A'Cuncuma

This cosy, family-run Sicilian restaurant combines tasty tradition with mighty modernity. Fresh ingredients and local products are used to create refined, gourmet dishes. A wide wine selection and an intimate yet unpretentious atmosphere are added values of this restaurant located just near the Cathedral of Palermo.

• Web:

  www.acuncumarestaurant.com

• E-mail:

  restaurantacuncuma@gmail.com

• Address:

  Via Judica, 21, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 392 521 4219

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7:30pm–11pm, Sun closed

Aja Mola

Regarded as one of Palermo's premier seafood establishments, Aja Mola is a simple yet classy eatery serving the freshest fish, shellfish, and a curated array of special oyster selections from the Mediterranean. Complementing these exquisite dishes is a thoughtfully chosen collection of natural wines. The open-view kitchen with bar seating underscores the informal ambience that pervades this culinary haven.

• Web:

  ajamolapalermo.it

• E-mail:

  info@ajamolapalermo.it

• Address:

  Via dei Cassari, 39, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 729 6599

• Opening hours:

  Daily 12:30pm–3pm / 7pm–11:30pm

• More info:

  Booking is recommended

Cagliostro Ristorante

Cagliostro captures the essence of innovation within a sleek setting, reimagining traditional Sicilian fare with contemporary flair — think modern pasta creations, massive burgers, and imaginative pizzas.

• Web:

  cagliostroristorante.it

• E-mail:

  info@cagliostroristorante.it

• Address:

  Via Vittorio Emanuele, 150, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 332818

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Sat 7pm–11pm; Sun noon–3pm / 7pm–11pm; Mon & Tue 7pm–11pm; Wed closed

Casa del Brodo dal Dottore

Casa del Brodo dal Dottore opened its doors in 1890, making it one of the city’s oldest restaurants. Since then, it has been synonymous with good Palermitan cuisine. Amidst its vast culinary offerings, traditional delights shine — from the sumptuous tortellini in broth to the boiled meat with potatoes to the distinctive Sicilian appetisers like sarde a beccafico and eggplant rolls.

• Web:

  www.casadelbrodo.it

• E-mail:

  daldottore@casadelbrodo.it

• Address:

  Via Vittorio Emanuele, 175, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 321655

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 12:30pm–3pm / 7:30pm–11pm; Sun closed

Ferro di Cavallo

Nestled in the heart of Palermo, Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo is a historic gem that has been serving typical Palermo and Sicilian specialities since 1944. Within its rustic embrace, the restaurant presents classic Sicilian pasta and seafood dishes that capture the essence of the region's flavours, with the option to dine al fresco at outdoor tables.

• Web:

  www.ferrodicavallopalermo.it/it

• Address:

  Via Venezia, 20, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 331835

• Opening hours:

  Mon & Tue noon–3:30pm; Wed–Sat noon–3pm / 6:30pm–11pm; Sun closed

FUD

A young, modern eatery serving delicious panini, pinsa, and burgers following the long Sicilian street food tradition. Panini with fresh cold cuts, cheeses and the best of local ingredients and assembled on the spot at the counter, while tasty burgers, hot dogs, and salads are prepared in the kitchen. There are also many vegan and vegetarian options to be enjoyed in the relaxed atmosphere of this contemporary deli.

• Web:

  www.fud.it

• E-mail:

  info@fudcatania.it

• Address:

  Piazza Olivella, 4, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 611 2184

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–1am

Alchimia Salotto Arabo

Famous for its delicious fusion of cocktails and drinks, Alchimia is a cosy hookah bar in Palermo that plays soft music with some belly dancing performances in a typically Arab atmosphere.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/alchimia.salottoarabo

• E-mail:

  alchimia.salottoarabo@gmail.com

• Address:

  Piazza Sant'Onofrio, 39, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 351 892 4299

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6:45pm–1:15am

Botteghe Colletti

Nestled at a picturesque corner in Palermo, Botteghe Colletti offers the perfect spot for mingling with the locals over a drink. Embark on a sensory journey through flavours and aromas, guided by the expertise of the bartenders. With both street and indoor seating options, its rustic yet refined interior exudes charm, complete with exposed brick walls and antiques that resonate with a captivating retro vibe.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/botteghe_colletti_

• Address:

  Via Alessandro Paternostro, 77, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 349 124 3563

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Mon 5pm–2:30am, Tue closed

Bottiglieria Massimo

For over five decades, this family-run bar has shone as a beacon of excellence, offering a diverse range of champagne, top-notch cocktails, craft beer, and fine spirits. Now, Bottiglieria del Massimo boasts an added gem: the Lievitoteca-Oyster Bar, a haven for gourmet delights.

