Best Restaurants in Palermo
When it comes to finding the best restaurants in Palermo, you honestly can't go too wrong. Palermo is the biggest city in Sicily, and it sits right by the coast with a massive port. So not only do you get the local fish and seafood, but there are also quite a lot of restaurants that have a bit of a mix inside.
I'll be going through my favourite picks in Palermo from a firsthand experience, so I hope you enjoy my guide on where to eat in Palermo. If you're planning a trip, also check out our Palermo travel guide for everything you need to know before you go.
How we select the best restaurants in Palermo
So in terms of where to start, I'll talk about how we actually select the restaurants we recommend. We start off by talking to our family, and we have family in Italy. We can also speak Italian, which really helps. Our family are very good at finding a lot of the local restaurants in Palermo.
What we're looking for is really great service, that homely service, great flavours, and sometimes a bit of a twist on that traditional Sicilian warmth. We tend to like those places that are maybe in historic buildings, or might be on a side street or an alleyway. Restaurants in Palermo that have alfresco dining are perfect, especially in summer.
And we like those that might have a view, like the Norman Palace, or maybe in one of the piazzas in Palermo. We also tend to favour restaurants that have locally sourced ingredients. So, although there is a port, for those traditional restaurants, if it's locally sourced, that gets a thumbs up from us.
Michelin awarded restaurants in Palermo
Palermo, last time I checked, has over 10 Michelin-awarded restaurants, and I've been to a few. Michelin itself awards up to 3 stars, starting at 0 stars, meaning it's just been nominated. A single star means a good restaurant, 2 stars is worth a detour, and 3 stars are usually for those that are the best restaurants in Palermo. So I'll talk you through the best Michelin restaurants in Palermo from firsthand experience.
Mec Restaurant
The first restaurant, and I'll probably say this is the best restaurant in Palermo when it comes to Michelin, has got to be Mec Restaurant. This is led by Chef Carmelo Trentacosti, who has been representing Italy in lots of competitions. Mec sits inside the Steve Jobs Museum, which was very interesting when you go in. You go up the stairs, you get invited in, and the service is impeccable as soon as you arrive. They take you through a bit of the museum where you can see some of the computers, so you get that history. And then eventually they sit you down.
Mec has been awarded one Michelin star, and it's probably one of the best Michelins that I've been to so far. The service was fantastic, and the waiters coordinated everything perfectly.
When it comes to the food, every dish was a little bit interesting, and you can see some of the pictures above and below. Chef Carmelo makes Sicilian flavours, but he has a unique take on it. You can also get à la carte. It was a really hard decision for me because I wasn't that hungry that day, whether to go à la carte or to go for the 5-course. In the end, we went à la carte. We should have just got the tasting menu, to be honest, because we picked most of the dishes that were on there anyway.
The food was completely different to anything that I've tasted before, and the service was impeccable. That's why Mec restaurant is rated as one of the best restaurants in Palermo in my view.
Open 6 days a week for dinner until late. Closed on Sundays.
See the Mec Restaurant Menu.
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele 452, Palermo, 90134, Italy
Gagini Restaurant
Next, I'll get into Gagini Restaurant. This is a one-star Michelin restaurant in Palermo, and the chef is Mauricio Zillo. His experience goes all over Europe and he has Mediterranean cuisine. Again, you can choose the set menu or the a la carte.
At Gagini they have a number of wines produced by small local wineries, so really supporting the locals, which I love. In terms of the decor, it is a little bit more traditional inside, and you'll see that when you get there. But then when the food comes to the table, it's absolutely perfect. So you feel like you're having a Michelin tasting in a local restaurant, which is really nice.
If you enjoy this kind of dining across Sicily, also check out the best restaurants in Taormina for another great option on the island.
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
See the Gagini Restaurant Menu.
Address: Via dei Cassari 35, Palermo, 90133, Italy
Buatta Cucina Popolana
And then you've got Buatta Cucina Popolana. Now this has actually earned the Bib Gourmand Award, and what that is, is excellent cooking at great value, which is a fantastic award to have from Michelin. It's run by Chef Fabio Cardilio, and he has traditional cooking in his restaurant.
You'll feel that with some of the dishes. You really feel the flavours of the past being cooked. For this one, I'd definitely recommend the tasting menu. If you're not that hungry, like I wasn't at Mec, you can still go à la carte. One thing to note is that it's quite a small restaurant and it's very busy, so you'll probably want to book in advance.
If you're looking for something famous, a famous food in Palermo, make sure to order the Sfincione. This is like a Sicilian-style pizza, and it's a speciality from Palermo. That's street food, but you'll also find it in some of the fine dining restaurants in Palermo. For something different Buatta Cucina Popolana is one of the best restaurants in Palermo.
Open 6 days a week for lunch and dinner (closed on Wednesday)
See the Buatta Cucina Popolana Menu.
