Catania - Dining

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Catania

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Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2024-02-23

The cuisine in the Catania region is just like in the rest of Sicily — a delectable combination of Italian and Mediterranean cooking. Fish and seafood are the dominant ingredients, complemented by olive oil and wine from the mountains around Etna. One unusual ingredient that has made its way into a variety of dishes and condiments is the local pistachio (the ultimate Catanese pizza is one topped with cream cheese and grated pistachios). In the pasta department, try the local speciality Pasta alla Norma — a pasta dish cooked with aubergines, tomatoes, ricotta cheese and basil.

Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab

Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab

With its location in the heart of the famous Catania fish market, it's no wonder this street-corner restaurant consisting of a counter and three single tables on the street keeps patrons coming back for more fresh battered seafood cones time after time again. Try the boneless cone assortment.

Le Tre Bocche

Le Tre Bocche

Le Tre Bocche really allows the marvellous seafood from the region to shine in its exquisite dishes, and the fact that the restaurant has its own stand on the famous local seafood market is a testament to the quality of the ingredients like no other. Try the unusual, eerie-looking squid ink spaghetti.

Gisira Pizza & Drinks

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.

Trattoria Catania Ruffiana

Trattoria Catania Ruffiana

It can be a bit tricky to find this family-run gem, but do give it a try. In a rustic setting, guests can revel in typical Italian dishes at rather reasonable prices. Their chocolate cake is said to be the best ever and a must to finish off your dinner in the best way possible.

Giglio Rosso

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.

Me Cumpari Turiddu

Me Cumpari Turiddu

Just a short walk from the Duomo, Me Cumpari Turiddu serves food made of regional products — top-notch dishes with meat, fish and pasta, and home-made bread. The restaurant is part of the Slow Food Foundation and spoils its guests with an authentic Sicilian atmosphere. As a "ristrò", Me Cumpari Turiddu is a combined restaurant, bistro, cafe and deli.

Locanda Cerami

Locanda Cerami

Located in a superb location, in a small courtyard in front of a beautiful baroque church, Locanda Cerami serves delicious pizzas, salads, and other Italian dishes. There is also an extensive list of beers and wines, and the friendly staff do their best to offer guests a lovely dining experience. Indulge your pizza and enjoy the view on Via Crociferi, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Sushi Live

Sushi Live

For a break from the Italian food, though it's hard, try Sushi Live. The menu offers about 50 different rolls to choose from, along with sashimi, tempura and other hot dishes; great to take away or enjoy in the eatery. Sushi Live is located in the city centre, close to Giardino Bellini park.

FUD — Bottega Sicula

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.

Thai Princess

Thai Princess

With little variety on the area's food scene, Thai Princess provides a nice alternative to the ubiquitous pizza, pasta, and seafood fare found all throughout Catania and Sicily. The restaurant serves good quality, affordable Thai classics in a refined environment.

Ristorante Be Quiet

Ristorante Be Quiet

Tucked away in a small alley and yet very central is the Be Quiet restaurant and lounge bar. The establishment serves tasteful and flavorful Italian fare. Pizza seems to be a standout in terms of popularity, but do try the seafood as well.

Eat Pizzeria

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.

La Siciliana

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.

Oxidiana

Oxidiana

Oxidiana is located in the heart of the city and mainly specialises in fish – namely sashimi and sushi, but serves a selection of Japanese delights ranging from grilled meat and fish to dessert. Book in advance to ensure being seated, as the restaurant is quite popular.

A Putia Dell'Ostello

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.

Ristorante il Locandiere (Caltagirone)

Ristorante il Locandiere (Caltagirone)

If you pay a visit to the town of Caltagirone, Ristorante il Locandiere is a good choice for lunch or dinner. This relaxed fish restaurant is known for its delicious and creative seafood appetisers and mains. Enjoy a gourmet experience in an intimate setting for a reasonable price.

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