Ragusa, Italy
From Michelin Guide
Situated on the ring road which runs around Ibla, one of the most charming and picturesque historic districts in Sicily, this restaurant is as delightful as its surroundings. Despite being partly built into the rock, the dining room here is elegant rather than rustic and the service highly attentive, making this the perfect choice for a romantic, gourmet dinner. Vincenzo Candiano is an extraordinary chef who continues to experiment with new dishes, combining classic favourites with other more innovative recipes (still with a Sicilian influence) on his menu. There’s also a renowned wine list with some superb vertical tasting options, plus one guestroom on the premises and others within walking distance in the charming hotel of the same name.
From Visitor Experiences
Unique Cave-Like Rooms Carved into Limestone Rock: Locanda Don Serafino features 2 of its 11 charming rooms carved directly into the limestone rock typical of the Iblei area, offering guests a non-conventional and immersive experience tied to the natural heritage of Ragusa Ibla.
Extensive Wine Cellar with Over 2000 Labels and Exclusive Spirits & Cigar List: The restaurant boasts a remarkable wine cellar containing more than 2000 labels from around the world, complemented by a curated spirits menu and a cigar list, enhancing the luxury dining experience beyond just food.
Cuisine Rooted in Sicilian Tradition with Contemporary Interpretation by Chef Vincenzo Candiano: The Michelin-starred menu is deeply inspired by the flavors and memories of Sicilian and Iblean culinary traditions, using almost exclusively local raw materials from land and sea, yet presented with modern aesthetics and conceptuality under the skillful mastery of Chef Vincenzo Candiano.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Locanda Don Serafino in Ragusa include:
Fresh fish and seafood: Central to dishes like the rich zuppa di pesce don Serafino (fish soup) and fresh fish preparations, highlighting the coastal Sicilian influence.
Sea urchin: Featured notably in the black spaghetti with sea urchin, ricotta, and squid, lending a distinctive briny and creamy flavor.
Ricotta cheese: Used in combination with seafood in pasta dishes, adding a creamy texture and balancing the marine flavors.
White truffle: Incorporated in stuffed handmade pasta, where aromatic white truffle shavings elevate the dish with their earthy, luxurious aroma.
Iblean lamb: A local specialty from the Iblei mountains, served as a signature meat dish reflecting the regional terroir.
These ingredients are significant as they showcase the rich Sicilian terroir and coastal bounty, combining local seafood, dairy, and prized truffles to create refined, authentic dishes emblematic of the region’s culinary heritage.
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