For once…just for once…forget Rome, Venice, and Florence! If you want to experience Italy in a unique way outside of the tourist roads, you have, whoops…you MUST visit Torino & Piemonte and Calabria. One is the ultimate paradise for food lovers, the other is Italy in its purest form. No mass tourism, just real life, real food, and real people. No pizza this time for you! Read this to learn about the 2 mysterious places and their delicious food.

Torino & Piemonte – The Ultimate Destination for Foodies

Do you love food? No, seriously. Do you REALLY love food? Then Torino and Piemonte are waiting for you. This is not just a region; it’s a temple of taste.

But first, let’s talk about Torino. Often called the Paris of Italy, Torino is elegant, refined, and full of history. It was the first capital of Italy, and you can still feel its royal atmosphere walking through Piazza Castello, looking at Palazzo Reale, or sipping coffee in historic cafés like Caffè San Carlo. The city is a masterpiece of architecture, with grand boulevards, baroque palaces, and arcaded streets that invite you to stroll and take in the beauty.

Now, let’s talk about something Torino truly excels at: chocolate. If there’s one king in this city, it’s chocolate. Ever heard of Gianduja? That’s the king of chocolate, and it was born here. It’s like Nutella’s wise grandfather, but way more sophisticated. You can find it in little pralines called Gianduiotti. They melt in your mouth. Literally. Want to take it to the next level? Sip a Bicerin alongside! Walking through Torino, you’ll find historic chocolate shops like Guido Gobino and Peyrano, where every bite is a taste of heaven.

And don’t even get me started on wine. Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo – these are not just wines, these are legends in a glass. Order a bottle, take your time, and let the magic happen. And of course, there’s the Aperitivo culture. Torino invented it. You sit in a beautiful piazza, order a Vermouth or a Negroni, and suddenly your table is full of delicious little bites. You just wanted a drink, but congratulations, now you have a full meal in front of you.

Calabria – The Soul of Italy

Want to see the real Italy? No fancy tourists, no overpriced souvenirs, just pure, raw, and authentic Italian life? Go to Calabria.
First of all, the people. Calabrians are the most welcoming Italians you will ever meet. They don’t speak much English, but who cares? They will still invite you to their house, feed you homemade food, and make you feel like family.
Then, the nature. Calabria is where the mountains kiss the sea. Crystal-clear beaches, dramatic cliffs, and hidden villages where time has stopped. You drive through the region and you feel like you’re in a movie. And oh, did you know Calabria was part of Magna Grecia? Yep, the Greeks were here before the Romans. You can still see ancient ruins and theaters that whisper stories of the past. For nature lovers, Calabria offers the perfect mix of sea and mountains. The stunning coastline is ideal for beach lovers, with its turquoise waters and secret coves. But if you love hiking, you can head to the Pollino National Park, the largest natural park in Italy, where you can trek through wild landscapes, ancient forests, and breathtaking peaks. Whether you want to relax by the sea or explore the mountains, Calabria has it all.

But let’s talk food again. Calabria is the European capital of chili peppers. They love it so much that they even have a Chili Pepper University. Imagine studying how to make food even spicier. That’s commitment! And let’s be real: nothing beats a spicy ‘nduja spread on warm bread or a plate of pasta with fresh seafood and a touch of heat.

Italy is much more than Italy

There is so much to discover in Italy that IG influencers and magazine haven’t shown you yet! Piedmont and Calabria are pure authentic gems. Just chat to your Italian friends and get all the insights about Italy off the beaten tracks. Then pack your luggage and hit the road…whoops sorry! We meant…EAT the road! And if you are still craving for pizza…well, Streaty Naples!

NEW STREATY TOURS COMING UP IN…TURIN AND BOLOGNA!

Stray tuned. We are about to launch our new food tours in Turin and Bologna. Why Turin…well, you’ve just read the tasty excuse in this article! Chocolate, wine and delicious street food bites. What else? Bologna? well, it’s one of the Italian capitals of food, mostly renowned for tortellini and bolognese sauce. However, you know that on streaty tours you are going to get different bites, only what locals eat, not what tourists expect. So expect to have another super cool and authentic foodie experience with Streaty!

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Title: Must-Try Italian Christmas Foods for Foodie Travelers

Italy is a feast for the senses year-round, but during the holiday season, the culinary experience reaches another level. Italian Christmas cuisine offers a unique blend of regional flavors, artisanal traditions, and seasonal ingredients, perfect for any foodie traveler to explore. Here are some must-try dishes and treats to savor if you’re traveling to Italy this festive season.

1. Panettone and Pandoro

The holiday season in Italy is synonymous with Panettone and Pandoro. Panettone, originally from Milan, is a tall, fluffy cake filled with candied fruit and raisins, while Pandoro, from Verona, is softer, without the fruit, and often dusted with powdered sugar. Many bakeries and pastry shops offer artisanal versions, each with unique twists like chocolate, pistachio, or cream fillings.

2. December 13th, The Arancini day in Palermo

December 13th marks the feast of Santa Lucia, especially celebrated in Palermo, Sicily. On this day, Sicilians prepare arancine (or arancini in other regions), delicious rice balls stuffed with meat ragu, cheese, or even butter and herbs, then fried to golden perfection. Traditionally, locals avoid eating bread or pasta on Santa Lucia’s day, making arancine the star of this festive occasion. If you’re visiting Sicily in mid-December, this is an essential treat!

3. Cannoli and Cassata Siciliana – The Christmas gift

Winter is the perfect season to try cannoli and cassata cake in Sicily, as sheep’s milk ricotta, the essential ingredient, is at its freshest in the colder months. Cannoli are crisp, fried pastry tubes filled with creamy, slightly sweet ricotta and often topped with chocolate chips, candied fruit, or pistachios. Their flavor is especially rich and memorable when made with winter ricotta, making them a winter delicacy not to be missed. The Cassata cake is the gift that “the uncle” brings to the table at the end of the Family dinner. A beautifully decorated cakes hiding inside a soft core of ricotta cream and chocolate chips.

