Accursio

The story

Accursio Radici: Contemporary Sicilian Cooking in Modica’s Historic Center

A return to the hearth

Accursio Radici delivers a focused version of Sicilian cooking in Modica’s historic center. Chef Accursio Craparo opened the contemporary osteria in 2019 after building acclaimed kitchens abroad and earning a Michelin star for his previous venture. He abandoned rigid service protocols to manage the pass and speak directly with diners. IlGolosario recently honored this hands-on method with a Corona Radiosa distinction, citing his skill in converting childhood pantry staples into a cohesive regional story.

Signature preparations

The kitchen rotates its core offerings monthly to match harvest cycles. Bread meatballs rest in a simple house sauce while cannelloni carry a rich ragù reserved for Sunday gatherings. Roasted octopus sits atop a thick macco di fave, a preparation that highlights the region’s legume heritage. Desserts feature a ricotta cannolo and the Uovo di Accursio, proving how refined Italian cooking can still honor humble origins.

The dining room

Guests enter an ancient palazzo overlooking the main thoroughfare near the cathedral. The interior maintains a quiet elegance that mirrors the surrounding baroque architecture while leaving room for unhurried conversation. This deliberate pacing reinforces a Sicilian cuisine philosophy where shared meals take precedence over rapid service.