Where to Eat and Drink in Palermo, Sicily

One of the best ways to get to know Palermo is through its food. Rooted in tradition, Sicilian cuisine reflects the beautiful island, bringing together local, fresh flavors. During our stay, we ate everything from elevated seafood tartare to street food sandwiches, each meal giving us a deep appreciation for this special part of Italy.

Here are our favorite spots to eat and drink in Palermo.

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Forno Santa Maria

Via Giovanni Meli, 37/39, 90133 Palermo

This pizzeria is more than a pizzeria. According to their website, Forno Santa Maria “is a taste and atmosphere experience, curated down to the smallest detail”, and that’s exactly how it felt. We sat outside beneath as the sun set, surrounded by historic buildings, and kicked off our first night in Sicily with a cocktail (I highly recommend the Bamboo), followed by fried zucchini, bruschetta, and a few pizzas we still talk about. The standout? One topped with 30-year-aged Parma. Pair your meal with a crisp Pietradolce Etna Bianco and let yourself sink into vacation mode.

Rosario d’Arpa Buffa

Piazza G. Meli, 8, 90100 Palermo

If you’re looking for energy, this is the place. Rosario d’Arpa Buffa is buzzing, especially if you go on a night when the DJ is spinning tracks from the garage doorway. We sat outside, enjoying craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and pasta that was outstanding. Although there isn’t a DJ every night, the food and drinks are enough to make us want to return. It was one of the most fun and memorable dinners of the trip.

Osteria Pane e Alivi

Piazza Sant'Onofrio, 17, 90134 Palermo

This local favorite was recommended to us by our boat captain, and we’re so glad we followed his advice. The setting is charming, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the menu focuses on fresh, seasonal seafood. We sipped on a number of local wines: a floral Grillo DOC, a mineral-forward Etna DOC, and a glass of Passito di Pantelleria - a dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes. Perfectly sweet and balanced. Join other locals and add Osteria Pane e Alivi to your Palermo restaurant list.

What to try:

• Polpette di Tonno – Tuna balls with caramelized onions and honey

• Tartare di Scottona – Beef tartare with quail egg, anchovies, capers, and stracciatella

• Tris di Tartare – Trio of seafood tartare

• Busiate Fresche – Fresh pasta with clams, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and toasted breadcrumbs

Funnaco Pizzalab

Via Pantelleria 19, 90133 Palermo

A casual, high-quality pizza spot that’s a perfect spot for a low-key, yet delicious meal. The menu at Funnaco Pizzalab offers a lot of options, so give yourself time to choose. We started with burrata and tomatoes along with a chopped salad, then ordered a few different pizzas to share. Each one had a perfect crust and fresh, flavorful toppings. If you’re like me and pizza is a must on any trip to Italy, add this to your list.

Bonus Sips & Bites

• Dal Barone (Via Alessandro Paternostro, 87)

  A cozy natural wine bar with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe. Sit inside or outside along the bustling sidewalk and enjoy a range of local options.

• Focacceria dei Mercanti (Via Vittorio Emanuele,156)

  Widely considered the best paninis in Palermo. Fresh focaccia, local meats and cheeses, and flavorful spreads make this spot worth a visit (or two).

• Lucchese Angela (Via Venezia, 88)
  Our go-to for morning coffee, pastries to-go, and late-night gelato. Conveniently located across from our Airbnb.

• Cappadonia Gelati (multiple locations)
  You’ll see this name pop up in a lot of local recommendations, and for good reason. This artisanal gelato shop uses high-quality, local ingredients, and the flavor speaks for itself.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into fresh seafood, wood-fired pizza, natural wine, or late-night cannoli, Palermo delivers. These are just a few of the meals that made our visit special. Each one offered something unique—whether it was the food itself, the setting, or the warmth of the people who served it.

Want the full three-day itinerary? Check out Three Perfect Days in Palermo for more on what to see, do, and experience in this unforgettable city.