Chef Giuseppe Branca

Chef At Home in Catania

I am a proud Sicilian with a deep love for cooking authentic, hearty dishes that carry the soul of our island’s rich culinary traditions. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my friends, my nonna, my father and in restaurants, learning time-honored recipes passed down through generations. From rolling fresh pasta to perfecting rustic sauces, this experiences rooted me in Sicily’s vibrant food culture. As a farmer, I grow extra virgin olive oil, aromatic herbs, and fruits on my own farm, infusing my dishes with their fresh, vibrant flavours. My passion for cooking has been shaped by travels abroad, where I explored diverse culinary landscapes, adding new dimensions to my craft. Now, I delight in sharing these soulful dishes with visitors from around the world, inviting them to savuor the true flavours of Sicily through every bite. Whether it’s a simple plate of pasta or a rustic family recipe, I pour my heart into creating meals that celebrate our heritage and bring people together.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is my passion, blending Sicilian traditions with my farm’s fresh ingredients. It’s joy, connection, and sharing Sicily’s soulful flavours

I learned to cook at...

I’m a Sicilian, cooking with my nonna’s recipes, honed at Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Maruzzella in Madrid, Sagrè, and with Chef E. Pantorno.

A cooking secret...

My secret? Cooking Sicilian dishes with my family, where every recipe holds generations of love and flavor keeping inside the smell of biodiversity.

My menus

L'Osteria

STARTER

All inclusive

- Cazzilli di patate alla palermitana, potatoes friters with garlic, parsley and black pepper

- Parmigiana di Melanzane, eggplants with tomatoes sauce, pecorino cheese and basil

- Selezione di olive e formaggi, selection of Sicilian Olives and Sicilian cheese from Erei mountain

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Busiate alla Trapanese, fresh pasta with Sicilian pesto (tomatoes, almond, garlic)

- Linguine ai gamberi, Linguine pasta with prawns, fresh tomatoes sauce and a bit of parsley and basil herbs

- Spaghetti alla carrettiera, pasta with garlic, parsley, pecorino cheese and breadcrumbs

- Spaghetti con le Sarde e finocchietto, Old style spaghetti with Sardines and Wild Fennel

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Polpette di manzo in agrodolce, meat balls with sweet and sour onion serve with breadcrumbed peppers

- Carne alla pizzaiola, beef steak with tomatoes sauce, cheese, carrots served with mashed potatoes

- Involtini di spatola, scabbardfish rolls with breadcrumbs and basil served with Sicilian green and carrots salad

- Lampuga (Mahi-Mahi) alla Siciliana, mahi-mahi fish gently cooked with fresh Sicilian cherry tomatoes, onion, capers, garlic and parsley, served alongside traditional Sicilian vegetable caponata

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

- Tiramisu Siciliano, Sicilian Tiramisu

- Lemon granita with meant garnish

- Seasonal fresh fruit and dry fruit

- Selection of ricotta cream Bignè

La Villa

STARTER

All inclusive

- Peperoni ripieni, peppers filled with seasoned toasted breadcrumbs, Pecorino, garlic, parsley, capers, and tomatoes, baked until tender and golden

- Zucchini & Onion Frittata Classic Italian frittata with zucchini and onion, accompanied by cheese selection, olives & basil tomato bruschetta

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Spaghetti with Raisins & Fried Breadcrumbs Classic Sicilian-style with anchovies and a touch of garlic

- Linguine with Prawns & Zucchini, Linguine tossed in creamy zucchini sauce with prawns and fresh parsley

- Penne Fresh Tomatoes, Penne pasta with ripe tomatoes, garlic and aged salted ricotta

Fusilli with Swordfish & Creamy Eggplant, Pasta with swordfish, creamy eggplant, fresh tomatoes and mint

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

DESSERT

All inclusive

Classic Tiramisu

Almonds granita

- Frutta Siciliana di stagione, Sicilian seasonal fruit

Il contadino

STARTER

All inclusive

A selection of fine Erei mountain sheep's milk cheeses, bite-sized arancini, miniature Sicilian pizzette and crostini with extra-virgin olive oil and cherry tomatoes

Caponata di Melanzane — the beloved Sicilian sweet and sour eggplant medley with olives, capers and celery, served at room temperature

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Busiate al Pesto Trapanese — hand-rolled spiral pasta with a vibrant pesto of crushed Sicilian almonds, fresh basil and sun-ripened tomatoes

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Succulent beef meatballs braised in a tangy sweet and sour onion sauce, alongside grilled bell peppers and garden zucchini

DESSERT

All inclusive

- Cassata Siciliana – Lush sponge cake soaked in liqueur, layered with sweetened ricotta, candied fruits, and encased in vibrant green marzipan, topped with icing and candied citrus

- Frutta Siciliana di stagione, Sicilian seasonal fruit

Patrimonio Siciliano

STARTER

All inclusive

Marinated sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes preserved in extra-virgin olive oil, briny cucunci (caper berries) and golden Sicilian arancini

Tender eggplants alla pizzaiola — slow-cooked in rich tomato sauce with Mediterranean herbs and a delicate touch of fresh anchovies

