A Putia Dell'Ostello

The cavernous interior of this popular local restaurant is frequented by locals and renowned for the superb variety of vegetarian and vegan options (vegan lunch served on Sundays). On Wednesdays, the establishment hosts guest DJs, and Fridays are reserved for live jazz.

• Web:

  www.agorahostel.com

• E-mail:

  agorahostel@gmail.com

• Address:

  Piazza Currò 6, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 723 3010

Eat Pizzeria

The establishment serves remarkably good pizza (some may say the best, but the competition is big) – try one of the many topping combinations and follow-up with a decadent dessert. They also serve pizzoli, a local speciality: Sicilian focaccia filled with various stuffings. The pizzeria is located in central Catania and enjoys great popularity with locals. The quality-to-price ratio is more than reasonable.

• Web:

  www.eatpizzeria.it

• E-mail:

  info@eatpizzeria.it

• Address:

  Via Coppola 49/51, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 310 100

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7:30pm–12:30am

FUD — Bottega Sicula

The trendy eatery is known for its playful approach to dish naming (even "still water" turns into "stil uoter" on the label, light-heartedly poking fun at the Italian way of (mis)pronouncing English words). It serves a variety of succulent burgers and beers to go along.

• Web:

  www.fud.it/location/catania

• E-mail:

  info@fudcatania.it

• Address:

  Via Santa Filomena 35, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 715 3518

• Opening hours:

  Daily 12:30pm–1am

Giglio Rosso

This small trattoria with checked tablecloths serves authentic Sicilian food for reasonable prices. Fish, seafood and the antipasto buffet are popular choices among guests. Regulars come here to revel in the home-made dishes in a warm and cosy atmosphere.

• E-mail:

  trattoriagigliorosso@gmail.com

• Address:

  Via Sant'Anna 19, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 715 2492

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11:30am–4pm / 6:30pm–11:30pm

Gisira Pizza & Drinks

Gisira Pizza and Drinks is a popular pizza restaurant in Catania where you can choose from a wide array of toppings. For a different dining experience, order your pizza by the metre. If you are into football — they offer to broadcast many national and international matches.

• Web:

  www.gisira.it

• E-mail:

  info@gisira.it

• Address:

  Via Gisira 62, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 349 652

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri & Sun 8pm–11:45pm; Sat 7pm–11:45pm

• More info:

  They have a second branch in Aci Castello (Via Re Martino 206).

La Siciliana

Do not let the simple interior fool you — La Siciliana is one of Catania’s best restaurants. It has been around since 1968, owned and run by one family. The establishment specialises in local cuisine, and guests are welcome to select their seafood of choice from a display on ice.

• Address:

  Viale Marco Polo 52, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 376 400

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 12:30pm–3pm / 8pm–11pm; Sun 12:30pm–3pm; Mon closed

A Putia Dell'Ostello

The cavernous interior of this popular local restaurant is frequented by locals and renowned for the superb variety of vegetarian and vegan options (vegan lunch served on Sundays). On Wednesdays, the establishment hosts guest DJs, and Fridays are reserved for live jazz.

• Address:

  6 Piazza Curro, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 723 3010

Afrobar

Afrobar is a beachfront venue with a dance floor that is set directly on the sand. It's located on premises of one of the many waterside "lido" spaces. During the day, the place is visited by beach-goers and families, but the night sees it transform into a night club with bonfires and fire dancers.

• Web:

  www.afrobar.it

• E-mail:

  efarg@tiscali.it

• Address:

  Via Presidente Kennedy 47, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 345 713 3484

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–midnight

Bar Cuore

The cosy Bar Cuore is a great place for both a coffee and an evening drink in a young, dynamic environment. The eclectic interior invites for a very casual evening pastime inside or in the outdoor seating area. Drinks served range from draft beer to cocktails.

