Pizzeria Siciliana Don Ciccio Fanusa-Arenella-Plemmirio. PRENOTAZIONE OBBLIGATORIA L'orario può essere variabile. — Restaurant in Syracuse

The only review anyone might ever need: This is our second year in a row in Sicily and me and my husband couldn’t wait to come back to Don Ciccio. A gem we discovered by accident last year and had the best pizza of our lives. We were so happy to see that the garden looks even better than last year, the menu expanded a lot, there are so many options to choose from and if by any chance you don’t find anything there (highly unlikely) the owners will do their best to accommodate you and you won’t ever leave hungry. To everyone expecting a perfectly organized restaurant with huge staff and white linen tablecloths, do not even come here. The place is run by owners and they are the only staff there. The wife, Laura, is the pizza chef, making everything from scratch by herself with one wooden oven working in the kitchen in scorching heat to share her passion for pizza with others. The husband, Ciccio, is there to serve you and make sure you have everything you need and he is also constantly running back and forth between serving the customers and helping his wife in the kitchen. You can also see him from time to time picking fresh parsley or basil from their own garden or fresh pepperoncino that they grow. How amazing is that? The dough is always delicious and often different (a bit thicker or thinner, very subtle differences) because it depends on the type of pizza you’ve ordered. Logical right? If you are a food lover and you appreciate a pizza place that is not stingy you will love it here. If you tell them you love cheese, they will put extra just for you, if you say you want something spicy, they’ll invent a pizza on the spot for you, if there’s any ingredient missing at the moment, they will be very honest and offer a million other options. Having said this, I hope others can now understand the longer waiting time and not expect a 5 star hotel type of interior and waiting time. After all, you’re probably on a vacation so why not put down your phone and enjoy the company of your partner or friends and family while you relax in the peace and quiet of nature and their garden, the delicious smell of freshly baked pizza from the kitchen and the thick, melodic Sicilian accent of Ciccio and Laura while they communicate orders with each other. After all, it’s all about the food and the company you’re with, it doesn’t get more...

A Hidden Sicilian Gem – The Best Pizza of My Life

We discovered Pizzeria Siciliana Don Ciccio by chance, and it became the most unforgettable dining experience of our trip—and truly the best pizza of my life.

From the first moment, we felt instantly at home. The owners welcomed us very warmly and genuinely cared about our comfort. It was a cold evening, and they were concerned we might feel uncomfortable sitting outside. We happily stayed and enjoyed every minute:

This place is rare and authentic. It is a true family business run with passion. The owners themselves take care of the guests and run the traditional wood-fired oven—visible when you arrive and when you pay—crafting every pizza by hand. Only one pizza at a time is baked in the oven. This slow, deliberate process creates a calm, personal atmosphere and results in world-class quality. The pizza was perfect: crisp yet airy dough, fresh ingredients, exceptional flavor: “5 Formaggi” (instead of 4 Formaggi) with local smoky cheese and “Don Ciccio” with fresh sausage from the black Nebrodi pig, truffle oil and pistachios (of course).

The experience did not end with the menu—because hospitality here goes beyond expectations. We were served with homemade pastries and homemade limoncello, both not even on the menu. A simple, generous gesture that felt like being invited into a Sicilian home with love and real joy.

The atmosphere is romantic and intimate. There is only outdoor seating, decorated with airy curtains, summer sunshades and candles at the table — simple but full of charm and soul. The local wine paired perfectly with the food and completed the experience.

We loved it so much that we returned to celebrate our last evening in Sicily there. It felt only right to end our journey in a place that touched us with its authenticity, warmth, and culinary excellence.

If you are looking for real Sicily — genuine people, unforgettable pizza, and heartfelt hospitality — this is the place....

If you're looking for a fast, fine-dining experience with lots of fancy drinks and an attentive waiter, keep looking, this is not the place for you. If however you want a truly authentic sicilian family dining experience, you're in for a treat.

The first thing you'll notice is that this isn't in some fancy building - it's in the family's back garden. Don't let this spook you - just pick a table and have a seat, it's all good.

The second thing you might notice is that the service is sloooow. I'm talking up to 30 minutes to have your order taken, depending on when you arrived in relation to the other people. It might take another 20 minutes to get your drinks and who even knows when you'll get your pizza? This isn't an in and out kind of place - it's the kind of place where you relax, have a drink, have a chat, and the pizza will come at some point. There will likely be a fair delay between them so don't wait for everyone to get theirs before eating or you're guaranteed to eat them cold.

When the pizzas arrive is really the hallelujah moment and you realise why it took so long, because the pizzas are truly outstanding here. We had 4 types of pizzas and they were all exceptional. They are pretty big and we weren't able to eat all of them - I'd say 3 pizzas between 4 hungry people is enough.

As for drinks, they got a few options. We had some beer and their house wine and it was all good. Do make sure to order the next round at least 15 minutes before you actually want it.

Overall I'd say this is an absolute must for dinner if you're in the area. Just make sure to visit with an open mind and you'll...