• Web:

  www.bottiglieriadelmassimo.it

• E-mail:

  info@bottiglieriadelmassimo.it

• Address:

  Via Salvatore Spinuzza, 59/61/63, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 335730

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 9:30am–1am, Fri & Sat 9:30am–2am

Cantavespri Vini e Vinili

Housed within a 16th-century palace in the heart of Palermo's city centre, Cantavespri is an Italian restaurant, wine bar, and nightclub. It offers special cocktails, aperitifs and typical Italian and Sicilian cuisine, as well as live music and DJ acts, plus a wide array of vinyl to choose from.

• Address:

  Vicolo Valguarnera, 10, Palermo

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6pm–2am

Igiea Terrazza Bar

Located at the Villa Igiea Hotel, Igiea Terrazza Bar welcomes guests into an inviting space graced by charming frescoes painted in the 1950s by Palermo's revered local artist, Eugenio Morici. The bar boasts a stylish games room and evening live music during the summer months, as well as an exclusive outdoor terrace that gazes upon the glimmering Gulf of Palermo, creating a magical setting for enjoying drinks or dancing the night away. Within this setting, the bar crafts a menu embracing Sicilian flavours along with an expertly crafted cocktail selection.

• Web:

  www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/villa-igiea

• Address:

  Via Belmonte, 43, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 631 2111

Il Siciliano

Il Siciliano is one of the best places to have aperitifs in Palermo, boasting a blend of cocktails, regional wines, and a rich selection of Italian tapas. The venue's colourful and cosy ambience draws crowds, particularly during late afternoons in the summer. They frequently host live music gigs.

• Web:

  ilsicilianopalermo.it

• Address:

  Via Orologio, 37, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 339 666 2121

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 6pm–2am, Mon closed

Antico Caffè Spinnato

Founded in 1860, Spinnato epitomises the essence of a classic Italian café, standing as one of Palermo's finest patisseries. Revered for its range of traditional Sicilian deli specialities and a light lunch menu, this establishment offers a culinary journey through time. Delight in the ice cream-filled brioche or savour the rich flavors of the cassata, a traditional cake from Sicily composed of a round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur and layered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit.

• Web:

  www.spinnato.it

• E-mail:

  info@spinnato.it

• Address:

  Piazza Castelnuovo, 12, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 329220

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7:30am–9:30pm, Sat & Sun 7:30am–11pm

Bar Alba Pasticceria

A timeless fixture since 1955, Bar Alba stands as an unwavering beacon for Palermitans, intertwining tradition with innovation. A cherished local patisserie offering an array of yummy pastries in all forms, plus refreshing gelato, freshly made rotisserie, and some of the best arancini (deep-fried rice balls) to be found in Palermo.

• Web:

  www.baralbadonbosco.it

• E-mail:

  infoapr@pasticceriaalba.it

• Address:

  Piazza Don Bosco, 7c, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 309016

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 7am–11pm, Fri 7am–midnight, Sat 7am–1am

Bar Marocco

Located just across the Cathedral of Palermo, Bar Marocco has earned the trust of many of its guests through the years thanks to its fresh and delicious treats, including the famous iris: a traditional Sicilian deep-fried dessert filled with ricotta cream and chocolate flakes.

• Address:

  Via Vittorio Emanuele, 494, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 651 1904

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–8pm

Bar Pasticceria La Preferita Gelateria

A real local gem, this venue is as much of an ice cream parlour as a café, serving traditional Sicilian desserts and rotisserie products. Try the cream puff filled with coffee cream and the chocolate cake.

• Address:

  Via Valerio Villareale, 49, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 976 3032

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6:30am–8pm

Casa Stagnitta

Nestled within the historic heart of Palermo, Casa Stagnitta is well worth a stop during a long day of sightseeing. From early morning, delight in breakfast delights such as croissants, brioches, and the quintessential Palermo rotisserie. The allure continues with freshly stuffed cannoli and cakes, as well as granita, a typical Sicilian cold, sweet treat made from water, sugar, and fruit.

• Web:

  www.casastagnitta.it/en

• E-mail:

  info@casastagnitta.it

• Address:

  Discesa dei Giudici, 46, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 091 617 2819

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 6:30am–6:30pm, Sun closed

Gelateria La Kala

At La Kala, the essence of homemade ice cream comes to life through the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and an unwavering commitment to traditional, natural methods. Among a wide spectrum of flavours, their speciality lies in fruit-infused delights, with the tre veli — a harmonious blend of three distinct fruit ice creams — being a standout recommendation. This haven of indulgence extends to Sicilian ice cream-filled brioche and the refreshing granita (slush).

• Web:

  www.gelaterialakala.it

• Address:

  Piazza Fonderia, 8, Palermo

• Phone:

  +39 389 636 2740