Trattoria da Mario - Catania
Trattoria da Mario - The Kingdom of Appetizers in Catania
Located in the heart of Catania, on Via Crociferi, one of the most beautiful and charming Baroque streets in the city, Trattoria da Mario is an institution for those who love authentic and generous Sicilian cuisine.
Why go there? This trattoria is famous not only for its family-friendly and convivial atmosphere but especially for its incredible variety of appetizers, served in generous portions without even needing to order them.
As soon as you sit at the table, you’ll begin a gastronomic journey through: Sicilian cured meats and cheeses, including pecorino, salted ricotta, and caciocavallo; mixed fried snacks like panelle, crocchè, and battered vegetables; olives, pickled vegetables, and other delights that prepare you for the meal with an explosion of flavors.
Besides the appetizers, the trattoria offers traditional first courses and grilled meats, but many guests are so satisfied with the appetizers that they struggle to reach the rest of the menu!
How to get there? You can reach Trattoria da Mario in about a 7-minute walk. Just follow Via 6 Aprile, turn onto Via Vittorio Emanuele II, and continue until the intersection with Via Crociferi.
If you love authentic and abundant culinary experiences, Trattoria da Mario is an absolute must during your visit to Catania!
Panineria da Zio Mario - Catania
Panineria da Zio Mario – The King of Street Food on Catania’s Seafront
Located along the scenic seafront of Catania, near the Nautical High School, Panineria da Zio Mario is an icon of Catanese street food. Known for the quality of its sandwiches and the wide variety of toppings, this street food stand is a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste the true local flavor.
Affordable prices: The sandwiches are offered at competitive prices, making this panineria an ideal choice for a tasty meal without spending too much.
How to get there? From Central Station Houses, reaching Panineria da Zio Mario is easy: Head towards the station and continue along the seafront in this direction. The route is about 2.5 km, walkable in 30 minutes or a 10-minute drive.
For an authentic and informal culinary experience, Panineria da Zio Mario is an excellent choice. The combination of genuine flavors, local atmosphere, and sea views makes this stop unmissable during your visit to Catania.
Pasticceria Savia - Catania
The Temple of the Arancino in Catania
If there is one place in Catania that represents the excellence of the arancino, it is undoubtedly Pasticceria Savia. Located on Via Etnea, right next to the Giardini Bellini, this historic pastry shop is an institution for the people of Catania and a must-visit attraction for visitors.
Why go there? The most famous arancino in Catania 🍙: Savia’s arancino is considered by many to be the best in the city. Crispy on the outside, with a generous and flavorful filling, it perfectly balances tradition and quality.
An authentic experience: Eating an arancino at Savia, standing at the counter or sitting at the tables overlooking Via Etnea, is an unmissable ritual for anyone visiting Catania.
How to get there? From Central Station Houses, you can reach Savia on foot in a few minutes.
Head towards Piazza Stesicoro. From there, take Via Etnea north and walk until you reach Savia, located right in front of Giardini Bellini. The route is about 1 km and can be comfortably walked in 10–12 minutes.
Pasticceria Prestipino - Duomo Square
Pasticceria Prestipino in Duomo Square - The Authentic Cannolo
If you want to taste one of the best cannoli in Catania, a must-visit stop is Prestipino, a historic pastry shop located in one of the city’s most iconic squares: Piazza Duomo. With its prime location and impeccable quality desserts, Prestipino is the perfect place to indulge in an authentic and delicious experience.
Why go there? One of the best cannoli in town 🍮: The crispy shell, fried to perfection, surrounds a fresh and creamy ricotta filling, with chocolate chips or pistachio crumbs.
Unique location: Enjoying a cannolo seated at the outdoor tables, with views of the Elephant Fountain and Saint Agatha’s Cathedral, makes the experience even more special.
Wide selection of Sicilian sweets: Besides cannoli, you can try cassata, granita with brioche, and other typical delicacies.