4. Tortellini in Brodo – The Classic

In Emilia-Romagna, especially around Bologna, Tortellini in Brodo is a must for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. These tiny, handmade pasta parcels are traditionally filled with meat and cheese and served in a hot, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect winter comfort food and an essential experience of Italian culinary tradition.

5. Pangiallo Romano – History is served

In Rome, Pangiallo Romano is a cherished Christmas treat. This ancient recipe dates back to Roman times and features a golden, honeyed crust that gives it its name (meaning “yellow bread”). It’s packed with nuts, dried fruits, citrus zest, and warm spices, creating a dense, aromatic cake that’s perfect for the holiday season. If you’re in Rome, sampling pangiallo from a traditional bakery is a holiday must.

6. Cavallucci from Siena

Florence has its own holiday specialty: Cavallucci, traditional Christmas cookies made with honey, anise seeds, nuts, and candied orange peel. These dense, spiced cookies pair wonderfully with dessert wine and have been a Tuscan holiday tradition for centuries. Sampling freshly baked cavallucci while strolling around Florence’s holiday markets is a sweet, nostalgic experience.

7. Cotechino with Lentils

In Northern Italy, Cotechino with lentils is a classic New Year’s Eve dish. Cotechino is a spiced, boiled sausage with a rich flavor, served over lentils that symbolize luck and prosperity for the coming year. You’ll find it in many homes and restaurants across Italy, particularly in Modena and other parts of Emilia-Romagna. According to the Italian tradition, eating lentils on New Year’s Eve brings good luck and prosperity, as the lentils are thought to resemble coins!

8. Struffoli (Naples, Campania)

If you’re traveling to Naples, be sure to try Struffoli, a festive dessert made of small fried dough balls covered in honey and sprinkled with colorful sugar or candied fruit. These sweet, crunchy bites are a Neapolitan tradition during the Christmas season and add a burst of flavor and color to any holiday table.

9. Zampone (Emilia-Romagna)

Zampone, a hearty dish from Emilia-Romagna, is popular during the holidays. Similar to cotechino but made with a pig’s trotter casing, it’s traditionally served with mashed potatoes or lentils. Its rich flavor and hearty texture make it a beloved winter dish that’s steeped in Italian holiday tradition.

10. Christmas Markets and Street Food

Italy’s Christmas markets are a great way to sample holiday treats while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Sip on vin brulé (mulled wine) as you explore, and don’t miss roasted chestnuts, nougat, or local cheeses. From the Mercatino di Natale in Trento to Florence’s Piazza Santa Croce, you’ll find delicious street food and artisanal products to take home as souvenirs.

PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY IN DECEMBER? BOOK A STREATY FOOD TOUR AND SAVE 20%!

Use the promo code streatyxmas24 to get 20% off your next Streaty food tour in Italy! The offer is valid for all tours scheduled from November 13th to December 31st. The code will expire on December 8th 2024.

How to redeem a discount code?
Follow these steps: Choose your Destination and tour -> choose your date -> select the number of participants -> click on “add promo or discount code” -> paste your code in and proceed to payment.
If you need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us at info@streaty.com

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WHAT IS FERRAGOSTO?

Ferragosto, celebrated on August 15th, is more than just a public holiday in Italy—it’s an institution. The name traces back to “Feriae Augusti,” an ancient Roman festival established by Emperor Augustus in 18 BC. Originally, it was a period of rest and celebration to honor the hard work of farmers after the harvest. Over time, this pagan festival blended with Christian traditions, marking the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which commemorates the ascent of Mary to heaven. Today, Ferragosto is a mix of religious celebration and the pure Italian love of taking a break.

ITALY EMPTIES OUT

From Rome to Milan, Florence to Venice, Italian cities experience an exodus during Ferragosto week. Italians take this time to escape the heat of the cities and head to the beaches, mountains, or countryside. The result? Shops close, top-notch restaurants shut their doors, and even some of the most famous tourist attractions reduce their hours or close entirely. You’ll find bustling piazzas eerily quiet and streets where the only movement might be the occasional stray cat…or desperate tourists seeking freshness under trees. While cities empty out the beaches get overcrowded. Restaurants on the seaside are packed and music all over the coast just kill the magic of a quiet and romantic Italian summer night.

For travelers expecting a lively Italian experience, this can be a shock. The vibrant, bustling Italy that you read about in guidebooks seems to have vanished. Instead, you’re left wandering through empty streets, peering into shuttered windows, wondering where everyone has gone.

SOUTHERN ITALY: THE NIGHT OF AUGUST 14TH

In regions like Campania, Calabria, and Sicily, families gather for a special meal, often by the sea. It’s a night of food, music, and fireworks, as locals indulge in a feast that lasts until the early hours. The beaches are dotted with the so-called “falò” (bonfires). It’s a beautiful, vibrant contrast to the empty urban centers, highlighting the deep cultural roots of Ferragosto in these communities. When midnight strikes, hordes of young people run towards the sea, cheering and shouting for the traditional midnight swim. The rest of the night is music, dances food and drinks till the sun comes up to whistle the end. This is exactly what you should do to feel the Italian spirit in Ferragosto. Manage to enjoy this with an Italian friend and you will have a blast!

WHY VISITING ITALY IN MID-AUGUST IS A BAD IDEA

Unless you’re seeking solitude in an empty city, Ferragosto is not the best time to visit Italy. The lively restaurants and charming shops you’ve heard so much about? Closed. The vibrant markets? Silent. Even the locals are nowhere to be found…oh yes! find them at the beach! You’ll miss out on the authentic Italian experience, as the very heart of the cities seems to take a holiday too.

