Where To Eat Near Mount Etna, Picked By Tornatore's Winemaker

Forbes

03-07-2025

people dining and socialising outside in Sicily
The villages on the slopes of Mount Etna are full of trattorias and wine bars where Sicilian cooking stays rooted in tradition while evolving with a new generation. Few people know these places better than Angelo di Grazia, winemaker at Tornatore Winery, one of the largest family-run estates on Etna's northern side. The Tornatore family has farmed this volcanic land near Castiglione di Sicilia since the 16th century, growing native grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante across 60 hectares of dramatic terrain.
Tornatore Winery
Angelo, who trained in Piedmont and spent a decade with I Vigneri di Salvo Foti, now leads both the vineyards and cellar at Tornatore while also co-owning Meridio, a small natural wine project in Sicily. When he's not among the vines, you'll likely find him sitting down to a meal at one of these spots, with a local bottle or an Etna Bianco or Rosso on the table.
Tornatore Winemaker Angelo Di Grazia
Trattoria Linguagrossa (Linguaglossa)
Trattoria Lingua Grossa
This cozy trattoria is known for well-loved Sicilian classics served with genuine warmth. Angelo always orders the tartare di manzo, a simple raw beef dish that shows off the quality of local meat. Guests linger over house-made ricotta and wine, then stroll to the nearby Chiesa Madre 'S. Maria delle Grazie' for a view that seals the experience.
Vitis Vineria (Randazzo)
Vitis Exterior
Tucked down a narrow alley, Vitis Vineria serves fresh, local flavors with big personality. Angelo goes for the spaghetti with yellow datterino tomatoes, fried zucchini, and salted ricotta, but the charcuterie, cheese board, and focaccia are also standouts. A rotating list of Etna wines makes it easy to try a bit of everything from the region.
Boccaperta (Linguaglossa)
Boccaperta is the kind of place winemakers return to again and again for creative dishes and spot-on wine pairings. Owner Rosario always has a bottle that surprises, especially in autumn when mushroom season makes Etna feel a bit like Piedmont. Angelo's go-to is the tagliolini with truffles, the perfect taste of the mountain's forest flavors.
La Cantina di Monsignore (Castiglione di Sicilia)
This welcoming spot feels like stepping back in time, with dishes rooted in local traditions. Angelo recommends ordering the chestnut-crusted rack of lamb, which showcases the flavors of the season in this part of Sicily. It's the kind of place where good food and old-world charm make you want to stay a while.
4 Archi (Milo)
Pistachio Cream Ravioli
This rustic osteria keeps everything local, sourcing directly from small producers and cooking only what's in season. Angelo's pick is the arancino stuffed with Aci cabbage, a humble bite that tastes like Etna's countryside. Between the wood-fired pizzas and the deep wine list, it's a place worth coming back to again and again.
San Giorgio & Il Drago (Randazzo)
This tiny spot on a quiet square in Randazzo keeps the focus on old-school Sicilian recipes done right. Angelo recommends the rich ossobuco, which pairs perfectly with a glass of Etna Rosso. Local cheeses, fresh pasta, and seasonal vegetables round out the menu under the watchful eye of mother Paolina.
Il Veneziano di Parco Statella (Randazzo)
Set at a rustic countryside hotel surrounded by Etna and the Nebrodi peaks, this restaurant feels like a peaceful hideaway. Angelo loves the wild mushroom soup here, especially when local fungi are in season. The Munforte family serves up a thoughtful tasting menu that celebrates Sicily's forest and farm flavors.