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele 176, Palermo, 90133, Italy
Best restaurants in Palermo for fine dining
So I've gone through some of the Michelin restaurants, but there are those that haven't quite got there yet that I'd also like to include. You'll probably save a bit of money as well by going to these restaurants, and you'll still get very good service and very good food, because some of them actually want to get on the Michelin. If budget is on your mind, take a look at our tips on how to save money on a trip as well.
Now, one thing I noticed at a fine dining restaurant in Palermo was this stool for your bag. All around the restaurant, I saw these lovely bags on the stool, and I thought that was perfect. That really indicates you're at a fine dining restaurant in Palermo.
A’Cuncuma Restaurant
So I'll start off with A’Cuncuma Restaurant. This has been around since 2012, and it's a traditional Sicilian restaurant run by Chef Gianfilippo Gatto. His partner, Valentina is the sommelier there, and with the food and the sommelier combined, you'll get an incredible fine dining experience. They have tasting menus and a la carte.
Some of the dishes that I tried there were the pistachio wafer with scampi tartar, and then the fried cod morrow. There were some really nice dishes. If you're hungry, go for the 8-course tasting menu if they still have it. I understand it changes all the time, but it's a very nice restaurant to go to in Palermo. The decor inside has a lot of artwork, and it's quite small and contemporary, a very nice restaurant to go to.
A'Cuncuma Restaurant operates for dinner service six days a week, with Sunday being the only day when it's closed.
See the A'Cuncuma Restaurant Menu.
Address: Via Judica, 21 90134 Palermo PA Italy.
Badalamenti Cucina e Bottega
If you want seafood in Palermo, head over to Badalamenti Cucina e Bottega. This is a fine dining restaurant specialising in seafood. What I like is that it's run by 3 brothers, Mimmo, Luca, and Marco. One thing to note is that it's in the town of Mondello, so if you're staying near the beach in Mondello, perfect. It's been around since 1957, and this is where you'll see a lot of the locals eating in Palermo.
It's known for its truffle dishes paired with seafood, and you wouldn't think it until you go there. Something on the menu is the cacio e pepe with raw red prawns and black truffles, absolutely fantastic. If I had the time, I would have gone back to this restaurant.
So, although it's fine dining, you still get that traditional Sicilian warmth with really warm hospitality, because it is family-operated. If you love the coastal setting, also check out the best beaches in Sicily for a great day out near Mondello.
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, so you cannot miss it.
See the Badalamenti Menu.
Address: Viale Galatea, 55, 90151 Palermo PA, Italy
Best traditional restaurants in Palermo
So this is where a lot of our family were recommending, and where I was also speaking Italian to some of the locals at local bars. This is where to eat in Palermo if you want to experience the real thing. You'll probably save even more money than the options above, and there were some places that we went to that I'd probably never have found if I hadn't asked for recommendations.
One thing to note is they don't all keep their Google business listings up to date, so I'd probably call ahead a day or two before just to make sure they're actually open. We went to one restaurant, and it was closed, so just be aware.
Osteria Nonna Dora
So I'll start off with Osteria Nonna Dora, which is in the centre of Palermo. The decor is lovely. It's got that exposed brickwork, and the dining room is pretty well furnished, so you get that rustic touch. In terms of the menu, it's classic Sicilian dishes, and that's what you come here for. This is traditional Palermo food.
I'd probably recommend splitting dishes between people because the portions are quite a lot. If not, they will provide doggy bags. But in general, Palermo portions are huge. I would recommend the involtini di melanzane, and if you're into sardines, the pasta con le sarde. The prices are fantastic. It is traditional, so I'd recommend trying to book in advance for this one. Nonna Dora is very popular, so one of the best restaurants in Palermo.
The restaurant is open six days a week for lunch and dinner and serves until late. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Piazza Colonna, 7/8, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Il Cambusone
Next I'll go on to Il Cambusone. This is your classic Italian restaurant in Palermo. To give you a flavour, there were the sardinian meatballs, swordfish ravioli, which I've never had anything like that before, and the shrimp penne was fantastic.
Apart from that, they also have their in house craft beers that they make themselves, so if you're into beer, make sure to try a couple of theirs. This is your traditional restaurant, so you can either sit inside or outside.
They've got those traditional green chairs outside on a terrace, and it's just perfect, especially during the summer. You've got a few cars next to you as well. It's just your classic restaurant in Palermo.
See the Il Cambusone Menu.
Address: Sant'Andrea, Piazza Sant'Andrea, 4, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Trattoria Ai Cascinari
Next, I'll go on to Trattoria Ai Cascinari, and this is one of my favourite restaurants in Palermo. I actually went here twice. By the way, a tip, anything that has trattoria in it is usually a classic restaurant in Italy. This one had your classics, seafood and pasta dishes. You could pick from pasta alla norma, Sicilian panelle, and also the polpette dishes, which were fantastic.