Instead, plan your visit for September. Italy wakes up from its August slumber, with cooler weather, reopened businesses, and a renewed energy. The streets buzz with life once again, and you can truly enjoy the full flavor of Italy—literally and figuratively. Plus, you can join us for a Rome street food tour, where the post-Ferragosto culinary delights will be waiting for you. Take advantage of our 15% discount offer valid until August 25th. Use code “blog1508” to redeem the discount!

In the meantime, if you find yourself in Italy during Ferragosto, head south for a taste of the local celebrations. Just be prepared for quiet days and empty streets in the cities—after all, it’s Ferragosto, and all of Italy is on vacation.

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Streaty Selection Criterias

On this article, you will find the short list of places that deserve to be recommended to a friend or a traveller, which for us make no difference.
The selection is based on a very easy principle: we believe in dining as an experience that involves the pleasure of palate, the pleasure of sharing a company, the pleasure of spending time in a restaurant.
To select the best restaurants in Palermo we adopted these criteria:
– the quality of food
– the comfort of the location
– the kindness and professionalism of the staff.

Price range

S (20-30 Euro) – SS (30 to 40 euro) – SSS (40 to 60 euro)

Notes

Talking about money: we do not get any commission from restaurant managers to promote their business! In fact, we do not promote, we simply share tips. The restaurants are divided in categories: Sicilian cuisine, fish restaurants, meat lovers, pizzerias. The restaurants are not listed in order of preference.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN PALERMO

BEST SICILIAN  CUISINE TRATTORIA IN PALERMO

Da Bartolo  – great choice to try pasta with sardines
Via Pannieri, 7 (Vucciria district / SS)
Tel. +39 091 329523

Mr Bartolo fed generations of Palermitans in his former trattoria Maestro del Brodo. He is back in a more elegant restaurant where still resides the passion of his traditional Palermitan recipes. If you are willing to try the classic Palermitan pasta with sardines this is definitely one of the best options in town. All dishes are very well made with an interesting gourmet touch!

Trattoria del Massimo – requires a reservation
P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 25/26 (1 min walk from the opera house Teatro Massimo / SS)
Tel. 091326155

Without any doubt one of the best Trattorias in Palermo to try traditional Sicilian dishes. Their pasta with sardines is superb. The risotto with nero d’avola and crispy pork is another not-to-be-missed dish. Short but good wine list. Better to go for lunch than dinner, less people and more relaxed mood for a nice chat. 

Al Cancelletto – family run trattoria
Via Ottavio D’Aragona, 34 (10 min walk from Teatro Massimo / S)
Tel. +39 091 228473

IA small family-run restaurant with good prices, good food, good wines and a cozy and relaxing environment. The trattoria is literally hidden in a narrow alley of the city center. Many Palermitans never heard about the existence of this place…thanks God! Otherwise it would be much harder to find a table. Al Cancelletto is never busy but you never know, so book first. All the pastas are excellent- We highly recommend to try the Caciocavallo all’argentiera (pan cooked cheese). They make it the old school way. 

Trattoria Da Pino – old style and cheap
Via dello Spezio, 6 (2 min walk from Teatro Politeama / S)
Tel. +39 3496337358 (you better book for saturday meals!) 

We think this is a must. This is the very last old-school Trattoria with the proper relaxed and slow paced atmosphere. Mr Pino only serves traditional tavern dishes, like the rare “pasta alla glassa” (with veal stew and potatoes) or the “carne alla pizzaiola” (veal steak topped with tomato and mozzarella). The walls are covered with Palermo FC photos, articles and jerseys. Against all the odds, the spilled red wine is very good too! In our opinion what they do best are the appetizers and second courses. Pasta with swordfish and eggplant rocks! The bill is gonna be ridiculously cheap. 

Nonna Dora – not to be missed
Piazza Colonna, 7/8, (5 min walk from Teatro Massimo / S)
Tel. +39 0916111355 It’s very popular so you better book!

Just what you are looking for. Only traditional recipes in the list. Very good prices, very good quality and HUGE portions of pasta! If you are not a big pasta eater, we highly recommend you share a pasta dish with your travel mate. They also have an excellent and essential wine list. Must go but must book in advance!

BEST FISH RESTAURANTS IN PALERMO

I Sapori del Mare
Via Re Federico, 8 (15-20 min walk from Teatro Massimo / SS)
Tel. 3487420956

Well…if you asked me what’s the best fish restaurant in Palermo, I would probably say I sapori del mare. This is like DA-FISH-TRATTORIA, just the way you imagine it. The mama, the papa, the son and the boy. The food list is not very wide but it’s all extremely fresh and good.  Before you make the order ask for the daily dish. Our favorite dish is without any doubt the pasta with gamberoni! At lunch there is almost no people, you will be sitting alone with the host, its family and some other faithful local customer. At dinner most of seats are taken but you won’t have any long queue and most of nights you don’t need to make a reservation…but to avoid surprises, just book your seats! There is only one thing to improve: the wine list is too short. If you go, tell the owner you’ve been recommended by Marco.

Osteria Mercede
Via Sammartino 1 (10 min walk from Teatro Massimo / SS)
Tel. 091 332243

Five years ago I would have called it the new delicious surprise of Palermo. Well, now it’s the superstar! Everybody love Mercede, locals, travellers, tourists and food experts. Two rooms, two nice waiters, one cool chef and owner. I mean, these guys know their stuff!
The menu is written on a blackboard, how cool! Freshness is the keyword at Osteria Mercede. Try the sardines with caramelized onion every month.
The Osteria Mercede is located at few steps away from Teatro Massimo, however nowadays is quite impossible to find a spot unless you reserve it few days earlier.

