Restaurant File: Sicily, Italy

"Recognized by both the Michelin Guide and Gambero Rossi (the Italian equivalent) as the finest restaurant in Sicily, and one of the best in Italy," says Rossella. Star chef Ciccio Sultano is at the helm, taking what he calls "poetic license" with the freshest local produce. The result is a culinary triumph, winning rave reviews from international food critics, and wowing his clients. Book the six-course degustazione menu and settle in for an evening of tasting plates from ravioli floating in the lightest fish broth to grilled rare tuna with wild honey, and a cannolo di ricotta (a rich ricotta dumpling) which will have you craving for more. A new wine cellar holds more than 1,000 labels, all priced reasonably ... the restaurant is located at Ragusa Ibla.

Closed Mondays, no dinner on Sundays.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Sicily, and Rossella agrees. And we both love the same dish ... spaghetti ai ricci (sea urchins) ... a Sicilian specialty. Located at Mondello, near Palermo, it's a typical family run trattoria just two minutes from a sandy beach. It gets busy at weekends so arrive early or book ahead. Specials include octopus salad, mussels, clams and its famous sea urchins fresh from the Mediterranean. Ask for a table out on the terrace which has a lovely view of the beach and sea ... make a long lunch of it. Service is professional and polite, authentically Sicilian.

Open daily.

"An interesting menu of fish dishes and an excellent wine list," says Rossella. This cozy and romantic restaurant, built on the foundations of a 15th century monastery in Siracusa, is full of atmosphere with a soaring vaulted ceiling and a mass of potted plants. Head chef Giovanni Guarneri is known for his classic seafood dishes ... try his mucco or tiny baby herring. You can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu, which is backed by a 700-strong wine list. It can get crowded especially at weekends, causing a long wait at the door, so call ahead to make a reservation.

Closed on Sundays.

This is about as Sicilian as it gets ... very simple, cantina-style dining, right on the beach at Marinella di Selinunte, near the impressive Greek Archaeological Site. "It's a family run trattoria where you can enjoy the freshest fish and most delicious spaghetti all'aragosta (spaghetti with lobster) in Sicily," says Rossella. "There's outdoor seating, so you can enjoy lunch in the sun and watch your kids playing happily on the beach." NB: It's set in a nature reserve, where no cars are allowed, so you have to leave your car at the reserve gate and walk 500 feet on an unpaved road to the restaurant and beach ... definitely worth the effort. The fish is fresh out of the water ... bream, sea bass, sole, langoustines ... delicious.

Open March to end of September, closes in bad weather.