Choosing where to eat in the Aeolian Islands is certainly not a problem. Whilst the beaches, sea and wonderful viewsalone are excellent reasons to visit this archipelago, there is no shortage of places to visit for delectable food and wine. In fact, they are increasingly popular with visitors who choose to spend their holidays in the Aeolian Islands precisely to delve into the local history. Whether it be Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi or another of the Aeolian Islands, visitors are truly spoilt for choice.
In addition to tastings of traditional wines of the Aeolian Islands, the local restaurants and estates know how to delight every palate, tempting tourists with recipes rich in flavour and dishes steeped in history.
Aeolian Islands: where to eat in Lipari
Lipari certainly offers a bevy of places to enjoy local delicacies in the heart of the Aeolian Islands:
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- Da Francesco in the small piazza of Marina Corta, where you can savour the delicacies of local dishes just a short stroll from the fish market, where excellent Aeolian tuna or mahi-mahi preserves are sold, naturally prepared according to the island’s traditions.
- Along the main street of Lipari, where there are numerous typical restaurants – all excellent.
- Ristorante Da Lauro in the hamlet of Acqua Calda, where you can eat excellent fish prepared to local recipes.
Another great spot for a food and wine experience in Lipari is the Tenuta di Castellaro, a place that is traditional yet elegant, blending customary Aeolian Island constructions with more modern, squared-off structures and high-quality green technology. In addition, the Tenuta di Castellaro offers splendid views of the Castellaro Plateau.
The Tenuta offers guided tours as well as food and wine tours and more, with:
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- Toasts at sunset, raising glasses of wine served with gastronomic accompaniments;
- A rich selection of house wines;
- Micro-residences in which to stay in a relaxing atmosphere.
Aeolian Islands: where to eat in Salina
The fertile Salina likewise offers several places to eat and relax.
For example, the Cantina Fenech in the municipality of Malfa offers a rich selection of local wines for tastings. A relaxing moment immersed in the history of the place, with family traditions rooted in the 1800s.
Here you can sip on:
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- Malvasia delle Lipari D.O.C. Bio;
- Maddalena (Malvasia Secca I.G.T Salina);
- Perciato Rosso (Perricone I.G.T);
- Disiato (Passito di Corinto Nero).
Each sip is accompanied by tasty crostini with a caper pâté or sundried tomatoes and an Aeolian salad to exalt all the flavours.
Those visiting Salina in the Aeolian Islands can also choose another historic place to eat: Ristorante da Alfredo in Lingua.
To be tried is the Pane Cunzato (a typical Sicilian recipe of bread with tomato, anchovy fillets, pecorino cheese and oregano), brioche and its fruit granitas that will be remembered by visitors to Salina with immense pleasure.
The search for fresh ingredients, the recipes prepared combining tradition and passion along with the presence of Alfredo himself – always good for a chat and an anecdote or two about the history of Salina – are good reasons to stop for a bite to eat at his restaurant.
Other notable restaurants in Salina are:
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- The excellent Trattoria Cucinotta, located along the main street;
- The Ristorante Porto Bello in the beautiful setting of the Salina harbour, where you can enjoy great views and excellent food.
Aeolian Islands: where to eat in Alicudi and Filicudi
Alicudi and Filicudici are likewise great places for tasting traditional recipes.
Above all, a home cooking experience is also recommended, so that you can spend your lunch or dinner time in the company of the locals, who can offer recipes made with freshly-caught fish, cooked in their own kitchens. A wonderful time during which to fully experience local conviviality and to feel like you are at a table with friends.
Also to take into consideration in Filicudi are:
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- The hotel restaurant La Sirena, located in Pecorini a Mare, which also offers vegetarian and gluten-free dishes;
- Da Nino sul Mare, overlooking the water, just a short walk from the port and also operating as a Bed & Breakfast.
Tasting traditional recipes in the Aeolian Islands
People visit the Aeolian Islands for the scenery and (also) stay for the tastiness of the food, the passionate welcome of the restaurateurs and winery owners, as well as for the love of a territory that – from the sea to the agricultural fields – succeeds in serving up rich and natural recipes to visitors.
Choosing where to eat in the Aeolian Islands is thus a good thing to ponder because you really are spoilt for choice!
