RESTAURANTS IN LO STAGNONE – WHERE TO EAT AROUND THE SPOT AND A BIT FURTHER
There are a few beachbars at the spot, 4 of them in our sight!
In each you can eat something during the day and refresh yourself with a drink.
Additionally, the Santa Maria restaurant, that is right behind us, transforms from a lunch bar during the day, into a restaurant in the evenings.
Same for the Duotone bar, circa 30 meters further – we can really recommend it for lunch, as well as for dinner.
This we have on the spot.
Below is an overview of places that are no longer in our sight, but close, or a bit further around, and which we can honestly recommend.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH CLOSE TO THE KITE SPOT ↓
RESTAURANTS CLOSE TO THE KITE SPOT ↓
RESTAURANTS IN MARSALA ↓
RESTAURANTS IN TRAPANI ↓
FOODING IN PALERMO ↓
RESTAURANTS IN OTHER PLACES ↓
BREAKFAST & LUNCH CLOSE TO THE SPOT
IL MULINO
[breakfast, coffee with cake before noon]
Il Mulino is a special place on the map of the nearest area. It’s a morning melting pot, where traditionally between 9 and 11 am local community, mainly including people working seasonally at Lo Stagnone, hangs out. It is a place not only for breakfast or morning coffee, but for a chat before everyone goes to the spot, where everyone is supposedly together, but everyone is at their own base.
There are quite a few places to have breakfast (practically every bar on every other corner). But this one wins for two reasons:
– because of its strategic location in the „center” of San Leonardo – it’s a perfect observation point right next to the main shop, greengrocer, pharmacy, church, post office, cigarette kiosk and ATM, so everyone running their errands can see who is in the bar, and everyone in the bar can see everyone running their errands, which results in an increased number of pleasant morning interactions,
– and because the snacks, despite the small selection, are generally slightly better than in other places (it takes a while to come to this conclusion though).
If you fancy a sandwich or a cake, you have to go before 11. There’s not much left later, and the daily stock of snacks is not replenished.
Coffee – all day, of course (except for siesta).
You might feel like a bigger choice though, hence the options below.
5 km from the spot (shortcuts, e.g. by bike – 3.5 km)
LOCATION
SARO
[breakfast / lunch / savoury and sweet snacks / ice cream and coffee]
This is a very known place in the area . Local people arrive here at different times of the day, but mainly in the morning. The outside veranda is a common place for meetings of all sorts. Also the pilots from a nearby military base frequent this bar (hence the model of the plane above the tables outside).
A perfect place for breakfast or lunch, but it also functions as a restaurant.
It’s open all days of the week, except Wednesdays, until late in the evening.
4 km from the spot
OASI BAR
[breakfast / lunch / savoury and sweet snacks / ice cream and coffee]
Similar place to Saro, a bit further from the spot though. It’s also worth visiting because the selection of snacks, especially sweet ones, is different (and slightly better we’d say) from those in Saro. If you need a birthday cake, or one for no occasion – this is your place.
In Oasi, the emphasis is on ice cream.
10 km from the spot
LOCATION
LA DOLCE VITA / THE SWEET LIFE
[fast food]
It’s a peculiar bar with Sicilian fast food (and nothing else – just food into hand, eaten standing up).
With some luck, you can get Calzone straight from the oven or a hot and heavy Capeletto with ricotta.
The place is open at night, so hungry crowds returning from parties can gather there.
Those fruit tables always made us feel spooky about the place, but there is also something intriguing in this vibe.
7,5 km from the spot
LOCATION
RESTAURANTS CLOSE TO THE KITE SPOT
SIRENO
[dinner – fish and seafood, pasta, meat, pizza]
Sireno is one of the nicest restaurants in Lo Stagnone, not far away from the spot, located right next to the salt pans, opposite the island of Mozia.
The menu offers a bit of everything, but fish, seafood and pizza deserve special attention.
The strong point of the restaurant is its garden, which was clearly established a long time ago.
