Shalai

The story

Shalai – Michelin-Starred Modern Sicilian Cuisine in Linguaglossa, Etna

On the slopes of Etna

Shalai sits in Linguaglossa, a town on the northern flank of Mount Etna. The restaurant belongs to a small gourmet hotel of the same name, a historic palazzo turned design retreat. Here, chef Giovanni Santoro leads a kitchen that balances the volcanic earth and the nearby Ionian Sea.

The chef’s return

Giovanni Santoro was born in Linguaglossa. After cooking in renowned Italian and international kitchens, he came back to his hometown. In 2015, his work earned Shalai its first Michelin star, a recognition it still holds. The award reflects what the chef calls “cleanliness in the dishes, careful selection of raw materials, and a bond with Linguaglossa.”

Philosophy and sourcing

Santoro’s cooking is modern Sicilian, rooted in obsessive sourcing. Meats come from local breeds, selected through the family’s own butcher shop. Vegetables are seasonal, from small producers. Fish arrives daily from local markets and is handled with modern techniques, both cooked and raw. The result is precise, ingredient-led plates that let the territory speak.

The menu

The menu moves between fish and meat, with vegetarian options throughout. It is designed as a crescendo of sensations. The kitchen also highlights Shalai’s geographic position – equidistant from the sea and the volcano – in recipes that evoke both coast and mountain. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is called “Lumie di Sicilia,” though details are kept for the table.

Wine and atmosphere

The wine cellar is a quiet, reserved space that holds bottles from Etna’s vineyards, where volcanic soils shape the wines. Before and after the meal, the lounge bar offers an intimate setting with soft lighting and attentive service. The restaurant also has outdoor seating for warmer months.

A complete experience

Shalai is more than a meal; it is a place where the many shades of taste – in atmosphere, on the plate, in the glass – come together. For those seeking fine dining on Etna, this Michelin-starred restaurant delivers a clear, honest expression of modern Sicilian cuisine.