The terrace of this small agriturismo and restaurant is a good spot for an aperitif in Pollara, the seaside village where Il Postino was filmed in 1995 and which has the most stunning  sunset viewing in all of Salina. For a local memento, purchase a bag of capers, Salina's local delicacy, which the family grows (ergo the name).

The restaurant at the Capofaro Resort is run in collaboration with the Niko Romito Culinary School, giving youngsters studying to become chefs a chance to test their skills. A professional chef oversees the operations, of course, and on a recent visit, the food, ranging from Sicilian classics to more elevated Mediterranean fare, was excellent. The wine list is, of course, strong in Sicilian vintages, particularly from the owning Tascas. Much of the produce and herbs, too, are grown on property. Come a bit early and have an aperitif on the glorious terrace of the Capofaro before a meal, with incredible views across the Tyrrhenian Sea, with Stromboli and Panarea in the background.

Every local will tell you to not leave Salina without trying a granita from Alfredo's, in the small seaside community of Lingua. I was skeptical (it sounds touristy) until the icy concoction, topped with strawberries and cream arrived on the table. It's hands-down the best version of this classic Sicilian dessert that I tasted during my two-week trip there. Order from the long list of fresh fruit and nut flavors (including fig, lemon, mulberry, peach and almonds) or, if you cannot decide, get two flavors in one.

Da Alfredo also serves incredible pane cunzato, tasty flat round bread topped with a variety of ingredients, including ultra-fresh tomatoes, tuna and mozzarella. Share the pane (they're massive) but get your own granita. Lunching al fresco at Da Alfredo, with a sea view, is indeed a Salina must.

The restaurant terrace of this boutique hotel, tucked into the tiny town of  Malfa, is one of the most glorious settings in the Aeolians for lunch or dinner. Tucked into lush gardens, it juts out over the sea, making for glorious vistas. The food, too, is memorable. There are lots of Sicilian dishes, with local twists: arancini (the classic Palermo street food) is stuffed with fish ragu, fish burgers are made with local tuna and seafood carpaccio is studded with local figs.

This casual, family run restaurant in Lingua is a good choice for lunch. Run by Italian-Australian owners, it's focused on seafood and homemade pasta. Tables are set up on an al fresco patio with sea views. After lunch, head over to Alfredo's for a dessert granita. At night, the restaurant has a complimentary shuttle service that picks up diners from their homes and hotels and returns them back home at the end of the meal.

The bad news first: during the high season, this is a total scene complete with bouncers and icy model-type hostesses. You can make a reservation to be first-row on the terrace but chances are, a long-time regular will end up getting your table. But the terrace is one of the Aeolian Island's most glorious spots for lunch and supremely romantic for dinner (the entire place is lit by oil lanterns), so if you can come during the shoulder season, this is a very special meal.