Quattro Mani (not only fish!)
Via Francesco Riso 3 – Kalsa District/ SS
Te. 0916165046

Quattro Mani restaurant is located in the heart of Kalsa district, one of the main four quarters of Palermo. You will breath a calm and fine mood at Quattro Mani. They know how to treat fish properly. if you happen to be in Sicily between august and October, must try the Capone fish! Their wine list is one of the best in town. 

Quattro Venti
Via Enrico Albanese 30 – near the industrial port / SSS
Te. 0916259187

Quattro Venti is located in the modern city center of Palermo. Elegant and relaxing. Food is wow and entirely cured, cooked and designed by a real chef. Great wines to pair. How to pair it? Ask the manager, he will recommend you do the right thing! In two simple words Passion and Professionalism.

Badalamenti Cucina e bottega 
Viale Galatea 55 (in Mondello, to be reached by car / SSS)
Tel. 091450213

We are off the budget for most of Palermitans but we are in in in in in in in in and very in, when it comes to quality! Badalamenti Cucina e Bottega is our favourite fish gourmet restaurant. Few tables, top list of wines, kind and professional service and some mithological recipes! Check this out…Arancino with shrimp served in a delicate spicy mussel sauce. Try it and let us know! Badalamenti is in Mondello area. Must know: you won’t spend less than 50 euro per person.

SICILIAN PANINI

FUD – Bottega Sicula
Piazza Olivella 4 (downtown, 5 min walk from Teatro Massimo) / S
091 611 2184
Do you like burgers? You wanna try a real Sicilian one with top quality Sicilian products? FUD is the answer. Located in Olivella area, 2 minute walk from the opera house Teatro Massimo. At FUD you find delicious panini, burgers and hot dogs made with the finest selection of Sicilian meats, cheese, vegs and cold cuts. At FUD you also have the chance to try donkey and horse meat. Sicilian craft beer available! 

BEST PIZZA IN PALERMO

Must know: pizza in Italy is a dinner food. You look strange to us if you have pizza at lunch. Now you know! Now check where to find the best pizza in Palermo!

Il Mirto e La Rosa 
Via Principe di Granatelli 30 (5 min walk from Politeama theater / SS)
Tel. 091 324353

A historic and traditional restaurant can absolutely make a phenomenal pizza! The dough is soft, and the top-quality ingredients create a flavor combination that reaches perfection, especially when paired with a rich Sicilian beer. Not only pizza! Il Mirto e La Rosa is an excellent choice to please the entire family with its menu of both traditional and innovative Sicilian dishes

Pizzeria La Braciera in Villa 
Via dei Quartieri 104 (outside the city center, to be reached by car / S)
Tel. 0916885444

Nominated multiple times as the best pizzeria in Sicily by a prestigious Italian food association. Definitely the best pizza in Palermo. Beautiful location, unforgettable pizza topped with top quality sicilian products. The pizzeria is pretty far from downtown but the taxi ride is worth it! Book at least 24 hr earlier.

Pizzeria Arte e Tradizione
Via Santa Teresa 2 / S (city center)
Tel. 0912524451

All tourists go to pizzeria da Frida to queue up. You don’t need it! Near the port of Palermo, Kalsa district, there is a simple and laid back pizzeria with a memorable pizza and good draft beer. Suggestion: before you go to the pizzeria you can stop at Ballarak to warm up with a good locally-made beer.

START OFF WITH A SICILIAN BEER

Beering
Piazza Sant’Onofrio 11
See directions: Beering.it

If you are a beer lover, Beering is your home in Palermo. Ask the host Luca to recommend the right beer to please your moment and he will suggest the right bubbles. Beering offers a wide variety of international, Italian and Sicilian beers. Take a sit outside, sip your beer and enjoy people watching, or sit at the bar and discuss Sicilian beer with Luca.

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Mamma Streaty is happy to announce the publishing of her very first cookbook! “Mamma Streaty’s family recipes” is now online. 

Who is Mamma Streaty

Mamma Streaty, who’s real name is Maria Luisa Liotta, is the mother of Streaty’s founder Marco. A sweet 75 Sicilian woman born in the small mountain town of Capizzi (Province of Messina). Convinced by her sons, Mamma Streaty decided to write down her 30 top ranked family recipes! From the most classic Italian dishes to the most intimate family treats. Have you ever cooked or tasted an anchovy-flavored chicken? Do you know how high can the sweetness of Mamma’s Ricotta Passion lift you up? You don’t need to know, you don’t taste…you can simply make it yourself!

Mouth watering dishes

Appetizers, pastas, second courses of meat, vegs and fish will simply make you wanna cook more and more! Each recipe includes a short introduction with Mamma Streaty’s thoughts and stories. Recipes have been drawn for different number of people. Some easy pastas, like the Pasta col pesto alla trapanese (tomato, almond, garlic, mint, tomato and pecorino cheese) has ingredients and instructions to serve 2 people. Other more elaborated dishes, like the Involtini di pesce spada swordfish rolls list instructions to serve 4 people. Food is social, right? Mamma Streaty’s would make swordfish rolls for her own. The pleasure of sharing well cooked food is a fundamental asset of Italian cooking culture. If you cook something special…just share it with friends and family!

E-cookbook: What you’ll get

• 30 authentic family recipes (7 appetizers, 3 desserts, 10 pastas, 10 second courses with fish, meat and veg)
• Technical tips and notes to cool like a real Sicilian mum
• Exclusive photos of real Mamma Streaty’s dishes
• Designed for Apple iPad / Android Tablets / Kindle. Available also as PDF. 
• Share on Facebook and get 10% discount on the book
• Contents in English language only
• European measures in Grams and Kilograms

A Sicilian-International project

While Quarantine was bringing cancellations and frustrations. Mamma Streaty’s recipes were surfing the web from the Australian coasts to the British cliffs. Streaty is honored to have collaborated with Patrick Kilbey and Carmela D’Amore. 

