A Sicilian Touch at Journeys Italy: Locanda Don Serafino Sponsors the Palazzo Dinner
- Micaela Giacobbe
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
On Tuesday, November 18, during Journeys Italy 2025, guests will gather at the historic Palazzo Arone dei Baroni di Valentino for an unforgettable evening of food, culture, and connection. This dinner, a highlight of the program, is proudly sponsored by Locanda Don Serafino, a name synonymous with Sicilian hospitality and Michelin-starred excellence.
From Seaside Beginnings to Global Recognition
The story of Locanda Don Serafino is rooted in tradition and family. The journey began in 1953 when Serafino opened Lido Azzurro da Serafino, a beloved beach club in Ragusa. In 2000, his sons Pinuccio and Antonio transformed that spirit of hospitality into something new, opening Locanda Don Serafino Restaurant in Ragusa Ibla, the city’s historic center. Four years later, they extended the experience beyond dining with the opening of Locanda Don Serafino Hotel, a boutique gem set among ancient stone walls, with rooms partly carved into caves.
The Don Serafino Group has since expanded with Villas Don Serafino in Marina di Ragusa, offering self-catering villas near the sea, and most recently Villa Fortugno, home to Franca’s food & more - a celebration of Sicilian flavors and conviviality.
The Chef Behind the Experience
At the heart of Don Serafino’s acclaim is Executive Chef Vincenzo Candiano, who has led the restaurant since 2002. Born in Scicli, Chef Candiano describes his cooking as storytelling —each dish a reflection of Sicily’s history, traditions, and influences. His style balances simplicity and elegance, rooted in the flavors of citrus, tomatoes, herbs, spices, and cheeses he grew up with.
Candiano’s talent has been recognized with two Michelin Stars (2007 and 2013), and his role as an ambassador for Mediterranean cuisine has taken him to New York, Shanghai, Dubai, and beyond. His philosophy is clear: food is not only nourishment but a cultural bridge, a way to share Sicily’s heritage with the world.
Leadership and Hospitality
Guiding the group’s broader vision is Gabriele Meli, General Manager of Don Serafino. Having joined in 2019, Meli has helped expand the group’s reach in hospitality, balancing fine dining with hotel management and international positioning. His leadership reflects the group’s ongoing mission: to create not just meals, but full sensory experiences of Sicily.
A Dinner to Remember
By sponsoring the Palazzo dinner at Journeys Italy, Locanda Don Serafino brings a taste of Sicily’s soul to Palermo. Guests will not only enjoy refined gastronomy but also experience the values that define Don Serafino - tradition, innovation, and hospitality.
This collaboration represents more than a meal; it is a cultural encounter, uniting travelers, creators, and visionaries through flavors that tell stories of land, sea, and heritage.
On November 18, under the frescoed ceilings of Palazzo Arone dei Baroni di Valentino, the essence of Sicily will come alive, thanks to the artistry of Locanda Don Serafino.
Palazzo Arone dei Baroni di Valentino