How to get there? From Central Station Houses, exit the apartment and walk towards Piazza Stesicoro. Once there, continue along Via Etnea heading south.
After about a 10-minute walk, you’ll arrive directly at Piazza Duomo.The route is about 800 meters and can be comfortably walked in 10 minutes.
Scirocco Restaurant - Catania
Scirocco Restaurant - Street Fish Food
To enjoy Catania’s fried fish, you absolutely must stop at Scirocco, a modern fry shop located in the heart of Catania’s historic Fish Market, just steps from Piazza Duomo.
Why go there? Mixed fried seafood cones 🍤: You can choose from shrimp, squid, anchovies, octopus, and mixed small fish, served with a squeeze of lemon.
Typical and folkloric experience 🎭: Eating at Scirocco means immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Fish Market, surrounded by fresh fish stalls, vendors’ voices, and the scent of the sea.
Great value for money 💰: For less than €10-12, you can enjoy a generous cone of fried fish accompanied by a cold beer.
How to get there? Exit Central Station Houses and walk towards Piazza Stesicoro.
Continue along Via Etnea until Piazza Duomo, go down the staircase to the right of the Fontana dell’Amenano, and you’ll find yourself inside the Fish Market.
The route is about 800 meters and can be comfortably walked in 10 minutes.
Trattoria del Cavaliere - Catania
Trattoria del cavaliere - Near Stesicoro Square
If you want to taste true Catanese cuisine, prepared according to traditional recipes with fresh and genuine ingredients, Trattoria del Cavaliere is a must-visit.
Located in the heart of Catania, this trattoria is loved by both locals and tourists for its authenticity and excellent value for money. A quick and courteous service will make you feel at home.
Why go there? Typical Sicilian traditional dishes 🍝: Here you can enjoy the island’s best specialties, such as Pasta alla Norma, pasta with sea urchins, and macaroni with pork sauce.
🥩 If you’re a meat lover, don’t miss their mixed grill, with high-quality cuts including the famous Catanese sausage with fennel.
🐟 From grilled prawns to fried fish, every seafood dish is an explosion of flavor.
How to get there? Exit Central Station Houses and head towards Piazza Stesicoro. Behind the square, to the left of McDonald’s, you’ll find a small square with the restaurant on the corner.
The route is short, about 500 meters, and takes 6–7 minutes on foot.
Gelateria Quaranta - Catania
Se sei un amante del gelato artigianale, Gelateria 40 è una tappa imperdibile a Catania. Situata nella zona di Ognina, un pittoresco borgo marinaro a pochi chilometri dal centro storico, questa gelateria è diventata un’istituzione per i catanesi, grazie ai suoi gusti cremosi, ingredienti di alta qualità e porzioni abbondanti.
Perché visitarla?: Granite da sogno 🥶: Oltre ai gelati, la Gelateria 40 è famosa per le granite siciliane, perfette nelle giornate calde. Da provare assolutamente la granita al pistacchio con panna, la classica mandorla, o la limone e gelsi neri per un gusto più rinfrescante.
Una location unica sul mare 🌊: Situata nella zona di Ognina, un antico villaggio di pescatori, questa gelateria offre la possibilità di gustare il gelato con vista mare. Dopo aver preso il tuo cono o coppetta, puoi passeggiare lungo la scogliera e ammirare il porticciolo e il panorama sul Golfo di Catania.
Ottimi aperitivi: potrai gustare anche degli apertivi abbondanti con stuzzichini di pesce o di carne che ti sazieranno come un pranzo completo.
Come arrivare?: È più distante degli altri posti ma ne varrà la pena!
la Gelateria 40 si trova a circa 4 km e puoi raggiungerla in 20-25 minuti in autobus o con una piacevole passeggiata di circa 45 minuti lungo il litorale.
In taxi o in auto: La soluzione più veloce, in 10 minuti sei a destinazione.