• Address:

  Via Penninello 35, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 347 609 5021

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 5pm–2am

Boheme Mixology Bar

A bar with a great ambience, Boheme Mixology has no set menu, but rather offers guests the option of getting something very special crafted for them based on individual preferences. The bar is centrally located, with a mixed crowd of locals and international visitors.

• Web:

  www.bohememixologybar.com

• E-mail:

  info@bohememixologybar.com

• Address:

  Via Montesano 27/29, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 250 3340

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7pm–3am

Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant

The stunning views over mount Etna aren't the only reasons to pay a visit to this rooftop establishment: the evening "aperitivo" buffet is varied and generous and includes a drink in the price. During the daytime, it is a high-quality restaurant that serves elevated Italian and Mediterranean food.

• Address:

  Via Etnea 218, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 250 5111

• Opening hours:

  Daily 1pm–2:30pm / 8pm–11pm

• More info:

  Located in Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze

First Lounge Bar

The tucked-away bar in a small central square isn't a place a wandering visitor would just stumble upon. It's a hidden gem of a spot with seating outside and a distinctly bohemian feel to it, much due to the past-century-looking buildings encircling the square.

• E-mail:

  firstcatania@gmail.com

• Address:

  Via Martinez 13, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 320 763 3921

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 6pm–2am, Mon closed

Bar Mazzini

Bar Mazzini is a window that goes out onto Sicily's culinary scene when it comes to cannoli (tube-shaped shells filled with ricotta) and cipollini (a puff pastry filled with cheese, ham, tomato, black olives, and roasted onion). Stop by and have a chat with the owner David (who speaks English) and discover authentic Sicilian recipes.

• Address:

  Via Auteri 6, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 346 361

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5am–8pm

Bisou

The superb cafe serves savoury foods and desserts, both equally decadent. For breakfast, try the mini-pancakes soaked in chocolate cream or the savoury avocado and salmon variety. If dessert alone is what you're after, the cafe will certainly not disappoint with the selection.

• E-mail:

  bisou@bisoucatania.com

• Address:

  Piazza Giovanni Verga 21 E/F, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 216 5811

• Opening hours:

  Mon 8am–1pm; Tue–Sat 8am–8:30pm; Sun 9am–1pm / 4:30pm–8:30pm

Chocofusion

Chocofusion is synonymous with chocolate haven. Some of their delights are caramel cakes, cookies, Sacher, flans, and many more hits. Gelato is also available.

• Web:

  www.chocofusion.eu

• E-mail:

  chocofusion.ct@gmail.com

• Address:

  Viale Vittorio Veneto 52, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 216 3096

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 7:30am–midnight, Fri 7:30am–1am, Sat 7:30am–2am, Sun 7:30am–1am

Cioccolato Caffè

This waterfront café features one of the best gelatos on the island and is the best shelter from the dog days of July and August. Besides the gelato, coffee, granita, and freshly baked cakes are a must-try too.

• Web:

  www.cioccolatocafe.it

• E-mail:

  dolcitentazionict@gmail.com

• Address:

  Viale Ruggero di Lauria 129, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 498640

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7am–1:30am, Sat 8am–3am, Sun 8am–2am

Comis Ice Cafe

The cafe, located right by the Bellini Theatre, is known for the high quality and variety of its ice creams. Do give the pistachio a try! The offer is not limited to Italy's most well-known dessert, however — the place also serves granita in several flavours.

• E-mail:

  santocomis@hotmail.it

• Address:

  Piazza Vincenzo Bellini 8/9, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 715 2499

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 7am–9pm, Fri & Sun 7am–1am, Sat 7am–2am

Juice & Food

The cafe serves a selection of healthy and easy-on-the-taste-buds fruit smoothies and juices, as well as quite a few light meals – soups, wraps, and bagels. The cafe uses fresh ingredients, and all food is prepared on-site. It is located in the north of the city centre.

• Web:

  www.jafitalia.com

• E-mail:

  info@juiceandfood.it

• Address:

  Corso Italia 243, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 722 3618

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9am–10pm, Sat 9am–11pm, Sun 10am–10pm