At I Banchi, cuisine is never ordinary. It can be quick, yet as Ciccio Sultano says, always “educated”—well-crafted, inspired by haute cuisine, and executed with exemplary care.
Educated cuisine is the opposite of elitist dining: it’s food for everyone. Here, the motto is simple: good time, fair price, great food.
At I Banchi, cuisine is never ordinary. It can be quick, yet as Ciccio Sultano says, always “educated”—well-crafted, inspired by haute cuisine, and executed with exemplary care.
Educated cuisine is the opposite of elitist dining: it’s food for everyone. Here, the motto is simple: good time, fair price, great food.
The Host
Gabriella Cicero
From Ragusa, Gabriella Cicero is the organizational mind behind I Banchi. With dedication and precision, she oversees every aspect of the restaurant, from daily operations to the warm welcome of its guests.
Focused and determined, she combines discipline with sensitivity, turning every detail into a distinctive hallmark of quality.
As she likes to say: “Cuisine is not just food, but language, care, and responsibility.”
The Host
Gabriella Cicero
From Ragusa, Gabriella Cicero is the organizational mind behind I Banchi. With dedication and precision, she oversees every aspect of the restaurant, from daily operations to the warm welcome of its guests.
Focused and determined, she combines discipline with sensitivity, turning every detail into a distinctive hallmark of quality.
As she likes to say: “Cuisine is not just food, but language, care, and responsibility.”
The Restaurant
I Banchi lies in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, on Via Orfanotrofio, inside a historic grotto that preserves all the charm of its origins.
The restaurant welcomes guests in three distinct spaces: an indoor dining room enriched with works by artist Giovanni Robustelli, an outdoor area overlooking the street, and a dedicated wine cellar with an extensive selection of local and international labels.
Dining at I Banchi is an experience of conviviality and attention to detail—a place where tradition meets innovation, for those who seek authentic flavours, carefully chosen ingredients, and a truly unique setting.
The Restaurant
I Banchi lies in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, on Via Orfanotrofio, inside a historic grotto that preserves all the charm of its origins.
The restaurant welcomes guests in three distinct spaces: an indoor dining room enriched with works by artist Giovanni Robustelli, an outdoor area overlooking the street, and a dedicated wine cellar with an extensive selection of local and international labels.
Dining at I Banchi is an experience of conviviality and attention to detail—a place where tradition meets innovation, for those who seek authentic flavours, carefully chosen ingredients, and a truly unique setting.
The Chef Federico
Paz Zavalia
Of Sicilian and Argentine roots, Federico Paz Zavalia earned his stripes as a chef at I Banchi, working alongside Ciccio Sultano and Marco Corallo.
Driven and energetic, he has a natural instinct for ingredients and techniques, perfectly in tune with the concept of educated cuisine.
As he likes to put it: “I want to understand what makes a dish authentic—its story—so I can truly grasp the taste of Sicily.”
The Chef Federico
Paz Zavalia
Of Sicilian and Argentine roots, Federico Paz Zavalia earned his stripes as a chef at I Banchi, working alongside Ciccio Sultano and Marco Corallo.
Driven and energetic, he has a natural instinct for ingredients and techniques, perfectly in tune with the concept of educated cuisine.
As he likes to put it: “I want to understand what makes a dish authentic—its story—so I can truly grasp the taste of Sicily.”
Bread and Bread
Every day our bakery produces bread and leavened creations made with organic flours from ancient grains, milled at Molino del Ponte Drago. A choice that blends tradition, quality, and respect for raw ingredients.
You’ll find Wholemeal Bread Sultano, Neighborhood Bread made with Russello flour, and our hand-rolled scacce, layered according to tradition. We fill them with fresh ricotta and Cosacavaddu Ibleo cheese, broccoli, tomatoes, and other seasonal delights.
Every bite is a journey through Sicilian bread culture—fragrances, authentic flavours, and recipes that taste like home.
Ciccio Sultano Products
I Banchi is like a traditional shop, a place where you can buy food to enjoy, wine to savour, ingredients to cook with, a memory to take home, or simply a gift for yourself.
On the shelves you’ll find the full range of Ciccio Sultano products—from sauces to toasted breadcrumbs—alongside local excellence such as tuna and preserves from Testa Conserve, artisanal cheeses, gourmet salts, and other Sicilian specialties.
Ciccio Sultano Products
I Banchi is like a traditional shop, a place where you can buy food to enjoy, wine to savour, ingredients to cook with, a memory to take home, or simply a gift for yourself.
On the shelves you’ll find the full range of Ciccio Sultano products—from sauces to toasted breadcrumbs—alongside local excellence such as tuna and preserves from Testa Conserve, artisanal cheeses, gourmet salts, and other Sicilian specialties.