Patrick Kilbey (Colchester – UK), a passionate cultured English food lover and former Streaty’s client, edited the contents. We needed a native English speaker to do this. We feel honored to have collaborated with Patrick for the publishing of Mamma Streaty’s cookbook.  Patrick Kilbey is a deep connoisseur of Italian food culture and he does know his stuff when it comes to write. 

The Sicilian-Australian chef, Carmela D’Amore, reviewed the first drafts in order to adjust the technical vocabulary. Beside being a professional chef and a lovely person, Carmela D’Amore is also a long time Streaty partner. Under the brand Carmela’s cucina cooking class she runs multiday food and cultural tours around Sicily.  Check it out!

Cook online with Mamma Streaty

The ebook is all you need to cook and delight your own and your family’s palate, but there is more! You can also meet Mamma Streaty online and cook with her! Yes you can! We run an online experience called “Cook Sicilian online with Mamma & Marco”. Go to our Virtual event page. You can connect in real time with Marco & Mamma and cook along! The experience lasts 1 hour. You can choose among a short list of recipes and, since cooking and eating is a social moment, you can also invite a friend to join in! Before you consider booking the Online cooking class with Mamma Streaty, make sure you have a bottle of wine home coz we are going to have a live e-toast! 

Go to download!

The post Mamma Streaty’s E-cookbook is online! appeared first on Streaty.

First things first

Speak the right food! Cannoli is the plural form of Cannolo. So if you want to get one single pastry ask “Un cannolo per favore”. If you want to have two “Due cannoli per favore”. And if you get more you will conquer our heart. You can buy cannoli at pasticceria (pastry shop) or bars (cafe).
Cannoli is not a summertime food. Not everybody knows that Sicilians do not eat cannoli all year around. The fresh sheep ricotta used to make the filling is only produced when hills are colored in green and sheep can happily feed themselves with the right food. In summertime their forage change and this affects the quality of the ricotta. In summertime many cafes serve cannoli filled with other creams in order to make tourists happy, while locals prefer to get a gelato or granita.This is why we do not offer cannoli in summertime on our food tours in Palermo. 

What Cannoli not to choose

Do not eat cannoli already filled up with cream and proudly exposed to the heat and sunlight. The ricotta cream is made up of fresh cheese and it should be kept refrigerated till the very last moment before filling the crunchy crust.

Best Cannoli in Palermo

So let’s get to the point. You are here because you want to know where to find the best cannoli in Palermo. We have selected for you our top four Pasticcerie where you can indulge in the most delicious Sicilian cannoli.

I segreti del Chiostro (the old gem)

By far one of the best pasticcerias in town. The nuns’ recipe have been brought back to light and serve to the most passionate foodies in the beautiful and silent cloyster of the St.Caterina monastery. The cannoli are supreme, but not only that. Also try the cassatelle con ricotta or a slice of the cassata cake. The location is magic, the food is good and beautiful to see. 

Pasticceria La Martorana (the new gem)

Located very central downtown, the Pasticceria La Martorana rules when it comes to sweet pastries. Ask to get a cannolo filled on the spot. Their ricotta cream is well made and balanced, not too sweet but creamy enough to make you wanna kiss the pastry chef.

Pasticceria Minolfo (where tourists don’t go)

Pasticceria Minolfo is a mandatory mention for foodies in search of the best cannoli in Palermo. Unknown among tourists, this location is one of the best picks for Palermitans from all over the city. Real chef masters create every day the most tempting and mouthwatering cakes. Our favorite cake here is the traditional Sicilian cassata. However, their cannoli sit beside in heaven.

Pasticceria Trentacoste (Ballarò market)

Hidden around the alleys of Ballarò market, this Pasticceria raises proudly the flag of Sicilian patisserie. All cakes are worth a bite. We would suggest to get a small cannoli and a bite at the other mignon (small) cakes.

Best Cannoli in Sicily

If you are planning to rent a car to explore the surroundings of Palermo and the beautiful province of Trapani and you still don’t want to miss the best cannoli in Sicily, take note of these three places. Must know: the size of cannoli outside Palermo are by far larger!

Bar Elena Te Nini (Piana degli Albanesi)

The small town of piana degli Albanesi (30 min drive from Palermo) is renowned in Sicily as the throne of the best Cannoli in the island. The thin crunchy crust and the foamy ricotta cream made by any of the bars are unforgettable. We can confidently state that in Piana degli Albanesi you can find the best cannoli in the world. The cafè Bar Elena won some local prize for making the best cannoli in the province of Palermo. 

Eurobar (Dattilo, Trapani)

If you are driving from Palermo to Trapani, do not miss a mandatory stop at the ghost village of Dattilo. In Dattilo you will find the famous bar Europa, indicated by western Sicilians as one of the best cannoli shrine in the whole island. Best Cannoli in Sicily? Probably! Only the cannoli from

Coffee Break (Purgatorio, Trapani)

When you will eat the cannoli of Coffee Break you will bless your hands for having read this article. The cannoli are big, the scents of the crust is pure poetry, and the cream – strictly made with sheep ricotta – is freshly made by the shepherd of the area

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CANNOLI? 
READ: “CANNOLI, ALL YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE LANDING IN SICILY“

The post Best Cannoli in Palermo and surroundings appeared first on Streaty.

Arancino or Arancina? 

Before you find out where to eat the best arancini in Palermo, you should learn how to call it. If you call it the right way in the right city you will make a lot of friends, if you don’t, you will make a lot of enemies.
It’s Arancina (singular) and Arancine (plural) in the north-west of Sicily. Sicilians from the provinces of Palermo and Trapani use the feminine noun and you better learn this fast! The shape is rounded like an orange.
It’s Arancino (singular) or Arancini (plural) in the rest of the island. So if you are in Agrigento or Catania, call it using the masculine form with -o. The shape is pointed like the Mount Etna.

