Best Restaurants in Catania Sicily
Catania is the second largest city in Sicily and consequently, there are many great restaurants to choose from. Being on the east coast of Sicily and port town, fish & seafood are popular in the restaurants along with traditional Sicilian dishes. You can also find venues that have been nominated by Michelin in the area. Catania has many starred restaurants and Italy has some of the most in the world with over 370 Michelin stars given out. These are must-visits if you are into great food experiences when on an Italian holiday.
How we select the best restaurants in Catania
When curating the best restaurants in Catania, we seek out establishments that masterfully blend the city's rich culinary traditions with innovative, contemporary flair. Exceptional reviews from food critics and passionate locals guide our selections, ensuring impeccable service, vibrant flavors, and an inviting ambiance.
We favour eateries housed within historic buildings or those offering alfresco dining with breathtaking views of Mount Etna or the charming cityscape. Particular emphasis is placed on restaurants showcasing locally sourced ingredients and putting a modern spin on classic Sicilian dishes while preserving their authentic essence. Our curated choices aim to provide an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Catania's unique gastronomy and cultural heritage.
Michelin Awarded Restaurants in Catania
There are 4 Michelin awarded restaurants in Catania. Since 1936 Michelin has been awarding restaurants with up to 3 stars for the best restaurants in the world starting at 0. The success of a business can greatly vary when receiving a star or losing one. One star means "A very good restaurant in its category". Two stars "Excellent cooking, worth a detour". Three stars mean "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey". Make sure to check their websites and book well in advance. Here are some of the top restaurants in Catania:
Sapio
Sapio is a modern Sicilian venue in Catania with 1 Michelin star run by a young couple, Roberta Cozzetto & Alessandro Ingiulla. Chef Alessandro inherited a lot of his techniques and cooking secrets from his grandma Alfina, however with a modern eye plus vision each dish is a masterpiece. Open 6 days a week (closed on Monday) for both lunch and dinner. See the Sapio Menu.
Address: Via Messina 235, Catania, 95129, Italy
Me Cumpari Turiddu
Me Cumpari Turiddu was awarded the Bib Gourmand. This means it serves up incredible food for good value. It also means it does a 3-course meal at a reasonable price. This restaurant has a very traditional feel with Jazz music, old chandeliers, chairs & tables and cooks up classic Sicilian dishes. It also has a bar and is open from midday to the early hours of the next morning.
Address: Piazza Turi Ferro 36, Catania, 95124, Italy
Km.0
Km.0 is led by Chef Marco Cannizzaro together with his brother Fabio and was opened in 2014. It is the reference point for quality in Catania. It sources its produce locally and makes simple contemporary fish, meat, and pasta dishes. Open every day except for Sunday for dinner only until late. See the Km.0 Menu.
Address: Via Antonino Longo 26/28, Catania, 95125, Italy
Fine Dining Restaurants in Catania
There are many fine dining restaurants in Catania for those that want to enjoy some of the best food the town has to offer. Here are some leading fine-dining restaurants:
Concezione Restaurant
Concezione Restaurant is led by Manuel Tropea in the historic centre of Catania. Manuel has a wealth of experience in many of the starred restaurants and serves up conceptual cuisine with a Mediterranean spirit aimed to give you an unforgettable experience. The menu goes up to 10 courses with wine pairings. Close by are some historic sites and top things to do in Catania. Open 6 days a week. See the Concezione Restaurant Menu.
Address: Via Giuseppe Verdi, 143, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Giardino di Bacco
Giardino di Bacco opened its doors in 2017. Since then Chef Salvo Trischitta has been leading the kitchen serving up classic Sicilian seafood dishes that are based on a seasonal trend and changed at least once a month. What makes this different is that all produce is sourced and supplied by local artisans and housewives such as handmade pasta, tomato sauce, sausages, plus cheeses. Open 6 days a week for lunch & dinner and just lunch on Sunday.
Address: Via Etnea, 704, 95129 Catania CT, Italy
Sikulo
Sikulo is an upmarket seafood restaurant set in a classy venue with arched ceilings. The chefs will take you on a tasty traditional Sicilian journey with creative flair. It has an open kitchen where you can see the fish of the day. Items such as sea urchin, swordfish, and tuna fish are seen on the menu paired with a handsome selection of wines. Open every day for dinner except for Monday and on the weekends also open for lunch.
