Best places to eat in Palermo: the Gambero Rosso Guide
The city of Palermo, the lively and fascinating capital of Sicily, is renowned not only for its history but also for its extraordinary cuisine. With a culinary tradition that blends Arab, Norman and Spanish influences, Palermo offers a wide range of gastronomic delights to satisfy every palate. The Gambero Rosso, the authoritative Italian gastronomic guide, has selected 15 unmissable addresses representing the best of Palermo's culinary offerings. Enjoy your meal!
Bar Vabres
Via Michele Cipolla, 83/85 – 091 617 2014
To start the day off on the right foot, there is no better place than Bar Vabres. This cosy café offers excellent homemade croissants and a selection of high-quality speciality coffees. For those who prefer something savoury, there is a wide selection of Palermo rotisserie, with the famous arancine (fried rice balls) in the foreground.
Oscar
Via Mariano Migliaccio, 39 – 091 682 2381
Since 1965, Oscar has been a landmark for lovers of traditional and modern breakfast pastries. During the summer, you cannot miss the watermelon frost, a refreshing treat. Specialities include the fried calzone in the rotisserie section, an explosion of flavours.
I Segreti del Chiostro
Monastero Santa Caterina – piazza Bellini, 33 – 327 588 2302
This place is a must not only for its beauty, thanks to the cloister of the Church of Santa Caterina, but also for its excellent gastronomy. The dessert counter will introduce you to Sicilian confectionery production, with convent influences.
Gelateria Cappadonia
Via Vittorio Emanuele 401 – 392 568 9784
Gelateria Cappadonia is a must for ice-cream lovers. Antonio Cappadonia is a true master in the art of ice cream and offers a wide range of exceptional flavours.
Ficus
Via Dante 332 A – 3208140412
Opened only a few years ago in the Duca di Serradifalco Garden, Ficus is an artisanal ice-cream parlour offering flavours that are out of the box. Their speciality is drunken ice creams, made with an alcoholic component. They also offer interesting savoury ice creams in a tasting menu, perfect for an unusual aperitif.
Casa Stagnitta
Discesa dei Giudici, 46 – 091 617 2819
Next to the historic coffee roasting plant of the same name, Casa Stagnitta is famous for its granitas, ideal to enjoy with Palermo's typical brioche col tuppo. The choice of high quality coffees is also excellent.
Franco u Vastiddaru
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 102 – 091 325987
For street food lovers, Franco u Vastiddaru is a must. Situated next to one of Palermo's most beautiful squares, Piazza Marina, it offers a panella sandwich that will delight the palate while strolling along the Cassaro.
Porta Carbone
Via Cala, 62 – 091 323433
After a renovation, Porta Carbone has become the ideal place for lovers of bread with spleen, a Sicilian delicacy. For four generations, they have been serving 'schietti' and 'maritati' sandwiches (i.e. only with lemon or with the addition of caciocavallo and/or ricotta cheese).
Panificio Guccione
Via Giuseppe Pipitone Federico, 63 – 091 346030
From all corners of the city, people head to Ottavio Guccione's to buy bread and pizza by the slice. Their selection is vast, but the carob bread or tumminia bread are definitely worth trying, as well as a wide range of fresh baked goods.
Trattoria Ai Cascinari
Via D’Ossuna, 43 – 091 651 9804
Founded in the late 1940s, Trattoria Ai Cascinari is the right place to enjoy the flavours of Palermo's tradition. Here you will find carefully prepared dishes, a selection of high quality raw materials and a focus on Slow Food presidia.
Osteria Mercede
Via Sammartino, 1 – 091 332243
Osteria Mercede is the place where fish is the star. The menu changes daily according to the available catch, guaranteeing well-executed dishes and excellent value for money.
Corona
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 9 – 091 335139
This elegant trattoria offers a selection of high quality ingredients. On the daily menu you will find traditional dishes with a light touch of innovation and a slight preference for fish.
Blade Ramen
Via Valerio Villareale, 33 – 091 274 2112
One of the newest additions to Palermo, Blade Ramen offers unique Sicilian ramen with self-produced ingredients and oriental techniques. A must for lovers of fusion cuisine.
Gagini
Via dei Cassari, 35 – 091 589918
Located a short walk from the Vucciria market, Gagini is a Michelin-starred restaurant within the walls that once housed the workshop of sculptor Antonio Gagini. Chef Mauricio Zillo serves dishes that are rich in contamination and never predictable.
Mec
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 452 – 347 753 2005
Inside Palazzo Castrone, in the museum space dedicated to Apple collecting, you will find the Mec restaurant, run by the talented Michelin-starred chef Carmelo Trentacosti. Here you can enjoy refined dishes that combine local products and international influences.
Enoteca Picone
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 36 – 091 331300
For wine lovers, Enoteca Picone is a must. This historic venue offers a wide selection of local, national and international wines. The experienced staff will be able to recommend the perfect wine, spirits and high-quality beers.
