I love visiting local markets, and the one in Ortigia, Sicily, is NOT to be missed. In addition to the usual fresh produce, this one stands out with stalls like the decadent build-your-own-box of fancy Italian cookies, or the sandwich-maker who has been making sandwiches — while entertaining crowds of people — for decades. Or the oyster stand where they’ll shuck an oyster right in front of you…then serve it up raw with a side of sparkling wine. (Because everyone knows: oysters are best enjoyed with bubbly. Now that’s a culture I can really get behind.)

Experience The Ortigia Food Markets

Bring Home Nuts & Dried Food From The Local Market

As we wandered by the fresh fish and fresh produce stands, we found a huge stand with locally-grown spices, nuts and dried fruit. The pistachios and almonds were especially delicious (we brought a few big bags home), and the dried fruit was worth braving the bees crawling through them and buzzing around your head. We brought dates, dried figs, and dried mango on the plane home with us…none lasted the flight. (The dried strawberries, however, didn’t even last the day. They literally tasted like the most delicious gummy bears ever.)

Oh geez — I don’t want to forget about the olives. Or the sundried tomatoes! Or the most gorgeous, fresh capers EVER. AHHH!

I mean.

Don’t Miss Charcuterie Boards & Sicilian Wine

But the one spot that is absolutely not-freaking-to-be-missed, you really and truly MUST GO is Fratelli Burgio. It’s a market shop, located right in the corner (next to the sea), that also happens to serve lunch until 3:30PM. I wish it was open late because we literally would’ve gone every night for dinner, too. They make the best caponata in Sicily (says me), and, in addition to serving some seriously delicious sandwiches and salads, they have food boards.

OMG I love a charcuterie board.

These boards come with lots of little dishes of various meats, cheeses, fish, veggies. So you get to try a little bit of everything. But don’t be fooled: it’s a lot of food. Mike and I both walked out of there stuffed. And it’s all so good — our Ortigia favorite, for sure.

Their wine list is Sicilian (there’s a brut bubbly that was especially delicious) and it’s the only place Mike found with local IPA. The vibe is bustling and fun, and I literally could’ve sat there all day, even in the heat. We were mostly surrounded by locals, too, so I took that as a good sign.

Many of Fratelli Burgio’s stand-out products are beautifully packaged and available for sale in the shop (like that caponata), along with other local favorites (Sicilian-made Lemoncella, anyone?). You bet we brought some home.

Philly crew — expect a Sicilian-themed fun Friday coming soon. I’ve got the caponta and Lemoncella…I just need to find a recipe for Arancini. YUM.

Where To Go In Ortigia, Sicily

Old Market of Ortigia – The market is located in Syracuse, Sicily, Via Emanuele De Benedictis. It’s close to bridge connecting Oritigia to the rest of Syracuse and the Temple of Apollo. Open Friday to Sunday, but the restaurant (Fratelli Burgio) is closed on Sunday.

Borderi Gli Artisti – This is the amazing sandwich maker. Lines are long, but very entertaining. If you can get there by 10AM, there will be a line…but only 5 or 6 deep. Later in the day it’s 20-30 people deep.

Fratelli Burgio – Our favorite place to eat in Ortigia. Only open from 8AM – 3:30PM Monday – Saturday. Sandwiches, salads and the boards. Don’t miss it.

Wearing….

dress (size up) – only black left. Try here to see all dress styles in that exact same leopard print. | sandals | bag | sunglasses | the boys’ shirts were bought in Greece last summer…if anyone can find a stockist carrying anything like them, please let me know!

xo,

S