The tables are loosely dotted among huge yuccas, succulents, euphorbias, olive trees, etc. There are strings of lights hanging between the trees and all this creates the atmosphere of a very pleasant, warm, summer evening in the fresh air and among the greenery.
Type of restaurant – a nice place for a good dinner.
Prices – regular.
13 km from the spot, 5 km back (due to the one-way road along the shore of the bay)
LOCATION
LE LUMIE
[dinner – sea food & fish, pasta, meat]
If google maps didn’t exist, we would have never spotted this place and tested it. The restaurant is located on a hill that stretches along the bay towards Marsala. We get there by a maze of narrow roads that climb steeply upwards. And because of this location, one of the two main advantages of the place is the view. From the terrace or the interior with huge windows, we have a panoramic view of the sea, the Aegadian Islands and the northern suburbs of Marsala.
The second advantage is, of course, the food. The menu includes quite simple and deliciously prepared dishes served in an interesting form, and the speciality, as a starter, is arancini (breaded and stuffed rice balls common in Sicily), in a much more sophisticated version than the classic street version.
As for desserts, we recommend another of their flagship specialities – panettone (a typically Italian soft yeast dough), which is made on site (also sold as full cake to take away). Interestingly, the desserts can be optionally served in a set with a regional dessert alcohol matched to them.
Type of restaurant – towards elegant, but not uncomfortably elegant.
Prices – moderately high.
13 km from the spot
LOCATION
PEOLA
[drinks or drinks + snacks/tapas, that could be a light dinner]
A special place in the spot area, perfect for drinks at sunset. And sunset is breathtaking here, as the place is just by the water, with west exposition.
Lovely music, pleasant warm light and grapes everywhere.
The bar is surrounded by vineyards, and tables are literally between rows of vines.
From these grapes home Peola wine is made, but of course there is a big choice of regional wines, as well as cocktails.
Along with drinks you can have snacks such as really nice and creative bruschettas, caponata, melon with prosciutto or boards of local ham and cheese or smoked fish pieces. Since it’s best to come for sunset, and maybe you won’t necessarily want to move for dinner, you can order a few snacks and treat them as an evening meal (served cold though).
Important: during summer it’s hardly possible to get a table on week days with no prior booking, and on weekends there is no chance. Make sure to book before: +393284557794.
Sometimes, due to lack of tables, they offer a rug on the grass. Less comfortable but the experience is the same.
Type of place – pampered but casual and unpretentious.
Prices – slightly higher than in a regular bar.
5.5 km from the spot to the place, 2.2 km back (due to the one-way road along the shore of the bay), so by feet 2.2 km both ways
LOCATION
MAMMA CAURA
[dinner – pasta / seafood / pizza]
This is one of the decent restaurants in Lo Stagnone, located close to the kite spot, with a spectacular view on the nearby salinas, saline museum and an old picturesque mill.
Food – traditional Sicilian cuisine.
The place is quite commercial because of its location. People visiting the museum or the island of Mozia often visit Mamma Caura, there are weddings or other special events. In high season, it will be difficult to get a table without a reservation.
Type of restaurant – big and quite commercial, but tasty. Location is exceptional.
Prices – rather regular.
8 km from the spot to the restaurant, 4 km back (due to the one-way road along the shore of the bay)
LOCATION
PLAIA DE RIO
[dinner – pasta / seafood / pizza]
This restaurant is located on the San Teodoro beach, next to Lido Plaia de Rio.
The sunsets over Aegadian islands are amazing, especially when you have a table on a pier over the water.
The food served is typical Sicilian cuisine.
Type of restaurant – regular, proper, not standing out, apart from the sunset view.
Prices – regular.
3.5 km from the spot
LOCATION
MASTER PIZZA
[local pizza]
It’s located in San Leonardo, in the ‘town’, which is the closest village to Birgi, so to the kite spot.
