Typical Messina rotisserie
This traditional Messina rotisserie is a gastronomic hub for those who want to discover the authentic flavors of Sicily. At Rosticceria F.lli Famulari, every specialty is prepared following traditional recipes and using select ingredients. From the arancino—an undisputed icon of Sicilian cuisine—to the focaccia messinese, including rustici and traditional fried dishes, each offering tells a story of the culinary history of the city on the Strait of Messina.
The arancini
The arancino (or arancina, depending on the area) is among the traditional Italian agricultural food products recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is a breaded and fried rice ball or cone, 8-10 cm in diameter, typically filled with ragù, peas, and caciocavallo cheese, or diced cooked ham and mozzarella.
The name derives from its resemblance to an orange in shape and color. In eastern Sicily, the conical shape is prevalent, while in western Sicily, the round shape is. Rosticceria Famulari continues this tradition, offering a wide variety of flavors and interpretations.
Mozzarella in a carriage
Mozzarella in carrozza is a famous Neapolitan dish that has gradually become part of the gastronomic tradition throughout Italy.
Born in the early 19th century in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, at the time of King Ferdinand II, as a humble dish, made from recycled stale bread and stale mozzarella, it was almost certainly inspired by the first 7 km of railway that was built in 1839.
In Carrozza, that is, enclosed between the two slices of bread that represent the carriage, has nowadays become a standardized dish, from "Rosticcerie" but also a renowned dish served in the best restaurants, even if obviously the ingredients are no longer the poor and leftover ones of the past, but rather raw materials of excellent quality.
Messina focaccia
Messina focaccia is another symbol of the city's tradition. Made with a soft, thick dough, it's baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with escarole, tomato, and local cheeses like tuma or mozzarella. The recipe, handed down from 20th-century bakers, is thicker and more consistent than a regular pizza and remains one of the most popular dishes in the city's delis.
Traditional rustic and fried dishes
In addition to arancini, Messina's traditional rosticceria offers numerous other specialties. Pidoni Messinesi (or pituni), schiacciate, balò di ricotta, and sfingi di riso (rice fritters). Each product represents a piece of the city's gastronomic heritage, crafted following recipes passed down through the generations.
Ricotta Balò
Balò di ricotta is a traditional dessert from the Strait of Messina area. It's found in both Messina and Reggio, but despite having the same name, shape, and similar ingredients, they differ substantially.
Messina Schiacciata
Bread dough filled with tuma cheese, potatoes, broccoli (or cauliflower), sausage, tomatoes, onion, pepper, oil, and salt. This dish can be made in many other variations.
Pidone
Pidone (piduni in Sicilian, sometimes spelled pituni) is a rustic Sicilian bread with a half-moon shape, similar to a calzone. Typical of the Messina area, it is topped with curly endive (escarole), tuma cheese, salted anchovies, and tomato, although it is also known in numerous other variations, both fried and baked.
Menu
An evolving menu and welcoming spaces
Rosticceria Famulari's strength lies in its ability to reinvent itself without ever losing touch with its roots. The menus are constantly updated to offer new taste experiences, combining traditional dishes with innovative recipes. This approach allows us to satisfy both lovers of tradition and those seeking original combinations. In addition to counter service, the rotisserie offers two adjacent, comfortable and private dining rooms, designed to welcome customers in a relaxing and familiar atmosphere, ideal for quick lunches or moments of conviviality.
Tradition
Tradition and future in Messina cuisine
Rosticceria Famulari in Messina represents a meeting point between past and future. On the one hand, it preserves the city's gastronomic heritage, on the other, it creatively experiments with new recipes, always keeping quality and passion at the forefront. This balance makes it unique: offering a culinary experience that will captivate generations and bring the flavors of Messina to those who travel from far away.
