Noto is close to the coast so you can rightly expect menus with an abundance of fresh fish and being Italy, lots of pasta and meat choices too.

The Sicilian climate means most restaurants offer alfresco dining. For me it’s the best way to eat at any time of the day.

Noto has many neighbourhood restaurants and these are my personal recommendations (please note that exclusions are not here for a reason).

Casa Matta
Casa Matta has the reputation for being the place to go in Noto for pizza. So if you are a pizza lover or have children who love pizza then this is the place to go!

Cássaro-Bistrot
Specialising in local natural and organic wines with knowledgeable waiters who will show you round their impressive list. Definitely a wine destination with accompanying food plates.

Dammuso
Located on my favourite people watching street - Via Rocco Pirri - so getting a table alfreso is the place to be. The chef is the mother of Chef Marco Baglieri from Noto’s Crocifisso restaurant.

‍Geranio
Although it serves pizza and burgers it has some far more interesting delights on its menu and most importantly is consistently good.

Nache
A family run restaurant whose seating is mostly on outside terraces with a very small number of tables inside. It won my heart when one evening they brought out a turntable and played some Italian vinyls.

Norma’s Bistro
Norma Gritti is one of Noto’s big characters and attracts a loyal crowd of friends and celebrities alike to her relaxed bistro restaurant. Pick the right nite and they’ll have a DJ and Norma will be leading the way to dancing on the streets.

Retablo
Located in a lovely quiet street moments away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Noto. You will be ably looked after by owner and hostess Katharina who loves what she does and knows how to look after her customers.

Sabbinirica
A fabulous spot for a relaxed alfresco lunchtime sandwich and maybe even a glass of wine. Or drop by to pickup some charcuterie for an aperitivo at home that evening.

Noto has some fabulous out of town eateries. Italians describe three sorts of eateries, a ristorante (restaurant), a trattoria (somewhere less formal that a restaurant) or an osteria (some less formal that a trattoria).

Al Vecchio Molo ‘The Old Peer’
‍A super rustic spot for sitting in the sun and watching the sea whilst you eat you lunch. Located at Calabernado harbour.
(15 minute drive)

Manna
Manna ristorante is set in a stunningly and idylic courtyard simply made for alfresco wining and dining. Located on road from Calabernado to Lidi do Noto.
(15 minute drive)