Sciacca Sicily is a small coastal fishing village located on the southwest part of the island. From the moment my friend and I entered Sciacca we instinctively knew just from seeing the fishing boats our stomachs were in for an unforgettable food experience. Cobblestone streets flanked by a beautiful marina filled with pastel colored fishing boats and coastal views out towards the vast Mediterranean is impressive without even steeping foot into a restaurant. But let me tell you, when you do sit down and taste what Sciacca has to offer from the food scene, you’re not going to want to depart this sleepy little fishing village.
As we meander into Trattoria Il Faro from the afternoon’s wine happy hour. We knew instantly we found the holy grail. Fresh seafood from the day’s catch laid out over a bed of ice, waiting to be chosen by hungry patron’s, puts a smile on everyone who enters. Long story short. Do not.. and I mean do not, pass on this restaurant. Trattoria Il Faro is absolutely one of my top restaurant recommendations in Sicily. Hands down without a doubt one of the best meals I’ve had anywhere and I’m not exaggerating this claim.
The first course of choice started with the all to famous local jumbo red Mediterranean prawns, cooked and then chilled. This process locks in flavor. Next comes out the calamari. Lightly breaded and fried delicately, complimented by a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfection in the simplest of forms. The next three plates in no specific order were squid ink pasta, grouper ravioli’s in a lobster sauce reduction followed by a Sicilian classic, sardine pasta. The sardines are coated with panko bread crumbs and lightly fried then tossed in the homemade red sauce. If there is heaven on earth I found the gate that leads straight to it. You can head there as well. I vouch for the chef. Compliments to whoever this person is. Every time I’m in Sicily I plan on living inside this restaurant. Cheers!