The island of Sicily and, in particular, its capital city of Palermo, represent one of the most important meeting places of cultures all over the region. The city of Palermo is the most conquered in the region. With each and every culture that arrived, the food underwent a change, as well. Today, Palermo enjoys some of the most distinct foods anywhere. Aside from all the local dishes, one can usually find the sources of those influences in their pure forms, as well.

In the center of the city, one will find the restaurant called Spinnato. Here, visitors will learn that, even though it’s considered the most Italian of foods in many places around the world, pizza isn’t necessarily what most people think. Sfincione is the local pizza dish. It contains no cheese and has different toppings than pizza in most other parts of the world. Other dishes at this restaurant include gourmet local fare including arancine and aubergines.

Near the Quattro Canti, visitors will find Al Chioschetto. This restaurant serves a diverse range of dishes drawn from local traditions. Il Proverbio is also not far away and specializes in Sicilian dishes. Those who sample the local fare should expect a lot of sword fish and lamb. The town meats constitute the most popular on the island and are included in many of the local dishes. Sicilian food enjoys a mix of Italian traditions with the addition of certain citrus fruits brought by the Arabs and other cultural influences that make it something all its own. There are vendors located along many of the city streets.