The place is not special, and it is so tight that it can fit half a table, but the pizza is quite good, more importantly, you can buy it by meters (which is very useful for large groups). Most importantly – it can be delivered to your accommodation.
You can order via whatsapp (number: +393887304611, use Italian or google-translated Italian) and send them a pin where the pizza is to be delivered.
Type of restaurant – tiny but very proper pizzeria nearby the kite spot.
Prices – very fair.
5 km from the spot
LOCATION
AGRITURISMO VULTAGGIO
[dinner – pasta, fish & seafood, meat, pizza]
This is a place for both dinner and an afternoon combined with dinner.
This agro-tourism is located on a hill, with a beautiful view of the sea and in complete isolation.
On its premises, apart from the hotel and restaurant building and areas of crops for its own needs, there is also a swimming pool, SPA, and two paddle courts.
We often start with a paddle game on the court, then relax and have an aperitivo in the pool, and from there move straight to the restaurant table.
The place has a relaxed atmosphere, you can move freely and do what you want.
The restaurant itself, as is typical of agro-tourism, offers its own products and dishes from its own ingredients (e.g. homemade flour for pizza dough, or homemade olive oil from trees growing around the premises). The menu is very traditional, although different in our opinion from the traditional menu in Marsala or Trapani.
Type of place – perfect for dinner, or afternoon activities topped with dinner. Very chilled atmosphere.
Prices – normal.
15 km from the spot
LOCATION
BAGLIO ONETO
[dinner – pasta, fish and seafood, meat dishes]
When it comes to hotels, we get the impression that Italians are quite generous with handing out stars to themselves. But it can’t be denied that the five-star Resort Balio Oneto belongs to the group of more sophisticated accommodations, so the restaurant must be like that as well.
The waiters will be more serious than in other restaurants, they will serve everything properly, so better not forget to put a napkin on the lap.
As you would expect, the food is good, very nicely served, and the dishes are simply interesting.
And the place is very beautiful. We recommend starting with an aperitivo on the terrace (called the Venus terrace), located next to the old tower and high above the pool. From here, there is a fantastic panoramic view of the entire area and the sea. This is due to the high location of the resort.
Later, for dinner, it’s worth moving to the courtyard located in the old part of the hotel. It’s a typical atmosphere of Mediterranean elegance – beige old sandstones, green illuminated trees here and there between tables and snowy white tablecloths.
Type of restaurant – one of the most fancy restaurants in Lo Stagnone, for an elegant and delicious dinner.
Prices – higher than regular, in fact the highest in our list (full dinner for two with a bottle of wine – approx. 150 euros).
8.5 km from the spot
LOCATION
DONNA FRANCA
[dinner – pasta, fish & seafood, meat]
This is another hotel restaurant on our list. The old and beautifully restored building is located on a hill above the Lo Stagnone reserve. It’s not only a hotel with a restaurant and a swimming pool with an amazing view, but also a winery – Donna Franca wines enjoy a good reputation in the region.
The restaurant is elegant but not pompous, the dishes are rather traditional, refined and nicely served, and the wines are of course home-made.
We recommend ordering an aperitivo on the viewing terrace or by the pool before dinner, and admiring the spectacular sunset from there.
Type of place – a very nice place for a pleasant, high-quality dinner.
Prices – slightly above the norm.
13 km from the spot
LOCATION
MARSALA
CELLARIUS
[extraordinary pizza]
There are other things on the menu, but you go there for a pizza. The best in Sicily, for sure. There are maybe 100 pizzas to choose from.
The pizza is heavy – lots of ingredients, cheese and everything, so be careful with side dishes or appetizers.
An absolute must-go.
For larger groups, you can ask Magda to make a table reservation, she knows those guys : )
Reservations are not required for smaller groups, unless it’s for a high season weekend.
Type of restaurant – great pizzeria.
Prices – regular.
17 km from the spot
LOCATION
LA CORTE DEI MANGIONI
[dinner – seafood & fish, meat, pasta]
La Corte dei Mangioni located just by the old town of Marsala is one of our favourite addresses.