What is an Arancina or an Arancino?

It’s a rice ball stuffed with veal meat, breaded and deep fried.  In the west of Sicily you will find inside a dried ragù sauce, peas, carrot and onion. In the east of Sicily the Arancini are filled with shredded meat, tomato and mozzarella cheese. Do you want to get Mamma Streaty’s recipe? click here!

Where can you buy Arancini?

You can buy arancini at any Bar (local cafè), at a Friggitoria (local street food shop) or at new franchise Arancini shops.

What is a good arancini for Sicilians?

A good arancini must be crunchy on the outside, rich and tasty inside and the rice should not be overcooked.

What kind of arancini do you find in Palermo?

In Palermo you normally find only two kinds of arancine: a’ccarne and a’bburro.
A’ccarne means stuffed with minced meat, peas, carrot onion and little tomato.
A’bburro means stuffed with mozzarella cheese and pork ham.

Where to find the best arancini in Palermo

Bar Italico (our top pick)

Bar Italico is located on the port promenade of the city, about 15 minute walk from the train station. The arancina at Bar Italico is mouthwatering. Overfilled and well cooked, the breading outside is thin but crunchy, and most importantly, the rice is yello as tradition dictates. The arancina a’ccarne is unbeatable.

Bar Touring in Via Lincoln 15 (the legendary bomb arancini)

This place is an institution for arancina lovers in Palermo. Their legendary “arancina bomba” has stuffed Palermitan bellies for ages. It’s huge! If you are hungry and wanna get a memorable Instagram shot to shock your followers, Bar touring is where you wanna go.

Da Mimì di Guglielmo Damiano (the authentic recipe)

5 minute walk from the Cathedral of Palermo, this friggitoria serves without any doubts one of the best arancini in Palermo. Totally unknown by tourists and still not very popular among all Palermitans, Luciano and his mum make authentic miracles in the kitchen. This is also the only place in town where you will find the original arancina recipe, which means without tomato at all!

Well…there is another place downtown that keeps the secrets of the authentic arancina’s recipe. Come join our Palermo street food tour . We are frying the best arancini in Palermo just for you!

Bar Marocco (in front of the cathedral)

The arancina a’bburro of Bar Marocco is probably the best arancini that you can find around the touristy area of the city center. The phone wire of the mozzarella makes you wanna call Mum to say “Mum, I am happy”. Take a sit in front of the Cathedral to enjoy the beautiful architecture and let your taste buds make love with the tasty rice!

Ke Palle (for vegetarians)

In the past 10 years many shops specialized in arancini opened up downtown giving vegetarians the chance to savor this delicious Sicilian street food. Honestly speaking, we would not have an arancina in any of these places except one: Ke Palle. Located 5 minutes away from the opera house Teatro Massimo, Ke Palle brought to the market a wide variety of arancine. You can get arancine with fish, vegs, pistachio and many more. Our favorite is Arancina alla norma with eggplant, tomato and smoked ricotta cheese. Worth to try!

Bar Turistico (along the coast half way to Mondello beach)

The bar Turistico have conquered the heart of Palermitans for few years now. It’s not only about the arancina itself but also about the location. Palermitan foodies get an arancina take away a go eat it at the little port of Acquasanta (right opposite). We do prefer their arancina a’bburro over the one with carne.

Touring Cafè (Mondello beach)

If you are planning to spend a day in Mondello, the Touring Cafè will play its part in making you happy at lunch time. Try their delicious arancine with mozzarella and ham. You won’t regret it.

Warning!

Sicilian Arancini are highly addicting. If you eat too many arancini you become what Sicilians call an arancina chi peri which means a walking arancini! LOL!

This article has been written by Marco, the founder of Streaty tours, born and raised in Palermo. 

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WHAT ABOUT CHICKEN

Chicken is one of America’s favorite foods: in sandwiches, fried, in salads, you can find it in many variations. In Italy, it is usually eaten alone, as a main course, yet in the U.S. they are convinced that it is used to make pasta sauce, or as a topping for pizza, but in fact, there is no such tradition in our country. One of the most peculiar recipes you can try in New York is chicken parmigiana, which is prepared with chicken instead of eggplant, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese, but not even a shadow of parmesan cheese. The original Italian parmigiana is made only with fried eggplant layered with caciocavallo cheese, tomato sauce and fresh basil. Chicken Marsala? delicious! recipe is good but Sicilians would normally make it with veal.

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO

Fettuccine Alfredo for Americans is the symbol of Roman cuisine and one of the staple dishes of Italian cuisine. Too bad that Alfredo sauce in Italy is known only among the most passionate foodie community. This dish is said to have originated in Alfredo di Lelio’s restaurant in Rome in the early 1900s and in essence, it is fettuccine mantecate with butter and parmesan cheese and in some variations may include the addition of shrimp. How this dish became famous in America is quickly said: two Hollywood movie stars, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, who tasted this specialty in Alfredo’s restaurant during their honeymoon in Rome and made it famous in the US, made it famous. The real “Fettuccine alla Alfredo” is still around. Try the original one in Rome at Ristorante “Il Vero Alfredo“.

SPUMONE

Spumone has Neapolitan origins and is widespread throughout Puglia and also in Sicily. It is a semi-cylindrical or cylindrical shaped dessert composed of different types of layered jelly, including Chocolate, Stracciatella and Hazelnut. What is known in the United States and Canada, however, has nothing to do with traditional spumone allegedly originated in Naples in the XIX century. The spumone has been modified to become a symbol of Italians: Spumone in America and Canada is prepared with the three flavors whose colors are like the Italian flag (cherry, cream and pistachio), sometimes chocolate, candied fruit and dried fruit are added. Spumone has become so famous overseas that two themed days have been dedicated to it: August 21 is celebrated in the United States and November 13 is National Spumoni Day in Canada. 