What I liked about the ambience was the marble flooring and the really rustic wooden tables. Although it's tucked away, it's usually always booked, so try to either go early or get a reservation for this one. When it comes to the best restaurants in palermo sicily, this one is definitely up there in my top picks.
The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday and remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: Via D'Ossuna, 43/45, 90138 Palermo PA, Italy
Best restaurants in Palermo for dessert
Next, I'll go on to some of the restaurants and cafes in Palermo for dessert. I have a sweet tooth, and I like to walk around after dinner. Sometimes there's really good dessert at the restaurant itself, but when I'm on holiday, I just like to walk around and explore other places, and go somewhere that specialises in desserts. If you're figuring out your evenings, our guide to things to do in Palermo at night is worth a read as well.
Dolce Capo
So I'll start off with Dolce Capo. I stayed in the city, and this is between the cathedral and the church of Saint Domenico. The opening hours are really late, so you can usually head over there after dinner. Dolce Capo is a gelateria, so if you're looking for ice cream during the summer or any time, some of my favourites that I had there were the pistachio and also the fig flavours, really nice. Make sure you don't walk past it because it is tucked away in a small alley.
Address: Via dei Candelai, 95, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy
I segreti del Chiostro
And then this was more of a during the day place, because last time I checked, it's only open until 6 PM. This is I segreti del Chiostro, which translates to the secrets of the cloister. I received this recommendation from a local, and I think it's quite famous, as there were a lot of people there, so be prepared to stand in line for this one.
These are desserts made by the nuns, and they've been recipes that have been handed down for many, many years. What I like about this is that every time you buy something, the sale goes towards the restoration of the monastery of Santa Caterina. Here you can get all kinds of sweets and delicious cannoli. As I said, there's usually always a queue, so make sure you have time on your trip because you don't want to miss this.
Open 7 days a week from 10 am - 6 pm.
Address: Piazza Bellini, 33, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Bar Pasticceria La Preferita Gelateria
Now I couldn't end without talking about a pasticceria in Palermo. A really local place to go is Bar Pasticceria La Preferita gelateria. It is right in the centre of Palermo and open really early from 6.30 until 8 PM. Saturdays and Sundays it closes at 6 PM.
On the menu, you can find bignettes and lots of other cream pastries. The prices are very reasonable, you're looking at around one euro for a small pastry and then around 3 euros for the bigger pastries. You can go there and have a coffee, and if you want some ice cream, they do have artisanal gelato.
Address: Via Valerio Villareale, 49, 90141 Palermo PA, Italy
Now I hope you like my guide. These are the best restaurants in Palermo that I have come across. If you have eaten in Palermo and found a place you love, or you know where the locals eat in Palermo, drop me a message. I would love to check it out and also share it with our readers. Feel free to contact us here.
Best restaurants in Palermo FAQ's
What food is famous in Palermo?
So now talking about some of the food that's famous in Palermo. You've got the Sfincione, which I talked about a little bit earlier, that Sicilian style pizza that's a speciality from Palermo. That's street food, but you'll also find it in some of the top restaurants in Palermo.
You've also got Coppo di Frittura, and this is just a simple paper cone that's filled with fried fish and lots of seafood, absolutely delicious if you're at the markets. If you're looking for something a little bit different, you've got Stigiola, and this is actually either chicken or lamb intestines that's been grilled. And I forgot to mention, you can find that at local markets.
Or there's Pani câ Meusa, which is a sandwich full of calf spleen and lung with cheese. So not for everyone, but something that I tried in Palermo.
What time do people eat dinner in Palermo?
Most traditional restaurants in Palermo open at 7 PM, but if you arrive then you'll likely be the first person through the door. Locals tend to eat between 8 and 10 PM, which is pretty standard across Italy in general. If you're travelling with kids and need to eat earlier, there are some restaurants in Palermo that cater for earlier diners, just make sure to check they're not too tourist focused.
Where do locals eat in Palermo?
For where the locals eat in Palermo, Badalamenti Cucina e Bottega in Mondello has been around since 1957 and is very much a local favourite. Trattoria Ai Cascinari is another spot that locals love, and Osteria Nonna Dora is also very popular with residents.
The best tip I can give you is to speak to locals, whether that's at a bar or your accommodation. That's how we found some of our favourite spots that you'd probably never find just by searching online.
Best restaurants in Palermo old town
Some of the best restaurants in palermo old town include Osteria Nonna Dora, which is right in the centre with classic Sicilian dishes and that lovely exposed brickwork decor. Trattoria I Cascinari is another great option tucked away but always booked, so get a reservation early.
What are the best restaurants in Palermo?
The top restaurants in Palermo are Mec Restaurant and Gagini Restaurant.