Couscous alla Trapanese at Ai Lumi Tavernetta

There are so many things to love about Ai Lumi Tavernetta in Trapani. The restaurant is a converted horse stable from a palace next door. The interiors have a rustic yet very elegant feel. The outside terrace is candlelit and is a prime spot to view the local evening walk or passeggiata of the town. The meal was memorable in every way. The fried calamari was a special variety that are smaller in size and sweeter – served in a paper cone with lime. The octopus carpaccio was tender and served with tonnato sauce and slivers of julienned vegetables. However, the highlight of the evening was

a local dish Couscous alla Trapanese. It is so loved, there is a yearly Couscous festival every fall competing for the best version. It is typically served with white fish, large scampi, and mussels. What makes it so special is the flavorful seafood broth that is served in a tureen on the side. Add broth to the couscous, fish, and seafood according to taste. The shared cassata cake for dessert was light, not too sweet, with a creamy ricotta undertone to it. This is a special type of Tavernetta that you wished you had in your neighborhood..

Ai Lumi Tavernetta

Corso Vittorio Emanuel 71, Trapani, Sicily