Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is not only a city steeped in history and baroque beauty but also a culinary gem that offers some truly superb renditions of much revered though often misunderstood Sicilian cuisine.
The city’s vibrant food scene is a testament to its rich cultural tapestry, with influences from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, traditional street food served from paper cones, or a fine dining experience, Catania’s restaurants have something to please every member of the squad, whether fickle or foodie. With that in mind, here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Catania.
Sapio, Piazza Gandolfo Antonino
When visiting Catania, one culinary destination stands out for its exceptional fine-dining experience: Sapio. This Michelin-starred restaurant (the only one in Catania, proper) is a testament to the high-quality cooking that can be found on this magnificent island, where ingredients are as hyper-local as they come, and seasonality is a religion rather than a buzzword.
At Sapio, guests are treated to modern dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, crafted with fresh, local ingredients by the talented chef Alessandro Ingiulla. The restaurant’s atmosphere is curated by Roberta Cozzetto, who ensures a courteous and elegant welcome, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a special occasion. With its commitment to sustainability and inventive Sicilian cuisine, Sapio offers a dining experience that is both traditional and contemporary, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Sapio’s menu features standout dishes such as ricotta cardamom risotto, butter lobster, and pecorino truffle raviolo, which are sure to delight any food enthusiast. The restaurant also provides options for those with special dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan choices, ensuring an inclusive experience. The quality of food, service, and atmosphere have earned high ratings from customers, solidifying Sapio’s reputation as arguably Catania’s foremost dining experience.
Address: Piazza Gandolfo Antonino, 11, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Wesbite: sapiorestaurant.it
Trattoria da Nuccio, Via Penninello
A visit to Catania would be incomplete without a meal at Trattoria da Nuccio. This family-run establishment is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, known for its warm hospitality and traditional Sicilian dishes. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh and available, but you can always expect to find classics like pasta alla Norma, made with aubergines and salted ricotta, seasonal caponata, and the catch of the day, grilled simply, whole, and to perfection.
Address: Via Penninello, 34, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
Osteria Acqualavica, Via Cardinale Dusmet
The port of Catania isn’t just a truly wonderful place for a luxury yacht charter; it’s also where you’ll find some of the city’s most down-to-earth eateries, and just a short stroll from both the port and the iconic Piazza del Duomo, Osteria Acqualavica offers a culinary experience steeped in Sicilian tradition.
This charming establishment, which has earned a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for its good quality and value cooking, is housed in a picturesque old boathouse that now features a wine-tasting cellar. Patrons can indulge in a variety of traditional dishes that showcase the flavours of the Etna region, including an array of seafood options – the most popular being the sarde allinguate (sweet and sour fried sardines), as well as an exemplary redfish carpaccio.
Don’t miss out on the signature bucatini with grated bottarga (salted, cured grey mullet roe that’s grated over the pasta like parmesan) a deceptively simple, utterly indulgent bowel if ever there was one.
In the evenings, the menu expands to include a selection of pizzas.
Address: Via Cardinale Dusmet, 35, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
Website: acqualavica.it
Eat Pizzeria,Via Pietro Antonio Coppola
Pizza is a staple all over Italy, sure, but Sicily has its own way with this beloved alchemy between dough, marinara sauce and buffalo mozzarella.
At Catania’s Eat Pizzeria, you’ll find some of the best on the island. This modern pizzeria takes a creative approach to its pies, with toppings that are a nod to traditional Sicilian ingredients. The dough is left to rise for 48 hours, resulting in a light, airy crust. The Pistacchio e Mortadella pizza, with a pistachio (arguably the island’s most famous ingredient) cream base, is a revelation and a clear crowd-pleaser.
Address: Via Pietro Antonio Coppola, 49/51, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Website: eatpizzeria.it
Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino, Via del Colosseo
You didn’t think we’d spend a significant slice of time eating in Southern Italy and only eat at one pizza place, did you?
Tucked away in a charming alleyway, Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino offers a romantic, patio-based setting for an evening meal and another delicious pizza. The restaurant specialises in gourmet pizzas that are a far cry from your standard takeaway. The ingredients are sourced from local producers, ensuring each dish sings with regional flavours. The wine list is equally impressive, featuring a selection of Sicilian wines that perfectly complement the menu.
Address: Via del Colosseo, 5/7, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
Website: alvicologroup.com
Cutilisci, Via S. Giovanni Li Cuti
A third pizza-friendly place because we’re on a roll now… Set along the scenic coastline, Cutilisci offers diners stunning views of the Ionian Sea. The menu is a contemporary take on Sicilian classics (with a pizza section, too) with an emphasis on sustainability and seasonality.
Owing to its alfresco dining area overlooking the sea, the seafood is, unsurprisingly, the star here. Whether you opt for the grilled octopus, the stuffed sicilian squid or the swordfish involtini, you’re in for a treat. The terrace is the perfect spot for a sunset aperitif, making it an ideal location for a special evening out.
Address: Via S. Giovanni Li Cuti, 69, 95127 Catania CT, Italy
Website: cutilisci.it
Read: 5 of the best beaches to visit in Sicily
Osteria Antica Marina, Via Pardo
For seafood lovers, Osteria Antica Marina is a must-visit. Located near the bustling fish market, this restaurant offers the freshest seafood in town. The setting is simple and unpretentious, allowing the food to shine. The antipasti platter, brimming with marinated anchovies, octopus salad, and red prawns, is a perfect start. Follow it with their signature spaghetti ai ricci, spaghetti with sea urchins, for a true taste of Sicily’s east coast.
Address: Via Pardo, 29, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Website: anticamarina.it
Pasticceria Savia, Via Etnea
Sicily’s seafood scene is revered and obsessive, sure, but perhaps the island’s most fervent culinary fascination are its sweet treats.
Indeed, the popularity of dolci, or sweets, in Sicily can be traced back to a history steeped in the exchange of ingredients and recipes through centuries of Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. The Sicilian climate generously supports the growth of almonds, citrus fruits, and grapes, which are fundamental to the island’s confectionery.
Traditional sweets like cannoli, cassata, and marzipan fruits (frutta martorana) are not just food; they are a celebration of seasonal festivals and life’s milestones, embodying the Sicilian penchant for la dolce vita—the sweet life. The art of pastry making is passed down through generations, with each town boasting its own specialty. Fortunately for you, hungry explorer, Catania is home to one of Sicily’s most cherished purveyors of the sweet stuff; Pasticceria Savia.
Dating back to 1897, Pasticceria Savia is a Catania institution, famed for its exquisite pastries and cakes. While not a restaurant in the traditional sense, no culinary tour of Catania would be complete without sampling its delights. The arancini are legendary, and the perfect snack to fuel your explorations of the city. For something sweet, try the cannoli – here, the crisp pastry shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta are fried in pork lard, just as it should be.
Address: Via Etnea, 300/302/304, Via Umberto I, 2/4/6, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Wesbite: lnx.savia.it
Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab, Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto
For a quick and casual bite, Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab is the place to go. This street food gem serves up calamari and other fried seafood delights out of traditional paper cones. It’s a great option for lunch on the go, allowing you to sample the streetfood of Sicily without breaking stride in your sightseeing.
Address: Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab, Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto
Website: sciroccolab.com
The Bottom Line
Catania’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. From the traditional trattorias and bustling street food vendors to the innovative pizzerias and elegant seafood restaurants, there’s a dish and a dining spot to suit every occasion. When in Catania, indulge in the local cuisine; it’s an integral part of the city’s charm, a deep dive into the island’s complex history, and a feast for all of the senses. Buon appetito!
