Syracuse Food Review: Do Locals Know Best? (Spoiler: YES!)

After 4 nights in Syracuse—including a magical New Year’s Eve feast—I can confirm: Sicilian grandma cooking beats British "cuisine" any day. Here’s the verdict on two airbnb-host-recommended spots: 🍽️ 1. Osteria del Principe - La Cantinaccia 📍 Local secret near Ortigia | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🔥 Why it’s legendary: "Tasting menu for 2" (€50-ish): 6 seafood antipasti + grilled eggplant Highlights: Octopus carpaccio, mussels in lemony breadcrumbs, swordfish rolls Wine pairing: House white tasted like sunshine in a glass ☀️ Freebie: Post-meal lemon sorbet (brain-freeze-worthy refreshment) 👩‍🍳 Vibe: Tiny, rustic, with a grumpy-but-loveable owner who judges your wine choices (affectionately). 🍝 2. Osteria Terra Mia 📍 Cozy backstreet trattoria | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (pasta only) 🍊 Must-order: "Sicilian Dishes" pasta (top of menu): Orange-infused sauce + sweet-savory pork ragù = flavor explosion "How is this weird combo so good?!" 🚫 Skip: Desserts (my tiramisu tasted like it was made by a distracted nonna). 🍷 Pro tip: Ask for Nero d’Avola—Sicily’s boldest red. 💡 Final Thoughts Local recs > TripAdvisor in Sicily (trust the nonnas!) Portions are HUGE—share antipasti to save room for pasta Book ahead (even in winter, these places pack out) #SicilyEats #NoMoreFishAndChips #FoodTherapy