Brucoli, Sicily The Complete Guide To Food and Drinks
I have been living in Brucoli for six months now and It is officially Spring. With the weather warming up walking into town is easy. This is my first spring here and I am starting to notice that the crowds are growing in the weekends. Parking is getting harder to find as the small roads become congested with vehicles that the visitors are making their own parking spots.
Fortunately, the parking situation is not an Issue for me. I can walk into town without a problem, which makes it easy to start exploring more of what this fishing hamlet has to offer. Usually, I am writing about places I have been, but Brucoli’s atmosphere has made me realize that there are some good restaurants that utilize what the sea has to offer and I would like to share some of my favorites.
Places To Eat In Brucoli
One of my favorite things to do when I move to a new place is to try out the cuisine. I have ate at every place Brucoli has to offer, and these are my recommendations.
Trattoria I Rizzari
When I first moved in, this was the most recommended restaurant by the locals and is found here. Among many Italian restaurants nearby to try, this restaurant can be one of the greatest mediterranean cuisines you will have. The name refers to the “rizza”, the fishing net used, in fact, “by the rizzari”: the fishermen.
Select between indoor and outdoor seating. I highly recommend you make a reservation, due to its popularity. Ask for a place outside if you can. The possibility of eating and overlooking the blue bay and the beautiful seaside village, will enhance the eating experience.
You don’t come to I Rizzari just for the view or to dine outdoors: you come above all for the quality of the ingredients and the ability to know how to prepare them properly. At I Rizzari you can order perfectly cooked spaghetti marinara, tuna and prawns, or you can order from the display exhibiting the catch of the day. From the display you can select what entices you and decide how you want it cooked. Many people come to try it grilled.
Stravento Ristorante sul Mare
Stravento is one of the most pleasant surprises I walked into. Not having a reservation I thought I give it a shot to try it. At first they told me it was all reserved, but after speaking with the owner, the staff managed to work some magic and made space to accommodate me. Good thing I was by myself.
This restaurant also has a captivating view of the sea and is the other most recommended restaurant by the locals. If you are sitting on the edge of the veranda, you can capture a glance of fishermen dropping off the latest catch. Talk about eating fresh!
Fresh fish is one of my favorite things to eat, but on this visit I enjoyed a starter of ‘Gamberi Rosso’ (Red Shrimps), as a first course ‘Spaghetti al Nero di Sepie’ (Spaghetti with Cuttlefish Black Ink), and finished with Tortino al Cioccolato’ (Lava Cake). Every mouthful was delicious and the freshness made all the difference.
Ristorante Al Castello
The Al Castello restaurant is located near the castle in Brucoli, which is a few meters from the breathtaking enchanting bay.
Elegantly furnished, the restaurant has a large internal room and a characteristic panoramic veranda directly on the sea, overlooking the Bay of Brucoli where you can have lunch and dinner all year round. You can admire the magnificent Etna that dominates the coastline and horizon.
Search through the Italian and Mediterranean menu. You can never go wrong with tasty salmon, tartare and antipasto – a delicacy of this restaurant. The cooks here prepare good parfait and semifreddo for dessert. The choices of wine they offer are great and can be paired just right if you ask for their suggestions.
This place is also known to serve sushi. Yes you heard that right, sushi! The plates are very decorated and you can order takeaway, delivery, and even boat delivery (during the summer’s only) to your yacht if you don’t want to disembark. This place is definitely for those special occasions.
Il Chiosco di Savaglia
Located on the left side of the castle, you will find this gate with a walkway towards a tent like over hang. You might even hesitate to try this place, but let me tell you, just go in and take a seat.
There menu mostly revolves around fresh seafood made pasta dishes and few second course dish options. Only open for lunch Friday through Sunday, this restaurant guarantees you perfectly cooked spaghetti ‘vongole’, ‘caponata’ and fish. Their menu is simple, but it is because they mastered their trade.
I went with the Shrimp Spaghetti dish for the firs course and Octopus salad for the second dish. I have to say the pasta was cooked ‘al dente’ and it went well with the White House wine they offered. The freshness of the octopus salad immersed me into the sea, which you have a great view of.
