Al Boschetto - FICARRA

I had a lovely lunch with family and friends here. Great place, beautiful location in the middle of the forest outside the main town. Service was excellent as well as dishes. We had appetizers, main course, second course and dessert. Perfect! Strongly suggested!

We got to Al boschetto almost accidentally, planning to eat somewhere in center of Ficarra first. But after series of lucky coincidents we found itself driven by sheff Pierro straight to the restaurant, where something fantastic started. All family took so much care of us and dinner started with 2 small plates of delicious antipasti. Just when we imagined that its over other antipasti started to arrive continuously, one better than another. After tasting over 14 different antipasti we decided to stop and leave some space for secondi patti, that was awesome grilled lamb chops, various sausages and salads. Yes, fresh homegrown local meals and place itself was out of this world, but most impressive was the atmosphere and people here truly Sicilian. we do like to explore locations off the tourist tracks, especially not too posh places to eat and for our Sicily week among 15 or so visited top rated Sicily restaurants Al Boschetto was the best in every way.

Above Ficarra in the wild and wooded countryside is Al Boschetto, and well worth the trip. We went at night, but I imagine during the day the views are wonderful. The service was excellent, we had mixed antipasti a wonderful selection of 14 little plates which were a real treat, and then for Secondi we had grilled lamb chops, pork and cheese sausage, sausage with fennel and an unusual salty green salad. Simply out of this world and we licked our plates clean and enjoyed the wine too. Really recommend this restaurant for delicious Sicilian cooking.

This establishment is what you would expect on a Sicilian mountaintop rustic building (newly renovated), views over the countryside, local ingredients (raise their own pigs, grow their own vegetables), owner operator most of all local dishes. What more can one ask? The cook Piero is a genius in preparing local fresh antipasti, pasta dishes meat dishes. His pasta coi funghi e tartuffo is something very special when in season. The owner is there assisting making sure that everyone is attended to provides whatever is required to make the meal enjoyable. You know you're at the right place in Sicily when the locals frequent an establishment particularly when this one looks like it's been renovated to attract tourists. Location is a bit off the tourist track but definitely a must visit. I ca't praise this locale enough, particularly when the bill is so reasonable. Wish we lived next door ..... I know where we'd be eating every night!

A bit tricky to find – the driveway is right in the middle of a turn – and quite steep. But it is worth it! Go for the mixed antipasti and a pasta or a secondo – the portions are a bit large but manageable – and very delicious. Everything is fresh and homemade. One of the best things was the atmosphere – Sicilian families and friends talking loudly discussing how to say things in Italian and Sicilian – and talking about us ; Service is quick and friendly – don’t expect a lot of English – but don’t worry – they know you are here to eat! Prices are extremely reasonable. If you are anywhere near the northern coast – drive to Ficarra and visit the town, it has a lot to offer.