The Best Street Food in Catania - Street Food Hotspots (2023)
Catania Street Food Tour: 9 Best local picks and where to find them
Ever found yourself daydreaming about the tastes of Italy and wondering, 'What food is Catania, Italy known for?' Catania doesn't just serve food; it offers a culinary and cultural experience that dances on your palate.
From Granita, Arancini, to "St. Agatha's breasts", if you're on the hunt for the best food in Sicily, Catania is the place to be.
Let's dive into the gastronomic wonders of this city, and the best local spots to find them.
1. π Arancini
One of the most popular street food is Arancini.
Pointed at the top, just like Mount Etna's peak, these are delightful rice balls coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection.
Inside, they're packed with a variety of fillings. In Catania, the favourites include ham and cheese, minced beef, fried aubergine, and pistachio. The traditional is the "ragù" (minced beef), you should definitely try it!
πWhere to eat them?
While they are very easy to find in many shops around, we share our favourite places to enjoy some of the best arancini in town:
π
Canusciuti:
πNear Piazza Duomo, Catania
- Open on Google Maps
Drawing inspiration from the classics of Sicilian culinary traditions, they continuously craft unusual and original recipes. The exceptional quality of their ingredients elevates their arancini, making them some of the best in Catania. One of our favourite is the pistachio flavour (of course:)
π
Savia (open since 1897):
πNear Bellini Garden, Catania -
Open on Google Maps
The "ragù" arancino from Pasticceria Savia is a true institution in Catania. It comes in the typical pointed shape, with a firm and dry breadcrumb coating that encloses a creamy filling with the famous pieces of meat inside which are knife-cut and not minced.
They are extremely popular, so you'll always find some fresh ones being cooked all day
π Arancineria Espresso Serafino: -π Open on Google Maps
This local gem is renowned for its crispy, cheesy, and flavorful arancini. With a vast variety of flavors, including many vegetarian options, there's something for everyone. The pistachio arancini, bursting with cheese, is one of our favourite, together with the shrimp one. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making it a must-visit if you're craving authentic Sicilian arancini.
If you want to find out all the best places to have arancini in Catania, see our blog with "The best arancini in Catania and where to find them - my favourites list 2024"
Photo Credit: Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe
2. Cartocciata
Cartocciata is a traditional pastry roll filled with mozzarella, olives, and ham and tomato sauce. While this classic combo is a favorite, variations with mushrooms, aubergines, spinach and pistachio are equally tempting.
πWhere to
eat them?
You can find them in pretty much everywhere in Catania's bars and bakeries, just look for the writing "tavola calda", which means they sell those delicious warm pastries.
3. Cipollina
Cipollina is very similar to a Cartocciata, but it is made with puff pastry. This treat is generously stuffed with ham, cheese, tomato sauce, and sautéed onions. It's named after "cipolla," the Italian word for onion.
Those onions give it a zesty kick, while the buttery pastry feels like a warm hug. We love it as a mid-morning treat, while walking around the historical centre.
πWhere to eat them?
Similar to the Cartocciata, you'll find it in many bars and bakeries around Catania!
Photo Credit: Pasticceria Savia
4. Cannolo Siciliano
A global sensation that truly needs no introduction.
At its heart, it's a crispy tube-shaped pastry, filled generously with fresh ricotta cheese, subtly sweetened with powdered sugar and a zesty hint of lemon.
But the magic doesn't stop there. Venture into various 'Pasticcerie' around Sicily, and you'll discover delightful twists: dark chocolate chips, crunchy pistachio bits, or even candied fruits.
πWhere to
eat them?
Where to have the best Cannolo in Catania?
Here are 3 of our favourite spots:
π° Savia (open since 1897): πNear Bellini Garden, Catania - Open on Google Maps
Crafting culinary delights requires a touch of experience and a sprinkle of tradition. Savia's Cannoli, honed over generations, stand as a testament to this in Catania. They're not just treats; they're a legacy. And they've certainly earned a top spot on our favorites list.