With very limited seating I recommend you go there as soon as they open, 1200. Not sure if reservations are taken here but I was the first one in when I went.
Moplen Pizzeria
Not too far from the castle, Moplen pizzeria and pizzoleria is a historic place in Brucoli, a popular point for lovers of pizzas and pizzoli. The pizzeria is open every day and offers a free home delivery service, as well as the possibility of enjoying an excellent pizza at the table.
At Moplen pizza is king. You can taste the numerous types of doughs, both traditional and organic, made with always fresh and top quality ingredients. The taste of pizza, is not only on the dough, but also as important above all on the different products that allow you to create various flavors. From the classic margherita and marinara to the more elaborate gourmet pizzas.
During lunch I found that they tend to have more options. Like pastas, taglieres, and other dishes to try. I have had there pizzas and there pasta. Late night, the bar area turns into a little club and also serve cocktails.
Panificio Zarbano e Figli
This bakery is worth mentioning. I love this place. I sometimes find myself walking around not wanting a full dining experience that I find myself walking in here and grab myself a beer and something to eat.
There are so many options here. From focaccia bread, arancini, some salty bread snacks, to pizzas. They have small sitting area outside the bakery where you can enjoy your food. If you don’t want to stick around take it next door to the small square that overlooks the bay and enjoy the view.
Bars In Brucoli
This little hamlet will surprise you. I moved in during the fall season and the town seemed like a quiet fishing town where only the locals knew about. When the summer hit, wow, talk about a place completely transformed. Marinas full of boats, streets closing down due to heavy pedestrian traffic, and DJs playing tunes from all parts of the bay. Here are the places that are great to have a drink that made my list.
Al Pontile
Al Pontile is located across the bay towards a popular beach. It is the last marina where many boats of many sizes can be found. This place is open from the morning till late night where you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a fueling station for your boat if you are in need of some fuel.
This place probably has the best view for sunsets while grabbing a drink. Go get an aperitivo and enjoy the sun as it climbs down below the horizon. Serving various bottled beer and some cocktails, this place is perfect to meet up with friends in the evening. Though not my preferred place to eat, you could continue the evening there and stay for dinner.
Note: Open only during the summer season.
Mare di Brucoli
Another Marina where you can capture some great sunsets with friends and loved ones with some drinks, the Mare di Brucoli never fails to deliver. Located next to Al Pontile, the Mare di Brucoli provides nightlife entertainment with a DJ and sometimes live music performances. This is a great place to finish the evening.
With limited dinner service also available, I recommend you book in advance for a reservation. What I love about here is the cocktails, the staff, and the overall atmosphere.
Note: This place is only open during the Summer season.
Zoo TV Music Hall
If you are looking for more of a pub-like atmosphere, then ZooTV could be your place. Located in the Main Street in town, this place offers seating street-side or on a veranda, seaside. The choices of beers is what drives me to this place.
They have a few beers on draft, but quite a selection of canned and bottled beers from local craft breweries. They don’t serve any food, but the establishment doesn’t mind you ordering food from a nearby place and have it delivered there.
Occasionally, they also will have some local bands come and perform.
SudCafe
Probably the most popular place in town, SudCafe can be found next to the Brucoli Castle. Serving sushi, poke, and other delights, you will need a reservation for dinner, and its after party club atmosphere. There lunch menus are good and typically don’t need a reservations.
Sitting next to the coast, this place has a great ambience and is very popular. I have been turned around multiple times due to not have a reservation. So, make a reservation ahead of time. This place gets packed! As you can see above, the party goes all night. Great cocktails and music will have you dancing amongst the crowd.
NOTE: This place is open only during the summer
Final Thoughts
What can I say. This small fishermen’s hamlet is a place that keeps surprising me. Its beautiful bay provides the primary ingredients to its restaurants making it a first class foodie town. There are other options in town you could try, but overall these are my favorite places and wanted to share them with you.
Leave comments and questions below about this guide. I will respond as soon as possible.
