Must-see restaurants in Palermo

Countless blessings await at this extraordinary pasticceria, hidden away in a former convent. The culmination of endless hours of research, it uses once…

On-point Aja Mola is among Palermo's top seafood eateries. The interior's smart, subtle take on a nautical theme is reflected in the open kitchen, which…

A veritable shrine to the city’s football team (rosa nero refers to the team’s colours, pink and black), cavernous Vecchio Club scores goals with its…

If you're serious about wood-fired pie, book at least two days ahead at what many consider to be the best pizzeria in town. The puffy, Neapolitan-style…

All clean lines, timber panels and tinted mirrors, intimate, family-run Ferro wouldn't look out of place in London or Sydney. Whether you're savouring a…

This third-generation pastry shop remains one of Palermo's best. Defy your dentist with made-from-scratch staples like cassata or cannolo, or tuck into…

Expect sharp professionals and serious gastronomes at Gagini's rustic, candlelit tables. In the kitchen are Massimiliano Mandozzi and Elnava De Rosa,…

Frescoed walls, exposed ceiling beams and reasonably priced appetisers, primi (first courses) and secondi (main courses) greet diners at this swinging,…

Slick, youthful and buzzing, FUD gives fast food a Slow Food makeover. Offerings include cheese and charcuterie platters, salads and panini, all playing…

One of Palermo's finest bakeries, Cappello is famous for its setteveli (seven-layer chocolate-hazelnut cake), invented here and long since copied all over…

Bare stone columns, exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings set an atmospheric, evocative scene at this buzzing restaurant-wine bar. Approved by the Slow…

A homely, historic trattoria in the Vucciria, Il Maestro del Brodo revels in Italian soul-food classics, whether it be tortellini in broth, zucchini-and…

Located in a blue-blooded palazzo, this restaurant is popular for its Sunday brunch. Book ahead for a table in the elegant courtyard, the best spot to…

Yes, it’s a bit out of the way, but Ai Cascinari, 1km north of the Cappella Palatina, is a long-standing Palermitan favourite. It’s especially enjoyable…

While some may find the aesthetics a little contrived – think waiters wearing traditional Sicilian coppole (caps) – this Capo district eatery is serious…

Panini go glam at Pan X, a contemporary, sit-down sandwich joint with a dizzying list of eat-and-go options. It offers a wide choice of breads, including…

Hidden inside a little courtyard off Via Ruggero Settimo, this long-standing Palermitan favourite specialises in low-cost snacks, including delicious…

Should you devour the rose and raspberry truffle or the pistachio praline? These are the conundrums faced at this cocoa-obsessed cafe. Scattered with…

Wedged between Piazza Politeama and the port, homey Lo Bianco cranks out delicious Palermitan classics at very digestible prices. The caponata is good…

Regulars insist that Palermo's best coffee is served at this neighbourhood hangout. They're equally evangelical about Alba's arancine (rice balls), whose…