Trapani's Culinary Scene: A Gastronomic Journey Through the Region

Trapani's cuisine is a delightful exploration of authentic Sicilian flavors, a perfect marriage of Arab influences, seafood traditions, and the highest quality local ingredients. If you're wondering what to eat in Trapani, prepare for a gastronomic itinerary that will lead you to the discovery of unique and irresistible dishes. From seafood specialties to delectable pasta dishes and mouthwatering street food, Trapani will win you over with its genuine tastes.

Fish Couscous

One of the most emblematic dishes of Trapani's culinary heritage is undoubtedly Fish Couscous. This dish, with its roots in North African culture, has been reinterpreted by local cuisine to become a true symbol of the region. Unlike North African versions, Trapani couscous is prepared with semolina that is hand-rolled and steamed in a traditional terracotta "couscoussiera." The distinctive touch is the flavorful fish broth, rich and obtained from a mix of mullet, redfish, grouper, and other Mediterranean catches. Spices such as saffron, cinnamon, and parsley enhance the taste of this iconic dish.

Fish couscous is a star of festivals and gastronomic events, such as the renowned Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo, where chefs from around the world compete in creating innovative variations.

Busiate and Pesto "alla Trapanese"

If you love pasta, another must-try dish is "busiate" with "pesto alla trapanese." Busiate is a typical fresh pasta, twisted into a spiral shape. Its name comes from the "buso," a thin ferrule once used to create the characteristic long, spiraled shape by twisting the dough around the stem of a local plant bearing that name.

The traditional sauce, pesto alla trapanese, is a delicious blend of fresh tomatoes, almonds, red garlic from Nubia, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. This Sicilian version of pesto, more rustic and intense than the Genoese variety, is often enriched with grated pecorino cheese for an even more robust flavor. Pesto trapanese embodies the essence of the region's flavors, born from the union of locally sourced ingredients.

Busiate can also be found with other typical sauces of the area, such as seafood or meat ragù, but the pesto version remains one of the most representative of the local cuisine.

Street Food: A Sweet and Savory Affair

Trapani isn't just about restaurants and trattorias; street food is an integral part of the local gastronomic culture. As you wander through the old town, you can savor some of the best street food the city has to offer.

Among the savory specialties, "pane cunzato" stands out – a dressed loaf of bread with tomatoes, anchovies, salt, oregano, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a quick lunch to take along on days by the sea without sacrificing tradition.

You can't talk about Trapanese street food without mentioning the "arancina" (referred to in the feminine here, as in western Sicily) and other fried delights like "panelle," chickpea fritters that are a true delicacy to taste.

As for desserts, the Trapanese "Genovese" is not to be missed – a pastry cake filled with custard and sprinkled with icing sugar. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, the Genovese is a real institution for gourmands.

Another delicacy is the "cassatella di ricotta", a kind of sweet fried ravioli filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this treat is an indulgence absolutely worth savoring.

In the restaurant of our Resort, you can find these and many other dishes bursting with the flavors of Trapani: fish, meat, and desserts, all prepared by our chefs for an unforgettable culinary journey.