Charleston Le Terrazze

No restaurant in Mondello -- or Palermo, for that matter -- achieves the culinary perfection of this long-established citadel of fine cuisine. It's housed in the most charming building in town, built in 1913 on concrete pilings above the sea, just offshore from the Lido and connected to the "mainland" by bridge. Conceived as an Art Nouveau fantasy and crowned with artful depictions of sea monsters, it's the setting for this most memorable of Mondello restaurants. If weather permits, sit on the terrace that's open to the stars; otherwise, you'll dine in a high-ceilinged room that evokes the Gilded Age. Meals feature classy fare that artfully combines fish or meat with exceedingly fresh vegetables, excellent wines, and attentive service. The marinated swordfish is done to elegant perfection, the prosciutto with seasonal fruit is hard to resist, and the risotto with shellfish is a savory delight. Dessert might be an almond parfait or crêpes suzette.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.