We Streaties love travelling and love eating. As locals, we are aware of the importance of the right tip given by a local at the right time to the right traveller. “Where to eat” in a city is normally the biggest question for foodies on a trip. We’ve got you covered my dear! In this article you will find the best restaurants in Catania recommended by local Streaty guides.
My dear streaties, this is our short list of the best traditional restaurants to try in Catania, not just good restaurants but the top of the pop restaurants beloved by Catanesi. If you are reading this blog post it’s probably because you have already joined our Catania street food tour and now you wanna try some more elaborate dish of Sicilian cuisine…or you simply googled “best restaurants in Catania”! Enjoy it!
We selected the best traditional food restaurants in Catania based on three basic criterias: authenticity of the place, quality of food, value for money.
Best traditional restaurants in Catania
Me Cumpari Turiddu
Piazza Turi Ferro 36/38
An elegant yet warm spot that celebrates traditional Sicilian cuisine with a refined touch. The vintage decor and slow food philosophy make it ideal for a relaxed dinner. Try the pasta alla Turiddu or the caponata—both rich in local flavor. A great choice for food lovers seeking authenticity with style.
La Vuciata
Via Gisira, 8
Traditional cuisine with top quality products. The owner Marco is obsessed by the quality of products to be used in his restaurants. Same attention is dedicated to the wine list, strictly Sicilian and mainly from Mount Etna’s vineyards. You will find major traditional recipes with a sprinkle of innovation. The restaurant is located in the heart of Pescheria market, so great spot for an exciting people watching. The staff is very kind! Highly recommended.
A Putia Do’ Calabrisi (for intrepid travelers only!)
address: Via della Concordia, 185
Definetely our favorite place in Catania away of the city center. If the question is Where to eat in Catania like a REAL local, the answer is “A Putia Do Calabrisi”. It’s actually an Osteria with wine barrels and all the rest. Everything is so purely catanese! The undefined queue outside sits on the scooters sipping killing-liver country wine, some smoking and others just tapping on their smartphones. Wait for Santina to come. Santina is the sweetest nicest funniest host you’ve ever met in your life. And she goes like “find yourself a seat”, and “this is what we have today…”. We had memorable fried triglie fish and pork rind in tomato sauce! Dishes are seasonal. You should know that the area is infamous for being a bit dodgy. Nothing to worry about. Just like they say in Colombia “The risk is that you don’t wanna leave!”.
Osteria Antica Marina
address: Via Pardo 29
Antica Marina, located in the heart of the Pescheria fish market of Catania, is commonly renowned as one of the best fish restaurants in Catania. All fish is very fresh and the menu is very interesting offering a perfect combination of tradition and innovation. You will dream of the capesante with tuna chips and pistachio cream for a long time! Good selection of wines, not very wide but satisfying. It’s very central, it’s very good and the waiters are smiley! Must know: Spaces are bit narrow and when the place is full service might get slower.
Trattoria La Canonica
address: Via Raddusa 7
Very humble but very decorated. We will pay you a dinner if you only found an empty spot on the wall or on any other surface! You won’t find it, give it up!
This is the place you wanna go with a group of friends…that kind of group where Tom wants to eat fish, Marlene hates eggplants, Jennie is vegetarian and Michael only eats fried food. The menu will make everybody happy. La Canonica restaurant makes the best sarde a beccafico in the world, it’s definetely the not-to-be-missed dish in Catania. Fair regular prices.
Due Pistacchi
address: Via Paternò 11
If Sicilian pistachio has a home in Catania, that home is called “Due Pistacchi Restaurant”. A fancy and creative bistro that mixes Sicilian roots with gourmet twists. Perfect for a relaxing dinner just off the tourist path. Don’t miss the pistachio-crusted tuna or the homemade pasta with Bronte pistachio pesto. Warm vibes, seasonal ingredients and great value.
La Trattoria del Cavaliere
address: Via Paternò 11
All blogs titled “where to eat in Catania” will mention the Trattoria del Cavaliere. The place is huge and labyrinthine. The Trattoria is an institution in Catania. Just focus on the rich selection of appetizers, pick something from the menu, take a sit, sip wine they give you and enjoy the vibes. Probably our top pick to try the catanese pasta alla norma. Nothing is fine and fancy here, it’s all just purely Catanese pop style. The waiters go fast, so don’t expect to be served with smiles and hugs. Prices are extremely fair.
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