The cuisine in Sicily is truly a wonder, thanks to the influences of all the different cultures that have come through the island. What dishes really stand out from the crowd, though? To know that, you need to ask the locals what food they recommend.

Sfincione

Pizza is one of those foods that people automatically associate with Italy. So, it might be no surprise that one of Sicily’s greatest delicacies falls into this food category. Sfincione is like a deep-dish pizza, although with a consistency more akin to a loaf of bread. It’s topped with some ingredients you’d expect, such as cheese and tomato, as well as extras like onions and anchovies. If you’re looking for something to enjoy between meals, this is always an excellent choice.

Arancini

If you’re after something small but delicious, arancini are the way to go. These deep-fried rice balls are a favorite in Sicily, thanks to the variety of fillings they come stuffed with. You can get arancini with seafood, mozzarella, ragu, peas, and so much more. They’re like a surprise waiting to be bitten into, and one is never enough. Once you get a taste, you’ll just want another, and another, and another.

Parmigiana di melanzane

Eggplants have been a common crop in Sicily ever since its Arab period, more than 1,000 years ago. Given the easy access to this plant, it’s no surprise that one of the island’s delicacies places it front and center. Parmigiana di melanzane essentially involves baking slices of eggplant with tomato sauce and mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds.

Caponata

Eggplant, onions, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts all come together to create this next dish. A good go-to meal for vegetarians, it’s a sweet and sour delicacy that goes well with some toasted bread. Those who prefer some meat in their food can also get this dish served with fish or other seafood. So, whatever your tastes, there’s a good chance you can find some caponata that’s to your liking.

Couscous alla trapanese

Seafood lovers should also get a kick out of this dish, which heavily incorporates elements from the water with couscous. It used to be a delicacy commonly enjoyed by the poor, but now it’s popular with people throughout Sicily. It helps that the island is surrounded on all sides by the coast, so finding seafood for the dish isn’t that much of a challenge.

Pani ca meusa

This one isn’t for those with a weak stomach. Pani ca medusa contains veal lung and spleen that’s fried in lard and served in a bun, making it one of the more controversial delicacies in Sicily. Some love it; others detest it. How it fares with you will largely depend on whether or not you’re willing to give it a try.

If you visit Sicily, you won’t have to search hard to find any of these delicacies. They might not all speak to you, but at least one of these dishes is bound to win over your taste buds.