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Risotto ai Gamberi e Zucchine — hand-crafted carnaroli risotto with sweet Mediterranean white prawns and garden zucchini

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Falso Magro — an iconic Sicilian stuffed veal roll, slow-cooked to perfection and served with sautéed fine green beans and young glazed carrots

DESSERT

All inclusive

- Cannoli Siciliani, Sicilian Cannoli Filled with Fresh Ricotta

- Bianco magiare, refreshing Sicilian almond pudding served with Toasted Almonds

Il Siciliano

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

- Crudo di pesce, crudité of Seasonal fish, Red prawns, White prawns, Scampi and Marinated Smoked Swordfish

- Calamari Marinati, Marinated calamari with capers, stracciatella cheese and a drop of Evo oil

- Polpette miste, Sicilian Zucchini Blossom Pancakes, Palermitan Potato Croquettes and Ricotta Fritters

- Tuma Fritta, uova arriminate col pane fritto e canazzo, Fried Sicilian Tuma cheese with fried bread and eggs served with vegetable caponata

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Risotto ai frutti di Mare with mussels, swordfish, calamari and prawns

- Paccheri Pasta ai crostacei, with maine lobster, langoustine and prawns

- Maccheroni Pistacchi e ricotta, pasta with pistacchio and fresh ricotta cheese

- Penne al ragù, Pasta with Nebrodi Mountain pork ragù sauce served with cured pecorino cheese

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Triglie fritte e calamaro ripieno, Fried Red Mullet & Stuffed Squid with Breadcrumbs, Capers, Pecorino, and Lemon

- Capone nelle foglie di vite, Lampuga Wrapped in Vine Leaves with Olive Oil & Lemon Emulsion, Served with Vegetable Caponata

- Agnello alla menta, Mint-Marinated Lamb Served with Sautéed Broad Beans and Onions

- Farsumagru catanese, Catanese-Style Stuffed Beef Roll Served with Mint-Scented Beans

DESSERT

All inclusive

- Cannoli Siciliani, Sicilian Cannoli Filled with Fresh Ricotta

- Selezione di dolci tipici Siciliani, Selection Sicilian of typical dessert

- Frutta Siciliana di stagione, Sicilian seasonal fruit

Il classico

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

- Bruschetta al pomodoro e olive, Two Bruschetta, one with garlic, black olives and another with fresh tomatoes and parsley

- Formaggi misti, cured pecorino cheese, fresh ricotta and caciocavallo cheese

- Frittata con senape, free range eggs with wild vegetable and a touch of garlic

- Selezione di Olive e pomodori secchi, a selection of green and black olives and sundry tomatoes

- Antipasto Caprese, Buffalo mozzarella from Ragusa and fresh tomatoes salad with basil

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Busiate alla Trapanese, fresh pasta with Sicilian pesto (tomatoes, almond, garlic)

- Maccheroncini alla Norma with tomato sauce, eggplants and aged ricotta cheese

- Rigatoni al pesto di pistacchio, pasta with Etna mountain pistachio and pork guanciale

- Paccheri al pesce spada, pasta with swordfish, eggplants and a touch of mint

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Calamari ripieni Stuffed calamari with breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs served with Sicilian orange and fennel salad

- Grouper fish filet with pistachio crust served with roasted potatoes and olive sauce

- Bistecca di trinca Siciliana ai ferri, Sicilian beef steak served with green salad

Braciolettine grigliate, beef rolls stuffed with ragusano cheese and breadcrumbs served with mix salad

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

- Cassata Siciliana – Lush sponge cake soaked in liqueur, layered with sweetened ricotta, candied fruits, and encased in vibrant green marzipan, topped with icing and candied citrus

- Frutta Siciliana di stagione, Sicilian seasonal fruit

Lemon granita with meant garnish

Tiramisù Siciliano con Piparelle – Velvety mascarpone cream layered with coffee-soaked piparelle (crisp, anise-scented Sicilian biscuits), dusted with cocoa

Il piccolo Siciliano

STARTER

All inclusive

- Olive nere fritte e crostini con ricotta fritta, Crispy fried black olives paired with golden crostini topped with crunchy, creamy fried ricotta bites, a rustic Sicilian antipasto delight

- Uova monachelle, Hard-boiled eggs coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and grated pecorino cheese, then deep-fried until golden and crispy—a classic Sicilian treat

- Insalata di Limoni pani a’nsalata, Lemon salad dressed with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley, and leek, served with bread

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Granatine polpette, Large pomegranate-sized meatballs made with veal and pork, garlic, eggs, sun-dried tomatoes, grated pecorino, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper

- Involtini alla trapanese, Tender beef rolls stuffed with seasoned breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese, garlic, parsley, and caciocavallo, simmered in tomato sauce, served with green beans

- Caponata di Verdure e polpette di patate, mixed vegetable caponata (spinach, wild greens, chicory, broccoli, cauliflower, celery) with potato croquettes, served with homemade bread crostini and homemade mayonnaise