π° Canusciuti: πNear Piazza Duomo, Catania - Open on Google Maps
Canusciuti, though a relatively recent establishment, has quickly climbed to the top of our list. Their unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and deep-rooted traditions has set them apart. They're not just serving food; they're curating an experience. And that's why they've secured a special place in our hearts. Check out the video to see for yourself!
π° Pasticceria Verona & Bonvegna:
Since its inception in 1970, Pasticceria Verona & Bonvegna has been a sweet staple in Catania. Their offerings range from crispy cannoli and fresh mignons to delightful almond pastries and their signature mini-Savoia. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, it's no wonder they've remained a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
Photo Credit: Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe
5.
π¨
Granita
A must-try summer breakfast delight in Catania! This refreshing icy fruity 'sorbet', usually served with a dome-shaped brioche and a dollop of fresh cream, it's a treat you won't forget. Dive into popular flavors like lemon ('limone'), mulberry ('gelsi'), almond ('mandorla'), pistachio, coffee and other seasonal fruits.
πWhere to
eat it?
It's so popular you can find it in many bars around town!
6.
π
Horse meat burger
A true Catania specialty that might raise eyebrows elsewhere but is deeply cherished by locals.
ο»Ώ
These meatballs, crafted from ground horse meat, are seasoned with eggs, parmesan, lemon zest, parsley, and a touch of salt and pepper. They are flame grilled and then brushed with a tangy vinaigrette. Enjoy them nestled in warm bread or with your choice of toppings.
πWhere to eat it?
π Panineria Cristaldi (since 1982):
Branch 1:π- Open on Google Maps
Branch 2:π- Open on Google Maps
A storied establishment renowned for its horse meat, sausages, or succulent steaks sandwiches. With two locations in the city, Cristaldi ensures you're never too far from indulging in their culinary delights, no matter which side of town you're on.
π Panineria Dusmet:
Near the Port of Catania, Dusmet is renowned for its authentic horse meat panini. It's a takeaway spot, with no seating, but you can take the panini and enjoy them at the port looking at the sea.
π Burger Boss:
BurgerBoss has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts. It has some incredible horse meat burgers, and other options. It is located in the heart of Catania and has some tables both outdoors and indoors
Photo Credit: Panineria Cristaldi
7. π€ Fried Seafood Cone
A beloved Italian treat, this cone brims with batter-coated squid, prawns, and delicate white fish, all deep-fried to golden perfection. A bite into this seafood delight is simply out of this world.
πWhere to
eat it?
Here our favourites:
π€ MM! Street Food:
Located in the heart of the bustling fish market, mm!! Street Food is a renown fish street food restaurants, with seatings in the busy fish market square.
π€ Scirocco Street food:
With its deep-fried seafood cones and vibrant atmosphere, it's a culinary journey you won't forget. It is also located on a terrace overlooking the fish market
π€ Oasi di frutti di Mare da Nitto :
Situated along Catania's scenic seafront, Nitto stands as a beacon in the seafood gastronomy landscape. With its prime location offering stunning sea views, it's no wonder this spot is a favorite among locals.
Photo Credit: MM! Street Food
8. π§ Minne di Sant'Agata
These unique pastries are crafted to resemble Saint Agatha's breasts, which were cruelly cut before her passing.
This dessert is a tribute to the beloved saint.
Filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips, these treats are encased in a marzipan dome, dusted with icing sugar, and crowned with a candied cherry.
πWhere to
eat them?
You can find them in most Pasticcerie, although we really love the ones from
Prestipino in Piazza Duomo - Open on Googloe Maps
Photo Credit:
Giallo Zafferano
9. Crispelle
Crispelle di Riso, also known as Zeppole are made from rice simmered in milk, combined with yeast, flour, sugar, and a hint of citrus zest. Once shaped into elongated tubes, they're deep-fried to a golden hue.
While they're traditionally drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar, they come in a variety of flavors.
For those with a sweet tooth, fillings like pistachio cream and Nutella are popular choices.
On the savory side, the crispelle are often stuffed with anchovies or ricotta cheese, offering a delightful contrast for the palate.
πWhere to eat them?
We recommend Antica Crispelleria Mazzone: - Open on Google Maps
Photo Credit:
la mia Sicilia
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