STROMBOLI

A pizza from the Neapolitan tradition? Not really and not even a calzone. In fact, the “stromboli roll” is a stuffed roll of bread dough. The pizza Stromboli is an Italian-American dish invented in 1950 by Nazzareno Romano, the owner of “Romano’s Pizzeria” in Essington (Philadelphia), one of the first Italian restaurants in the area. His recipe (ham, cotechino, cheese, and pepperoni wrapped in pizza dough) was an immediate success. In choosing the name, Nazzareno Romano once again wanted to seal the Italian-American nature of the dish: from “pizza imbottita” to “stromboli roll,” inspired by the then-recent scandal of the Rossellini Bergman couple on the set “Stromboli Terra di Dio.”

MAC’N’CHEESE

Mac’n’Cheese are those famous macaroni noodles topped with stringy cheese used in America as a side dish. Often served in combination with barbecue dishes, they represent an American classic of clear Italian derivation but experience a paradox: Italians do not recognize it at all as their gastronomic heritage. As folklore legends report, it was actually English immigrants who supposedly spread this dish to the United States. Then cleared through customs and made even more popular thanks to the anecdote about President Jefferson.

WHAT’S OUR OPINION

Italian-American cuisine is not Italian, it’s Italian-American and it’s delicious the way it is. Who cares if it doesn’t meet the fundamental cooking rights of Italians. Food is good and beautiful because food is culture.

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Where was Absolute Dyer shot in Palermo?

The market scenes with Streaty founder Marco were shot at Capo market. In the episode 1 of Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dany do Italy, you see Danny, Dani and Marco strolling around the market and discussing about local food and seasonal produce. Some easily catch the attention of E4 crew, like the long Sicilian courgettes. The Capo market is the most authentic food market in Palermo. However, you have to choose carefully what dish to try. You don’t want to fall in tourist traps, do you! Join our Streaty Palermo tour to explore the market with a local and taste the best of the streets. The Capo market is an inviting stage for the Dyers, colors, scents and flavors that lead the two into the kitchen of Mamma Piera to roll some arancini, without any doubts the best Arancini in town. Does Dani look a bit intimidated by the arancini? yes she does but she did love it. Still, we cannot call her the most adventurous of the foodies! LOL! In the episode 1 of Absolute Dyer: Danny and Dani do Italy, Marco also makes them taste the Sicilian Sfincione and the “infamous” spleen sandwich. 
Another scene of Absolute Dyer in Palermo was set in the catacombs of the Cappuccini confraternity. It’s quite a spooky place for sensible travelers and quite an interesting one for curious and adventurous ones. You will literally walk among hundreds of mummified friars and sicilian nobles who wanted to live forever…and so they are. 

The Tuna sperm request

Oh no, this is not a joke! Channel4 production asked me to list the most delicious and most challenging foods that Palermo had to offer. After some field research, I came up with a fabulous idea “do they want it rough? and they will get it…Tuna sperm”. Yes, Sicilians eat everything out of a tuna fish, this is why this fish is renowned as the “pork of the sea”. The finest sea delicacy of Sicily is the Tuna bottarga (caviar). However, not everybody knows that Sicilians also love to eat the semen of tuna, locally called “lattume”. And this is what I reserved for the Dyers in Palermo, which made it the most hilarious scene of the episode. In the episode you can see Marco, Danny and Dani sharing some piece of delicious boiled Tuna semen. If you are familiar with Danny Dyer’s style, you can imagine what kind of jokes he would share with the camera rolling! So much fun!
A curiosity: the tuna semen isn’t regularly served in the market. It’s a product that locals buy fresh at the fish mongers and cook home. So if you are hunting for tuna semen around the streets of Palermo, give it up. It was cooked by a vendor only for the occasion.

The explosive drink

This has been the coolest moment in the shooting times. Nobody in the crew had any idea of was about to happen, only I knew. The autista is a digestive drink that only locals know where to find. And so I took the Dyers to a hidden square where you can try this explosive experience. The overflow of the drink is caused by the reaction of baking soda and the citric acid of lemon. The trick is to drink the huge glass as quick as you can, and also as much as you can if you wanna be a real Sicilian macho. One reaction is give for granted after this…a huge burp! Watch the episode to see how Danny and Dani managed this. 

Danny’s talk

The most surprising and funny thing of all the time with Dyers was to enjoy the wild and spontaneous attitude of Danny in front of the camera. We did have to repeat some scene because I could not literally hold my laughters! So I asked Danny “how come they allow you to talk dirty like this on TV? in Italy you would be banned for ever”. Danny’s answer is legendary “If you call Danny Dyer, you know what to expect”. Standing ovation! 

Conclusions

The Dyers are definitely the funniest celebs we have ever hosted on our tour. We did enjoy a lot the genuine interest for food of Rick Stein, the charming talks of Paul Hollywood and the witty jokes of Anton and Giovanni Pernice, but the Dyers are inimitable. Their energy, their loving connection. These guys rock! the most enjoyable thing was to feel how father and daughter get along. Their loving vibes are very strong and their connection is just fascinating to look at. 10 out of 10!

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Challenge your palate. Markets, Food and alley exploration.

