Page 171 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

La Brace Via XXV Novembre 10 0921 423 570. A tiny place run by a Dutch
mother and son, where you dine to classical music in a room formed by three stone
arches. The cuisine is more varied than in many Cefalù restaurants, with beautifully
cooked versions of European dishes such as steak tournedos or chicken liver pâté with
Madeira joining Sicilian dishes like swordfish involtini. Lots of vegetarian options as
well. Booking ahead is essential. Mon & Wed–Sun lunch & dinner, Tues dinner only;

closed mid-Dec to mid-Jan.

Caffè di Noto Via Bagno Cicerone 3 0921 422 654. This gelateria is right at the
edge of the centro storico and the beginning of the Lungomare, and has fabulous ice
creams in flavours including mango, raspberry, prickly pear, and chocolate with chilli.
April–Oct daily 10am–late.

Le Chat Noir Via XXV Novembre 17 0921 420 697. An atmospheric setting in the
whitewashed, plant-filled courtyard of a sixteenth century building a short walk from

the Duomo, and memorable executions of typical Sicilian dishes such as the sweet,
unctuous aubergine parmigiana with salty ricotta, swordfish involtini, and an orange
salad spiked with chilli. Count on spending €35 for a full meal including wine if you
eat fish, €25 if you opt for meat. Mon–Tues & Thurs–Sun lunch & dinner.

Al Gabbiano Lungomare G. Giardina 0921 421 495. Best of the seafront promenade
restaurants, this place has a good antipasto al buffet, spicy zuppa di cozze and pizzas

(pizzas €6–10), and fish or seafood mains (mostly €10–12). Daily lunch & dinner;
closed Wed Nov–April.

La Galleria Via Mandralisca 23 0921 420 211, lagalleriacefalu.it. Billed as a
“literary café”, and incorporating courtyard bar, exhibition space and cultural centre,
La Galleria is also a great place for classy, contemporary Sicilian cooking – think
chic, white dining room and a menu featuring pasta with swordfish, lemon zest and

wild fennel, and tuna sashimi on caponata (dishes €8–22). There’s a second entrance
on Via XXV Novembre. Mon–Wed & Fri–Sun lunch & dinner.

Lo Scoglio Ubriaco Via C.O. Bordonaro 2–4 0921 423 370. The “Drunken Rock”
is a slick restaurant with a sea-facing terrace. It’s good for fish (with plenty of mains
between €8.50 and €13.50), and also serves pizzas (€6–10.50) in the evening. July &
Aug daily lunch & dinner; Sept–June closed Tues.

Vecchia Marina Via Vittorio Emanuele 73 0921 420 388. A locals’ favourite for a
seafood blowout. It’s not cheap (pasta and starters €10–15, fish dishes €15–25, catch
of the day by weight, generally €50–60 per kilo), though the €29 set menu (including
an antipasto or pasta, secondo, contorno and dessert but no drinks) isn’t a bad deal.
Mon & Wed–Sun lunch & dinner; closed Jan.