Born and raised in Palermo, Alessia began her hospitality career in 2014 at Villa Igiea, honing her skills across Italy before returning in 2022.
“I was thrilled to come back ‘home’ to Villa Igiea and my new family, my lovely colleagues in the concierge team.”
Alessia's top five:
Dine in at Villa Igiea
If you're seeking delicious food in beautiful surroundings, you won't need to look far.
I always tell guests that Florio Restaurant and Alicetta Bistro, right here at the hotel, are little slices of heaven. Created by our brilliant Creative Director of Food, Fulvio Pierangelini, both menus are a love letter to the Mediterranean. From Sicilian pastas and grilled catches of the day to creamy burrata, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal with amazing views out to sea.
Michelin moments
MEC Restaurant, located in a 16th-century palazzo opposite Palermo’s cathedral, shares its space with a fascinating Steve Jobs exhibition. As you dine in the Michelin-starred restaurant’s elegant rooms with frescoed ceilings, you’re surrounded by memorabilia celebrating the tech icon - which in itself is a unique experience. The concept, I think, is very fitting as the innovation of Steve Jobs is then matched by the creativity of Chef Carmelo Trentacosti’s Sicilian dishes. His creamy caponata, shaped like an Apple logo and seasoned with Modica chocolate, is a must-try.
Another Michelin-starred gem is Palazzo Branciforte. Set in a beautifully restored historic building, it offers a charming courtyard for alfresco dining. The modern dishes, inspired by local delicacies, are full of flavour. Try the “Capricciosa vista mare” - toasted black bread, capers, red prawn, artichokes, buffalo mozzarella mousse… simply exquisite.
A floating culinary oasis
I highly recommend visiting The CitySea. This new spot is particularly enticing because of its diverse offerings. You can enjoy everything from gourmet pizza and fresh sushi to a juicy steak, along with a spectacular gourmet restaurant and a chic rooftop lounge bar. What truly sets it apart is its setting - a "metropolis suspended on the waves," housed in a gigantic ship-shaped structure in the harbour. It's such a unique experience, perfect for the whole family.
New found treasure
For something special and authentic, I would recommend one of the beautiful ceramic designs crafted by the local artisans at Ceramiche Artistiche Pacon, or a traditional puppet from the Argento family, the city’s renowned master craftsmen and puppeteers.
Palermo’s oldest food market
If you’re after a taste of authentic Sicilian street food, I would definitely suggest visiting Capo Market. This bustling, rustic market, the oldest in Palermo, is always overflowing with street food stalls offering so many local delicacies. Finding a seat might be tricky but the experience is genuine. I recommend visiting Pizzo & Pizzo - it’s a quaint delicatessen offering the finest Sicilian olive oils, wines, salami, and cheeses - perfect for taking home a slice of Sicily.
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
Phone Number*
Address
Salita Belmonte 43
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
Phone Number*
Address
Salita Belmonte 43
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
Phone Number*
Address
Salita Belmonte 43
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142