The Authentic Ortigia Street Food Tour by Hidden Syracuse
Description
On this 3-hour Street Food Tour, you’ll discover the real Ortigia—through its flavors, hidden corners, and local stories. Vegetarian options available! We’ll start like true locals: with a refreshing Sicilian iced coffee. Then head to the oldest bakery in town to try what I believe is the best Arancino in Siracusa—made fresh every morning. We’ll walk through quiet alleys, the fishermen’s square, and corners most visitors never reach. At the market, you’ll taste capuliato, baked ricotta, pistachio salami, almond pastries, pistachio cream, and—depending on the season—Pachino tomatoes or prickly pears. Then we’ll meet my extended family of cheesemakers and enjoy ricotta, mozzarella, and the best panino of your life. We’ll finish with a fresh fruit granita from Ortigia’s most traditional gelateria. See the island through local eyes. I'd love to share its flavors and stories with you. Other things to note: Water and food included Small group (max 15 people)
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will start from Archimedes Square, in front of the beautiful Diana Fountain, which represents the goddess of hunting and was considered the city's protector by the Greeks. From here, we will venture out to explore the island, seeking new flavors and aromas, immersing ourselves as locals rather than tourists.
We will then proceed along Via Roma, one of the most charming and beautiful streets on the island of Ortigia. We'll sample the coffee that us locals enjoy here. Naturally, as true Italians, we start the day with coffee. However, for those who don't drink it, there will be an alternative option available.
Next, we will explore the fantastic Giudecca neighborhood, my personal favorite. Amidst former synagogues and a few hidden gems, I'll share tales of the recipes introduced by the Arabs in this area. I'll delve into the history of the arancino, one of Sicily's symbols, and we'll indulge in various versions of this dish.
We'll then venture into the non-touristy part of the island, a place brimming with stories and secrets that often go unnoticed by those unfamiliar. I'll share anecdotes and tales about our symbols and culinary culture. We'll navigate through the island and its intricate pathways, leading us to the local market.
Finally, we'll reach the Ortigia market, a magical place brimming with ancient flavors, vibrant colors, people, and culture. We'll sample various offerings from different vendors, tasting the local specialties such as "pomodoro alla siracusana" (Syracuse-style tomatoes), cheese, salami, local olive oil, ricotta, and almond pastries.
Later, we'll experience the delights of a traditional dairy farm, the most enchanting spot in Ortigia, where you'll savor cheeses and the most delectable panino you've ever tasted. Trust me on this one.
We'll wrap up the tour with something sweet and refreshing. We'll indulge in the traditional granita and, of course, the Sicilian cannolo at one of the island's most traditional and tasty gelato makers.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(65)
Dario doesn’t just feed you—he brings Ortigia to life. We were fortunate enough to book a private tour for our family, and it was a absolute masterclass in Sicilian hospitality. Dario guided us through quiet, hidden cobblestone alleys and vibrant market stalls, opening doors for us that made it feel as though we’d unlocked the secrets of Ortigia’s rich history. He was so incredibly charming with our six-year-old, ensuring we were always comfortable, completely at ease, and happy to answer our every question with endless patience and warmth. It is immediately clear how deeply beloved he is by the island’s local purveyors—every artisan, baker, and stall owner greeted us like old friends. The highlight was the undeniable preferential treatment we received at Caseificio Borderi, followed by an unforgettable citrus granita melange at the end that was truly the icing on the cake. From traditional coffee and savory baked ricotta to artisan treats, each stop was a delight. Having a private guide allowed our family to relax and enjoy the sights at our own perfect pace. To top it all off, his local restaurant recommendations for the rest of our stay did not disappoint! Dario’s passion for preserving local heritage shines through in every detail. A magnificent 5-star experience that our family will cherish for years to come.
What a spectacular tour that was. There’s nothing quite like eating and learning about a city directly from a local. Not only was this a food tour but Dario took the time to explain the history and hidden gems Ortigia has to offer. I would highly recommend this to all my friends and family. Thanks so much Dario!
Fantastic tour with Dario. Excellent mix of history, local knowledge and of course delicious food (still thinking about the arancino)! Above all else Dario’s passion for Ortigia itself really shines through and makes this a special experience. Engaging enough to keep our 12 year old son happy and interested on a super hot day!
This was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Sicily! Dario wasn’t just a food guide—he shared his home, his culture, and his passion for Sicilian food in a way that made the entire evening unforgettable. Every stop was delicious, but what made the tour so special was hearing the stories behind the dishes, the traditions, and the history of Ortigia. Dario’s love for Sicily is contagious, and by the end of the tour we felt like we had experienced the island through the eyes of a local. The food was so incredible that we actually went back the very next day to eat at several of the places he introduced us to! That’s how good his recommendations were. If you’re visiting Syracuse or Ortigia, don’t miss this tour. Come hungry and ready to learn about authentic Sicilian cuisine and culture. Thank you, Dario, for giving us memories we’ll never forget and for making us fall even more in love with Sicily!
I highly recommend this food tour! My family (2 teenagers included) really enjoyed it. We had the best arancini of our lives and the history that Dario shares about his island is truly facinating! This was a highlight of our trip.
Dario is a fantastic guide! He gave us insight into local food and life, we tried flavours not yet explored fully, locations we didn’t even know about, and got to know other tourists along the way!
Super friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. Tour was the perfect balance of history and authentic food.
Dario is an excellent guide. We really got to see parts of Ortigia that we hadn’t explored before. Tried some new food, and met other people on the tour from all parts of the world.
We had an exceptional food tour of Ortigia with Dario and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Syracuse. From the moment the tour began, Dario's passion for Sicily was evident. He shared fascinating insights into the island's history, culture, traditions, and local way of life, bringing Ortigia to life in a way that went far beyond a typical food tour. The food and drinks were outstanding, with each stop carefully chosen to showcase the best of Sicilian cuisine and hospitality. What truly set the experience apart, however, was Dario himself. He was entertaining, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in every member of the group, taking the time to connect with each person and ensuring everyone felt included and engaged. This was one of the highlights of our time in Sicily, and we left with a much deeper appreciation of the island, its people, and its food. Thank you, Dario, for such a memorable experience.
Terrific tour with multiple stops, history of Ortigia and its food, laughter and delightful guide! Do yourself a favor and book Dario early in your Ortigia visit!!