This is the must number 1. You must visit and devour the markets of Palermo. You can do it on your own, just let your senses guide you. But if you want to have the Matrix effect, if you want to read Sicilian reality, then walk the market with a local food expert. Choose the food tour in Palermo that suits you best!
Palermo has three main markets: Vucciria, Capo and Ballarò. Vucciria is nowadays the relic of a market, however, it has now turned into a must-go destination for foodies. You can challenge your palate by tasting some boiled octopus (don’t forget that the head is the best part of it!), or warm up beside the barbecue! Less adventurous travelers can remain in their comfort zone by ordering some fritters, pasta, fish, and sausages. Just make a wish, and wait for the dish!
The street food of Palermo is very tasty and varied. The Queen of local street food is the Arancina (a super tasty fried rice ball). The King is the famous pani ca’ meusa or Spleen Sandwich, don’t think twice, just go for it!

Explore the intricate alleys of Kalsa district
After trying the best street food and learning interesting stories about this beautiful city with other foodies, take the rest of the day to relax and have a night walk around the bar area of Kalsa. The Kalsa is one of Palermo’s oldest quarters, dating back to the period of Islamic domination (X-XI). There are photo opportunities on every corner, and the street art on Via dello Spasimo is a vortex of color and historic figures.

 DRINKING TIP: In recent years, the neighborhood has been transformed into a hub of bars, eateries, and artisan boutiques. Ballarak brewery serves excellent beers and tasty aperitives. Thea area is also highly recommended to cocktail lovers: try bitter Sicilian orange liqueur and signature house spirits at Dal Barone. Do not miss sipping a good prosecco at Nautoscopio, which has a sweet seating area on a small beach.

Get Romantic! Hike in Barcarello reserve and enjoy the best sunset!

Want to admire the best of the natural beauty around Palermo? You can explore the Barcarello Natural Reserve and visit Femmine beach at sunset, or the other way around depending on your preference. Take the train direction to Punta Raisi (airport). Stop at Sferracavallo station and walk to the Natural reserve of Barcarello (about 15 minutes). Tourists don’t know this place and locals are too lazy to walk to it. The Natural reserve is magic, you’ll have a majestic cliff on your right side and the blu water on your left side. 
The Natural reserve faces west allowing you to enjoy the best sunset you can get from the Palermo area. A hiking path takes you higher for a more spectacular view. But I’m not sure you want to walk further on, especially in the summertime. Just sit on the rocks and wait for the sun to show!

You must be aware of two things:
1) The shore is rocky, so there is no comfortable sand to lie down on. Do not walk to this place on your flip-flop.Wear sneakers or hiking sandals.
2) Inside the Natural reserve there is nothing. So bring your beers, snacks, and water. There are a couple of food trucks at the entrance though, but only God knows their opening times!

Isola delle Femmine beach
If you want to continue the day to a sandy beach, catch the train again for one more stop and take off at the train station of Isola delle Femmine and walk to the beach (15 min walk). 
In Isola delle Femmine, you’ll find all the comforts you need (eg. restaurants, sunbeds). Take a swim, relax and wait for the sunset. When we say sunset we mean the sun sinking in the water!!!! The colors of the sky will be your Instagram story!

SUNSET TIP: If you want to make it even cooler than that, rent a SUP board at Isola Surf (about 15 euros), and paddle out from the coast to enjoy the sunset while sitting in the water! Mind-blowing! Sit at Il Miramare Restaurant for dinner (or lunch). When booking, ask to get a table facing the sea.

Get Inspired! Admire art & history!

This activity certainly takes two full days and more. It depends on how much you love art, you can either spend one day or one month exploring the historical gems of Palermo. Golden mosaics, fine stuccos, frescos, morish architecture, gardens, and noble palaces…art for all tastes!
Being the most central and the biggest island in the Mediterranean sea, Sicily’s history was marked by tens of different cultures: Greek, Islamic, Spaniard, Norman, and more.
We drew for you a short list of the top five historical attractions that will give you a complete idea of Sicilian history:
– Chiesa della Martorana. XII century. Admire the golden mosaics, frescos, and marble. All in one cake!
– Chiesa del Gesù Casa Professa. XVI century. Your reaction will be WOW! Imagine a huge Italian cathedral entirely covered with colored marble.
– Duomo di Monreale. Monreale is a small town just outside Palermo, it is part of the city. The Norman cathedral of Monreale has delighted the eyes of travelers and wanderers from all over the world. 
– Oratorio di San Lorenzo. Less famous but equally stunning are the Oratories decorated by the 1700s sculptor Giacomo Serpotta. There are a few in town, just start with the central San Lorenzo. 
– Catacombs of Cappuccini. Have you ever walked around mummies?… This is your chance! You will walk underground surrounded by embalmed monks and nobles. Very spooky the children’s room was dressed up from head to toe.

Get up! Walk up to the Shrine of Santa Rosalia 

The ‘Acchianata’ (the climb, in dialect) is just under 4km long, about 400m in height difference, which believers of all ages walk on the night of 4 September, the anniversary of the death of Saint Rosalie, the patron saint of the city of Palermo, to reach the shrine dedicated to her at the top of Monte Pellegrino, the mountain that W. Goethe called “the most beautiful promontory in the world.”

At this place of devotion dear to the people of Palermo, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the entire gulf. You can choose to reach the top of the mountains walking at any time of the year, or you can arrive there driving or by bus (50 minutes long).
Later, the charming visit to Mondello a tourist stop par excellence with its white beach, liberty-style house, and numerous commercial activities.

Get off! Take an excursion to Cefalù

Cefalù is a very nice and easy destination for a day excursion, it is your escape from the chaos of Palermo city. Why is it a nice excursion to do? For the following reasons:
– It is at only 45 minutes by train from Palermo city center
– It has a beautiful sandy beach
– It has good restaurants facing the sea
– It has a beautiful Cathedral
– It offers perfect frames for your Instagram posts and stories

 IMPORTANT TIP: avoid Cefalù in August. It’s too crowded. If you wanna do something cool, the guys at Piranha Surf School organize easy excursions on SUP boards. You don’t need to be skilled, it’s enjoyable for everybody!

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