One Sweet Stop in Noto: Caffé Sicilia
Since 1892, Caffè Sicilia has been a pillar of tradition, flavor, and family legacy in the baroque town of Noto. This fourth-generation, family-run café isn’t just a place for a quick espresso — it’s a destination in itself. And if you ask me, it might just serve the best granita in Sicily.
A sweet spread: Sicilian granita, cannoli and brioche — all made in-house.
A Town Build for Wandering
Noto, located in southeastern Sicily, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is filled with golden limestone buildings, wide boulevards, and sun-soaked streets.
It’s the kind of place where life moves slowly — where every corner invites you to stop, look up, and take it in. And right in the heart of it all sits Caffé Sicilia, a must-visit for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, tradition, and very, very good desserts.
The Caffé Sicilia sign, proudly welcoming guests on Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Noto.
Caffé Sicilia: A Story in Every Bite
Located along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Caffé Sicilia is a cultural landmark and a culinary treasure. The Assenza family has been running the café since 1892, with pastry chef Corrado Assenza now at the helm, bringing global attention to local Sicilian ingredients and age-old techniques. You might recognize the name from the Netflix series Chef’s Table, but despite the fame, it still feels local, loved, and entirely grounded.
What sets this place apart is not just the quality of what they serve — but the heart behind it. You can taste the care in every bite.
Behind the bar — fresh orange juice, friendly faces, and the feeling of being a regular, even on your first visit.
Granita, Cannoli, and Everything Else
When I visited with my mom, we basically planned our day around how many times we could come back here. One stop for granita, brioche and cannoli. Another for espresso and gelato. Maybe a third just to marvel at the pastry counter again.
Everything is incredibly good — the kind of good that makes you pause mid-bite. The ingredients are local. The recipes are timeless. And everything feels like its own little love letter to Sicily.
Pro tip: To recognize real, high-quality gelato, look for flat, understated presentation — often hidden in covered steel tins. The over-styled piles you see in touristy spots? Usually not the real deal.
House-made gelato — from classic pistachio to seasonal flavours.
Planning a Visit?
There’s something special about places like this — where food meets feeling, where craft meets comfort. Caffé Sicilia is more than a café. It’s a reason to return to Noto.
Caffè Sicilia
Corso Vittorio Emanuele 125, Noto, Italy 96017
Open most days from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — but check google maps for current hours.
⇾ View Caffè Sicilia on Google Maps
⇾ Follow @caffe_sicilia_noto on Instagram.
Caffé Sicilia, marked with its historic roots — “Noto dal 1892” — a family legacy in every detail.
Still Collecting Places
This guide will keep growing — and I’ll keep sharing more as I go. Cafés, markets, creative corners and stays that feel like postcards come to life.
Got a place you think I’d love? Send me a note @journeyed.co or through the contact page.
— Jessica