- Pasticcio di carciofi e piselli,tender artichoke and pea casserole served alongside a fresh white bean salad dressed with olive oil and lemon

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

- Sicilian Cannolo, iconic crisp pastry tube filled with creamy ricotta, candied fruit, and a dusting of powdered sugar

- Cassata Siciliana – Lush sponge cake soaked in liqueur, layered with sweetened ricotta, candied fruits, and encased in vibrant green marzipan, topped with icing and candied citrus

- Mix of Sicilian small dessert, a delightful assortment of traditional Sicilian sweets, including mini cannoli, almond pastries, and more

La cucina di Campagna

STARTER

All inclusive

- Latte fritto, Fried Milk Slices a unique Sicilian snack, thick milk custard—enriched with eggs and flour, seasoned with a touch of salt, pepper, and a bit of grated cheese

- Olive con mollica, Stuffed Green Olives with Seasoned Breadcrumbs Drizzled in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

- Sarde in pastella, Fried Sardines in Batter made with flour and water

- Pane e panelle, rosetta bread stuffed with a generous pile of hot, crispy panelle thin, golden chickpea flour fritters

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Spaghetti con le zucchine fritte, al dente spaghetti tossed with golden, crispy-fried zucchini slices serve with salted ricotta cheese

- Spaghetti alle olive nere, pasta with fresh tomatoes and black olives

- Spaghetti al nero, pasta with Black squid ink ragù

- Bucatini con le sarde, Bucatini with sardines, wild fennel, raisins, pine nuts, and toasted breadcrumbs

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

- Seppie Ripiene, Stuffed Cuttlefish with Tentacles, Breadcrumbs, Egg, Garlic, and Parsley Served Hot with Lemon Juice

- Polpette di sarde in umido, sardines balls made with breadcrumbs, raisin, pinenuts cooked in a homemade tomatoes sauce

- Costolette di maiale ubriache, Pork Chops Drunken Style, Served with Tomato Extract, Red Wine Aromas, Sweet-Sour Onions, and Oven-Roasted Potatoes

- Agnello in Fricassea, Lamb Fricassée Sicilian Style tender pieces of lamb slowly braised in a light soffritto of onion and garlic with extra-virgin olive oil, then enriched with a luxurious egg-lemon liaison

DESSERT

All inclusive

- Bianco magiare, refreshing Sicilian almond pudding served with Toasted Almonds

- Cannoli Siciliani, Sicilian Cannoli Filled with Fresh Ricotta

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Chef Giuseppe's reviews

4.86

•

28 services

Our chef, Giuseppe was incredible. He gave us many menu choices and was flexible about what we wanted such as different desserts for different people in our group. The food was all very fresh - some directly from his farm. We had fresh ricotta with other local cheeses and olives to nibble on as he and his brother, Angelo prepared the other dishes. We had a starter of eggplant, then pasta and the main was a delicious black pork roll. He was engaging, described all the dishes and ingredients and the food was wonderful. There was so much, that he left some for us to enjoy the next night. We would highly recommend using Guiseppe if you are in the Catania/ Toarmina area of Sicily.

Giuseppe is an amazing chef who provided a wonderful meal and experience for my group of friends. He was thoughtful and responsive throughout the booking process, arrived on time and extremely prepared for the day, and ran a smooth kitchen. He brought special ingredients (including olives and olive oil direct from his farm!) and gave us a 4 course delicious meal. 10/10 would definitely recommend!!

Hiring Giuseppe was absolutely perfect. He made authentic Sicilian dishes that tasted amazing. We chose to do more of a bbq because of the season and it did not disappoint. He was punctual and left our kitchen cleaner that I it was before they started. Their ingredients were very fresh. For example they brought their own olive oil that was made two weeks ago! The whole group was happy and full by the end of the dinner! It was a great experience and would highly recommend Giuseppe! If you’re also lucky enough to get his dad as a sous chef, they make a great team!

If you are looking for an authentic experience of Sicilian food and cooking, look no further than Chef Giuseppe. He produces many of his own ingredients on his family farm near Catania, and his passion for home-grown produce and for Sicilian food and culture is apparent in everything he does. We had discussed having sea bass for our main course, but the fresh catch of the day at the local fish market was amberjack so that is what Giuseppe cooked for us - exactly the kind of service we were hoping for. Above all, Giuseppe was a warm and friendly presence in our villa. We were not sure how it might "feel" to have a chef in the kitchen of our holiday home, but we could not have been happier or more at ease to have Giuseppe join us. The whole experience was the highlight of our trip - thank you again Giuseppe!

Chef Giuseppe Branca created the most memorable experience for us and our family. From his quiet joyful presence, attention to detail and quality of each dish, it was the perfect night of celebration for our wedding. He even made sure to provide a surprise dessert complete with a candle to make my brother feel extra special as it was also his birthday. Chef Giuseppe Branca was very responsive and easy to work with as we fine-tuned the menu to fit the needs of our larger party (allergies and dietary restrictions). Every dish was plated with care, the courses were appropriately timed, and served at perfect temperatures. We wish we could fly him and his father out to California for all special occasions moving forward!

Amazing experience