Objectively this is a very good restaurant, more gourmet and with slightly higher prices, but totally worth it.
The menu is not obvious, interesting and with an emphasis on seafood (also raw), although you can also eat meat or pasta.
The service is very professional yet nice, and what we appreciate is that the staff doesn’t change for years.
We advise you to book a table regardless of the day of the week or time of the season.
Type of restaurant – kind of fancy, but not pompous. Delicious food.
Prices – slightly above regular.
15 km from the spot
LOCATION
OSTERIA LE RADICI
[dinner – very nice appetizers, seafood and fish, pasta, meat]
In the centre of Marsala, this small restaurant offers quite an elaborated cuisine – fusion between traditional Sicilian dishes and modern touches.
The menu changes during the season to include fresh seasonal products.
If you don’t know what to try, we recommend taking a few appetizers to make yourself a tasting menu.
The restaurant is placed in a little intimate square, which makes it convenient to either have an aperitivo in the old town before dinner, or have a walk around after dinner.
Type of restaurant – cozy restaurant for a good quality dinner.
Prices – slightly above regular, but that reflects on the quality of the dishes.
16 km from the spot
LOCATION
PARINELLO
[dinner – fish and seafood, pasta]
If we feel like good fish or seafood (sauté or with pasta), Parinello will be a jackpot.
The dishes are served in a simple, pretty form, and they are undoubtedly super fresh.
Not only will it be a solid feast, but also a pleasant experience of the place. The restaurant is located in the former Ben Ingham seaside factories (whoever read The Florios of Sicily may remember this character), from where the famous Marsala wine was exported to the north in the 19th century.
We can eat either inside, under the large arches of the vineyard, or on the outdoor patio, pleasantly lit and green.
Type of restaurant – for a good quality dinner, but not posh,
Prices – moderately high.
18 km from the spot
LOCATION
CIBUS
[dinner – meat, pasta]
The location of the restaurant is not amazing – it’s just by the main road to Marsala, and next to Lidl.
But we recommend this place. We are regular fans of their lamb chops (not on the menu, but always in stock) and beef tartar in many variations.
In our subjective opinion, burgers are so-so. But the steaks are delicious.
The meat is of the highest quality, portions are solid, there is a large selection of wines and a pleasant atmosphere.
Type of restaurant – good steak house.
Prices – regular.
16 km from the spot
LOCATION
PANIFICIO RAGONA
[breakfast / lunch – arancini and snacks]
This is a small and street side bar and bakery, famous primarily for its arancini.
Arancina is a typically Sicilian, almost everywhere available breaded ball of rice and mozzarella, with a chosen filling inside.
Here, arancini are made on the spot and fried after ordering, while in most other bars, arancini are bought already fried, and after purchase they are heated in the microwave. There are usually 2 or three fillings to choose from, whereas here we have a dozen or so.
We recommend Panificio Ragona to people who want to approach the subject of Sicilian arancini properly.
At the same time, you can taste other specialities and very traditional local pastries.
Type of place: a bar for breakfast or lunch, serving snacks super typical for the region.
Prices – normal.
16 km from the spot
LOCATION
TRAPANI
210 GRAMMI
[dinner – pasta, seafood & fish, meat]
Kind of ‘European style’ restaurant (which is unusual in Sicily), located close to the old town of Trapani.
The place is called a restaurant and laboratory because of its own pasta production. They make all kinds of pasta and the process is visible to guests.
In the menu we find quite a big selection of seafood, fish, meat and pasta, served nicely and very tasty.
Type of restaurant – Sicilian cuisine slightly modernized.
Prices – regular.
21 km from the spot
LOCATION
TRATTORIA CACIO E PEPPE
[dinner – pasta, meat]
This place was one of our interesting discoveries, which we like to return to regularly.
We went there on a recommendation. At first glance, it wasn’t extraordinary. The location is right by the port, but the port in Trapani is more operational than picturesque. Tables are set partly on the pavement, partly in a tight glass block or in an even tighter interior.
