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Chocolate Bonajuto
The oldest chocolateria in Sicily, Bonajuto has been written up in seemingly every article about Sicily, but a visit to the original branch at the beginning of Corso Umberto is still worthwhile. The chocolate is prepared following old Aztec recipes (hailing from the time when Sicily was a Spanish colony in the 15th century). Look for flavors embellished with local specialties: orange, pepperoncino and almonds. The packaging is pretty, so the chocolates also make lovely gifts to take home.
La Coppola Storta
This store, selling the typical Sicilan caps (seen in so many gangster movies, including The Godfather) is part of the Addiopizzo, a loose association of boutiques and restaurants who are openly refusing to pay the mafia "protection" (read: extortion) money that so many other businesses still pay. The hand-stitched caps come in a variety of colors and textiles.
La DoubleJ
Liccamuciula
This fun concept boutique, with lots of crafted finds from Sicily and beyond, is located on Marzamemi's square, straight across from seaside restaurant La Cialoma. It's fun to search through the whimsical collection, which includes homemade beauty products, beautifully illustrated cookbooks, light summer dresses, home accents, Sicilian wines and other gourmet goodies.
Manago
If you cannot make it to ceramics town Caltagirone, in the southeastern part of Sicily, this well-stocked boutique in Taormina is a good place to purchase authentic creations from Caltagirone artists (most of what you'll find in the tourist stores is made in China). Turn the bowls, plates and trinkets over to find the signature of each artist—the boutique works with about 22 of Caltagirone's best.
Zonzo
This tiny leather workshop/boutique is worth seeking out in Palermo. Laura and Francesca Pellegrino make beautiful leather and cloth bags, while Claudia di Bella sells her innovative jewelry. All three young artisans are part of the Addiopizzo initiative, so supporting them is a great way to bring back a home-crafted piece, knowing that none of the funds are funneling back to the mafia.
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