Al Pilèr

The story

Al Pilèr: Sicilian Grill in Nicosia, Italy – Michelin Recommended

A New Chapter in Nicosia

In the heart of Nicosia’s historic center, a few steps from the main piazza, Al Pilèr occupies an antique building that its owners transformed into an intimate restaurant in 2020. The trio behind it—Hermes, Gaetano, and Marco—had previously run the larger Baglio San Pietro, but they longed for a more personal space where they could give guests the attention they deserved. The result is a dining room warmed by a crackling fireplace in winter and a terrace for relaxed summer evenings.

The Chef and His Kitchen

Hermes Picone, born in 1990, grew up learning the traditions of Sicilian home cooking from his mother Carmela and grandmother Salvatrice. At Al Pilèr, he translates that heritage into a menu that balances respect for local ingredients with contemporary technique. The kitchen leans heavily on the grill—a nod to the restaurant’s “Grill” and “Sicilian” identity—while also offering a pizzeria section for a more casual meal. Standout dishes include the “Uovo della fioritura” (a crispy poached egg with Tuma Persa foam, asparagus, and truffle) and “Tensione cruda” (beef tartare with Cetara anchovy extract and buffalo burrata). The wine list, curated with care, has earned recognition from Gambero Rosso.

Recognition and Atmosphere

Al Pilèr’s commitment to quality and refinement has not gone unnoticed. The restaurant is included in the prestigious Michelin Guide, which praises its gastronomic sophistication, and it has also been awarded by Gambero Rosso for both its cuisine and wine selection. These accolades reflect the team’s dedication to sourcing exceptional raw materials and presenting them with skill. Whether you come for a romantic dinner, a private party in the saletta privè, or simply to enjoy a wood-fired pizza on the terrace, Al Pilèr offers a genuinely warm welcome in a setting that feels both historic and thoroughly modern.