On the plastic tables there is a paper napkin, a condiment set like from a cheap bar, and a menu laminated probably a decade ago.
And on this menu Roman cuisine. Prices – unusually low.
From the quite wide selection of appetizers, we recommend Magna e Bevi – five or six plates with small versions of appetizers from the menu, that go with a carafe of house wine or a beer. This is a choice for two, or for one ambitious person.
Then it’s worth trying the flagship home-made pasta – cacio e peppe, or its enriched version, for example carbonara. The meats are also nice, lamb chops for example.
Note – it’s very difficult to get a table. Without calling, it is basically impossible.
We will add here, that this place has gained a certain fame, which makes many people come there with sky-high expectations. But the fame comes from the fact that you can eat well for little money. So we recommend going there with a positive attitude and very hungry.
Type of restaurant – authentic.
Prices – low (for 40-45 euros two people will leave full and tipsy).
22 km from the spot
LOCATION
CARTHAGE
[dinner – seafood & fish, meat]
If you’re in Sicily for some time already and have had enough pizza, pasta, arancini etc,
or if you are simply curious for culinary adventures, we recommend this Tunisian restaurant in the old town of Trapani, located just by the main promenade.
You can find typical Arabic dishes like Tajine, but also other meat variations, fish, and other seafood dishes.
Keep in mind that Sicily was for centuries (millennia actually) under strong influence of Arabic countries, and the cuisine reflects on that as well.
Type of restaurant – Arabic cuisine.
Prices – regular.
21 km from the spot
LOCATION
LA TORRE VECCHIA
[dinner – pasta, meat, seafood & fish]
Located in one of the oldest buildings of Trapani (14th century), La Torre Vecchia is a high standard restaurant, with elaborated dishes.
The environment of the restaurant, especially the outside stone patio, arches and facade decorations, make it worth to visit this place.
The beauty of the building isn’t the only strong point of the place, as the food is another reason to try it, although portions could be a bit bigger, in case someone comes very hungry.
Type of restaurant – rather fancy, intimate, good for a special evening.
Prices – a bit more pricey than regular.
22 km from the spot.
LOCATION
PALERMO
I SEGRETI DEL CHIOSTRO
[midday coffee and cake]
This place is a peculiar point on the map of Palermo. The name translated directly means 'the secrets of the cloister’.
Indeed, it seems like a secret garden, and indeed the premise is an old cloister, dating XIV century.
But the word 'secret’ refers to the recipes for pastry, that the nuns of this cloister were passing to each other only orally, to prevent anyone from copying their formulas. A couple of centuries ago, the whole nobility of Palermo was buying pastry here, but later in time the competition of shops in the city crushed the monastery business. Luckily, the production was renewed as the cloister became open to the public. The sweets we can buy in the monastery are still based on original recipes, containing mainly of almonds, pistachios, ricotta and candied fruits. The incomes from sales are raised for the cloister renovation.
We really recommend treating yourself with a piece of pastry made in the very same way, as the nuns did it centuries ago, and having it in the garden by the fountain. You’re in the centre of the city, but you feel completely hidden, in a place that was indeed completely hidden for ages.
Type of place – a wonderful place for a coffee with sweets, perfect to rest while visiting Palermo.
Prices – regular.
MERCATO DEL CAPO
[street food]
Palermo is listed in the top best destinations for street food. And the best way to try street food is a proper market.
Among few other markets in Palermo, Mercato del Capo is an important point of retail agri-food sales. It’s a very lively place and the vibe is tipical for Sicilian true food market – the colours, smells, the shouts of the vendors (i vuci), messy stalls – it’s all part of the genuine character of Palermo.
Mercato del Capo is open every day, including Sunday morning, and offers the possibility of buying both food and other goods at a good price.
Some vendors have a few tables set on the street, so you can have your snack on the spot.