Address: Via Antonino di Sangiuliano, 83, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Traditional & Local Restaurants in Catania
Nothing beats a traditional meal from a local restaurant in Catania. This is great for the family, a night out and is usually off the track. One of my tips is always to check beforehand when they are open/ closed. Some are open for lunch some for dinner on certain days etc. These are some of my favourites:
Ristorante da Antonio
Ristorante da Antonio serves up local Sicilian cuisine with seafood dishes in a covered courtyard. Some of their specialities are clams, lasagna and baked fish. Open 6 days a week for lunch and dinner (closed on Monday).
Address: Via Castello Ursino, 59, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
Dui Pistacchi Restaurant
Due Pistacchi Restaurant is located in the centre of Catania town set in an exposed brick venue with white decor. Their goal is to combine international excellence with Sicilian flavours for their patrons. They cook many fish and meat dishes plus artisan pasta making it ideal for a romantic dinner or lunch with friends. Open 7 days a week lunch and dinner till late. The restaurant is close to many of the top Catania hotels in the city. See the Due Pistacchi Restaurant Menu.
Address: Via Salvatore Tomaselli, 9, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
Il Gambero Pazzo
Il Gambero Pazzo is a classic Sicilian restaurant in Catania with friendly owners Sebastiano and Miriam. The venue creates traditional seafood dishes in a rustic setting and has a beautiful terrace. Some favourites are the shrimp risotto and the caponata. Open 6 days a week till late (closed Tuesdays). The venue is also near all the best accommodations in Catania.
Address: Via Vela, 1, 95100 Catania CT, Italy
Dessert Places in Catania
For those who have a sweet tooth, want to have a walk around after dinner or just want to have a treat on their luxury Italian holiday. As mentioned before always check when the dessert place is open as depending on the season they may close early or on certain days. Here are some delicious places to go for dessert in Catania:
Pasticceria Verona & Bonvegna
Pasticceria Verona & Bonvegna is a classic longstanding stop for Sicilian pastries, cakes, creamy desserts, and gelato. Some of their best cannoli are traditional ricotta or pistachio. Open from 7 am 6 days a week.
Address: Via Asiago, 60, 95127 Catania CT, Italy
Don Peppinu
Don Peppinu is an ice cream shop in Catania founded in 1960. Gelato was born in Sicily and Don Peppinu uses only the best ingredients to make their ice cream the best in town having won multiple awards. Some of the raw materials come from Mt Etna, fruits from Syracuse, almonds from Avola, ricotta from Agrigento and cannoli from Palermo. Open 7 days a week.
Address: Via Etnea, 20, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Pasticceria Ficarra Luigi
Pasticceria Ficarra Luigi is a family-run cafe/ pastry shop in the centre of town with seating outside. They serve great coffee paired with treats such as cannoli, granita, marzipan, and croissants. Open 6 days a week 7 am-9 pm (closed on Mondays).
Address: Via Umberto I, 69/71, 95129 Catania CT, Italy
Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurants in Catania
What are the best restaurants in Catania?
The top restaurants in Catania are Sapio, Km.0, and Concezione Restaurant.
What are the most affordable restaurants in Catania?
Ristorante da Antonio and Ruga Reali, Il Gambero Pazzo, and Me Cumpari Turiddu are the top restaurants in Catania that have a superb menu at a good price.
What are the most popular restaurants in Catania?
Sikulo and Me Cumpari Turiddu are the most popular restaurants in Catania.
What are the best restaurants in Catania for families?
If you are dining as a family Il Gambero Pazzo and Ristorante da Antonio are the top restaurants in Catania.
What are the best restaurants in Catania for couples?
If you are traveling as a couple in Catania you will love Due Pistacchi Restaurant, Sapio or Giardino di Bacco
What are the best restaurants in Catania with a view?
Il Gambero Pazzo is a restaurant in Catania with amazing views.
What are the best restaurants in Catania for traditional Sicilian cuisine?
If you are looking for local cuisine in Catania be sure to visit Ristorante da Antonio, Me Cumpari Turiddu, Due Pistacchi Restaurant and Il Gambero Pazzo.