Culinary tradition
& delight
Sicily is a land of contrasts, a destination that awakens the senses...
...the sea, its volcanic origin, the sun, its people and its incomparable raw materials make this marvelous enclave in the Mediterranean Sea a powerful forge that made the island's gastronomy a valid reason to visit it.
The metropolitan city of Messina has an extremely varied and heterogeneous territory that surprises with its unique cuisine, one of the oldest in Sicily, which with its peculiarities, its influences from ancient Greece to nearby Calabria and its traditions, tells of millennia of history, different dominations and cultures, which strengthen its identity.
In the villages of Capo Peloro smells, colors and flavors mix among the stalls and shops that sell km.0 products of exceptional quality, with which original and tasty recipes are prepared for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Here you can savor the freshness and variety of fish from the Strait of Messina, the molluscs grown in the lake of Ganzirri, the unique consistency of sheep and goat cheeses, the best volcanic wines, native meats such as the black Nebrodi pig, local fruits and vegetables and the sumptuous pastry expression, strongly influenced by the historical presence of Arabs, French and Spanish.
Mussels, clams and then swordfish (King of the Strait of Messina) are just some of the ingredients that characterize the cuisine of Capo Peloro, from Torre Faro to Ganzirri.
Tuna and bonito, sea bream and grouper, amberjack and imperial garfish, octopus, squid and silver scabbard fish, enrich the succulent fish menu of the area without forgetting stock fish which, although it is not a local product, has acquired great importance in the culinary tradition of Messina from the 14th century.
The rotisserie and gastronomy tradition of Messina is a true highlight of Peloritan street food, boasting a rich heritage of bakers and cooks passed down through generations. Among the beloved specialties, Focaccia Messinese stands out, filled with tuma cheese, escarole, anchovies, and cherry tomatoes. Arancini, the iconic fried rice balls stuffed with ragù and mozzarella, are a must-try. Pitoni, available both fried and baked, offer various delicious fillings, often enjoyed within hearty sandwiches.
Adding to this rich culinary tapestry are the Braciole, which include rolls made from tender meat, swordfish, grilled vegetables, or crustaceans. These flavorful rolls are typically filled with seasoned breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, and sometimes cherry tomatoes and capers, and are frequently savored in sandwiches, making them a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
The pastry and ice cream tradition of Messina represents a pinnacle of culinary excellence. As an integral part of the city's gastronomic culture, Messina enchants visitors with small pastries like babbà, fruit tarts, and mini cannoli. The famous Granita with Brioche is a must-try experience, available in a variety of flavors including lemon, almond, and pistachio, served with soft, fragrant brioche. Artisanal gelato, including the renowned gianduia-based mattonella, showcases local expertise. Traditional treats such as frutta martorana, cannoli, and cassata further highlight Messina's rich pastry heritage.
People say that a country is recognized by its gastronomy, that the dishes of a place bring with them pieces of its history, its people and its customs.
Capo Peloro, bathed by two seas, with a rich and fertile land that the sun and the winds caress all year round, has sculpted its culinary culture with reminiscences of its rich past, for which trying its gastronomic proposal is an experience only one that is worth living.