Typical dish of Messina
Spaghetti with swordfish and eggplant
A plate of spaghetti glistening with sauce that smells of the sea and Sicilian sunshine. Tender, flavorful cubes of swordfish intertwine with golden, soft eggplant, often finished with tomato, garlic, and basil. The contrast between the meaty texture of the fish and the sweetness of the eggplant creates a rich Mediterranean balance. It’s a typical first course in the trattorias of Messina, perfect for a long summer lunch along the coast.
Season: Estate€12–18
Why it matters
Swordfish from the Strait of Messina is one of the city’s strongest gastronomic symbols, tied to an ancient fishing tradition. Its pairing with eggplant, a central vegetable in Sicilian cuisine, reflects the region’s maritime and rural identity. This dish captures the constant dialogue between sea and land that defines the cuisine of Messina.
Origin story
The recipe emerged from the natural meeting between the most iconic fish of the Strait and one of the pillars of Sicilian cooking: eggplant. Especially widespread in trattorias and homes along the coast of Messina after World War II, it established itself as a local variation of seafood pasta dishes. Over time it has retained a simple preparation, faithful to the Mediterranean tradition of using just a few fresh ingredients.
Typical ingredients
spaghettipesce spada frescomelanzanepomodoroagliobasilico
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