Where to eat in agriturismo in Palermo and surroundings. The 5 best addresses selected by Gambero Rosso

Palermo is not just the sea of Mondello. The hinterland, in fact, offers varied landscapes that among valleys, hills, and heights guard a territory with unique biodiversity. Just think of the Madonie Park: forty thousand hectares of woods, cork oaks, ash trees, vineyards, and mountain paths where products are born - many of which are Slow Food Presidia - such as manna from the Madonie, provola cheese, blonde orange from Isnello, Badda beans (in Polizzi), Petralia Soprana salt, thistle honey, not to mention native oils and grains

The internal province of Palermo is also populated by ancient villages, and its gastronomy is linked to ancient rural traditions, with a large part reserved for meats and typical vegetables. For those who want a stay in the green, fresh air, and homemade cuisine, here is a series of agriturismos a short distance from the city, ideal for replenishing both stomach and spirit.

Where to eat in agriturismo in Palermo and surroundings. The 5 best addresses selected by Gambero Rosso

Casale Drinzi

A stone farmhouse immersed in the nature of the Madonie Park, wooden tables, fireplaces, and a high-altitude atmosphere. The local vegetables and spontaneous aromatic herbs add value to the preparations based on game and homemade pasta. Among the appetizers, tasty caciocavallo cheese "alla argentiera", with garlic and white vinegar, or fresh breaded and fried ricottina cheese. In season, the recommended dish is Madonie snail with warm croutons, but also crispy egg with melted caciocavallo cheese and black truffle, and house ravioli with tender vegetable pesto, toasted almonds, and fresh ricotta mousse. In autumn, there are many mushrooms and often wild boar (stewed with juniper berries). Also excellent pizzas. Menus for celiacs, vegetarians, and lactose intolerant. Sicilian wines. Courteous service.

Casale Drinzi - Collesano - c.da Drinzi - 0921 664027 - casaledrinzi.it

Lago Verde

The typical cuisine "of grandmothers", naturally leavened bread made with ancient grains and local flours, the "country" breakfast with biscuits and croissants baked in a wood-fired oven: at Lago Verde, stays are truly in contact with nature, replenishing with traditional dishes made with practically zero-mile products to accompany with local wines. As for the rooms, they are furnished with rustic furniture. All in a green estate with orchard, olive grove, and vegetable garden from where you can admire a beautiful panorama of the inland valleys. Nearby, there is also a small lake. Cover photo is from Lago Verde website.

Lago Verde - Alia - c.da Timpi - 091 8219121 - lagoverdeagriturismo.com

Parco Vecchio

On the family-run farm, cheeses have been produced for years, chickens, sheep, and pigs are raised, the vegetable garden is cultivated, oil, honey, and jams are produced. And so the in-house agri-restaurant at Parco Vecchio practically only uses what is born and raised at home, and everything that is not homemade comes from very close small suppliers, from Marineo or the valley. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, with views of the woods, and the Primavera room is the space used for events and important occasions. Among the many activities possible, it is worth enjoying a horseback ride. Also, sale of cheeses, ricotta cheese, cold cuts, olives, extra virgin olive oil.

Parco Vecchio - Marineo - c.da Parco Vecchio - 338 4108945 - agriturismoparcovecchio.com

A Rametta

A Rametta is located in the heart of the Madonie Park, in the typical landscape of the countryside surrounding Palermo, among prickly pears and dry stone walls. The structure is a farmhouse in typical rural style with simple and spacious common areas, comfortable rooms but above all a magnificent outdoor space. The table is set with dishes from the peasant repertoire, including homemade bread and pasta and vegetables from the property's garden, as well as local meats, cold cuts, and cheeses. The location is also ideal for excursions in the greenery and tours in the surroundings.

A Rametta - Castelbuono - c.da Rametta - 0921 672837 - arametta.it

Terre di Himera

In an ancient country farmhouse surrounded by olive trees, Terre di Himera is a charming agriturismo with production of extra virgin olive oil from Biancolella olives. The rooms, only 5, are single and double, furnished with antique furniture but equipped with all modern comforts except for television, so that the stay is truly an opportunity to unplug. Breakfast is based on genuine homemade products, the trattoria menu of self-produced vegetables, Nebrodi and Madonie meats (fish only by reservation), naturally leavened bread. Excursions and guided tours are organized, even to Palermo.

Terre di Himera - Termini Imerese - c.da Villaurea - 338 7908230 - terredihimera.it