Aquanova Hosteria

The story

Aquanova Hosteria, Canicattì: Chef Pietro La Torre’s Intimate Sicilian Table

A Home Kitchen in Canicattì

“La mia cucina, la mia casa,” says Chef Pietro La Torre. At Aquanova Hosteria in Canicattì, that phrase is not a slogan but a lived truth. The chef’s story begins with his large family gathering around the stove on Sundays, each person with a task. Those early mornings and shared meals shaped his approach: cooking that is simple, intimate, and authentic. Today, he sees himself as son, husband, cook, father, traveller, dreamer—and always a man who wants to be moved again.

The restaurant’s name, Aquanova, means “the house of water,” a reference to the ancient spring that once stood here. The space has been revived from its origins, returning to old splendour with a new purpose. The atmosphere is welcoming, the cooking deeply personal.

Tasting Menus Without a Script

The menu at Aquanova Hosteria is built around a single, flexible concept called A Mano Libera—freehand. There are no fixed dishes; instead, the chef lets seasonal ingredients guide the path. The result is a tasting experience that balances reinterpretation with manual craft and a spirit of surprise. Guests choose from five, seven, or nine courses (€80, €100, €120), each plate drawing on the slow, reflective cycle of nature.

The cuisine is unmistakably Sicilian, but filtered through La Torre’s own lens—antique flavours reshaped with modern lightness. One might find echoes of the island’s sun-baked fields and coastal waters, though the chef’s voice remains the star.

A Cellar Worth the Journey

Aquanova’s pride is its wine cellar: over 1,500 labels from across the world, with a natural emphasis on Sicily. The selection is curated to match the kitchen’s spontaneity, offering pairings that evolve with the menu. It’s the kind of list that rewards curiosity, whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for the perfect glass to accompany a meal.

This focus on detail, from the sourcing of ingredients to the breadth of the wine list, caught the attention of the Michelin inspectors, who awarded Aquanova Hosteria a Recommended distinction in 2026. It’s a recognition that aligns with what the restaurant already knows: that the best cooking comes from a place of honesty.

For those seeking Sicilian cuisine that feels both rooted and adventurous, Aquanova Hosteria offers a rare sense of home.