We recommend trying more smaller portions, rather than having one big meal.
Type of place – a proper Sicilian food market.
Prices – normal.
SEVEN
[aperitivo or dinner – pasta, seafood & fish, meat]
It’s a rather modern looking place for either aperitivo or dinner in Palermo.
The strong point of this restaurant is undoubtedly the view on the old town, as it’s located on the rooftop.
If you’d like to just enjoy drinks with a view, let the staff know about it right away – there are different tables for aperitivo and different ones for restaurant.
As for the food, it’s proper Italian cuisine served in a pretty way.
You may think the place is a bit commercialized and touristy, and probably you’d be right, but we think this rooftop is cool anyway.
Type of place – fancy-ish place for an aperitivo or dinner with a view.
Prices – slightly above regular, but of course you pay for the view.
LOCALE
[aperitivo or dinner – pasta, seafood & fish, pizza, meat]
We are very happy to have found this place. What we love the most in the fooding topic, is a combination of a special place and excellent food.
Here the food is delicious, there is a really good selection of everything – great appetizers, unusual courses of fish, seafood and meat, but also good pizza and burgers for the ones that like to play it safe. And yummy desserts.
Also the bar is proper, serving really nice cocktails, as well as a good choice of beer.
So the place is good for either only aperitivo, or drinks + dinner, or dinner alone of course 🙂
As for the premises, the place is a bit of a maze, divided in 4 sections – the street side terrace, the bar, the patio and the inside part of the restaurant.
This building was used in the old times for the service of nobility that lived in the palace next by. So in the building we can dine in rooms where servants previously lived (the bar is there as well). The street side terrace is very pleasant but looks quite regular. And the patio is where horses used to be kept (you can spot the attaching rings). Both the patio and the building inside are dotted with an insane number of random deco pieces. Each piece of furniture is different and each deserves attention. There are also two fountains on the patio, with turtles inside, and decorated with ceramic tiles.
On one hand we feel like we should discover new places, once we are in Palermo, but on the other hand, we love to return to this place.
Type of place – really cool restaurant and bar with top food and drinks.
Prices – surprisingly regular.
OTHER LOCATIONS, USEFUL FOR TRIPS
ERICE: MONTE SAN GIULIANO
[dinner – pasta, seafood & fish, meat]
It’s a restaurant mentioned in the Michelin guide. Delicious food is one thing, but the location and view are another.
The restaurant is set in a medieval stone building with steps on each side, arches, alleys, and plants in every corner. The central point is a garden terrace with an amazing view of the sea and the Egadi Islands. The sunset is the moment when everyone gets up from the tables to take a photo.
Food is very tasty, prepared with much care but not in a sophisticated, pompous way.
Booking a table is rather necessary.
Type of restaurant – Sicilian cuisine in a more elaborated version.
Prices – well priced, not much more expensive than any other restaurant.
43 km from the spot
LOCATION
SAN VITO LO CAPO: RISTORANTE GIARDINO CORALLO
[dinner – seafood & fish, pasta, meat, cous cous]
The restaurant is located in the centre of the touristic town, right next to the beautiful San Vito lo Capo beach, but it’s hidden, in the courtyard of one of the houses.
The square is immersed in greenery and, together with lights, ceramic tiles and mosaics, and pastel furniture, it creates a remarkable atmosphere.
And the food is delicious. It’s worth mentioning, that cous cous appears often on the menu in Sicilian restaurants, but it’s particularly a speciality of San vito Lo Capo. There is even an international cous cous festival each year in September here.
Type of restaurant – Sicilian cuisine slightly modernized.
Prices – regular.
65 km from the spot
LOCATION
CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO: BRACERIA 360 GRADI
[dinner – mainly meat]
A restaurant in the old center of Castellammare del Golfo, nicely situated in a side alley near the port.
Intimate, nice ambience and modern at the same time. And very tasty.
Type of restaurant – steak house.
Prices – regular.
62 km from the spot
LOCATION
