Elsa Medina’s path to owning one of Utah’s most celebrated Italian restaurants began with deep roots in hospitality. Raised in California, Elsa grew up watching her father run a neighborhood restaurant—learning early on what it means to create a space where guests feel at home. Years later, after moving to Utah and marrying her husband, a chef from Sicily, the two combined their passion for food, culture, and family to open Antica Sicilia in Millcreek. What began as a shared dream has grown into a standout destination known for its warmth, elegance, and authenticity.

Now celebrating nine years of success, Antica Sicilia has earned a DiRōNA Award of Excellence for its outstanding commitment to cuisine, service, and ambiance. In this episode, Scott Breard sits down with Elsa to talk about the restaurant’s Sicilian-inspired decor, their tableside carbonara flamed in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel, and the menu that pays tribute to Nona’s original recipes. With a staff that feels more like family and a loyal guest following that spans the state, Elsa shares the values and traditions that continue to shape their story—and what’s next on the horizon for their growing restaurant group.