A Casa Pinta In Nizza di sicilia

03/07/2026: I still have to go there but I'll give it 5 stars in the dark...

03/07/2026: Osteria Il Tabacchio – hidden in the heart of the Nebrodi Mountains, just 50 km from Mount Etna. A two-lane road winds its way up from Capo d'Orlando. It seems endless until you finally see the sign on the left. Osteria Tabacchio had been on my wish list for ages. Cars and motorcycles were parked out front, and the stairs led down. The large wood-fired grill stood in front of the dining room. The aroma of grilled meat was already noticeable on the street. Thursday midday, almost 2:30 pm. It's an authentic, genuine Sicilian experience: an osteria like they used to be, and thankfully still are. Today's menu included homemade maccheroni with a sugo made from black saddleback pork from the Nebrodi and salsiccia, followed by castrato lamb with a green salad. Water, red wine, and then an espresso. It was the best castrato I'd had in Sicily, without a doubt. The intense flavor came solely from the grilled castrato (lamb castrated in its first months), which is darker and more intense. The dishes are listed verbally at the table. The selection is truly extensive, ranging from antipasti and several primi to various secondo. Wine is served by the carafe. The trip is worthwhile, but reservations are essential on weekends. For more information, visit siziliengeheimtipp, the blog for the authentic Sicily, by sommelier Peter Junker, who has lived in Sicily for 24 years and driven over 500,000 kilometers on the island.