25 Best Restaurants in Palermo, Sicily for 2024
Should your world travels take you just beyond the tip of Italy's boot into Sicily, you'll have an incredible selection of restaurants in Palermo to tempt your appetite. Restaurants in Palermo carry the heritage of Italian cuisine filled with ingredients fresh from the farm, field and sea. Sicily's capital city holds diversity and flavor like nowhere else in the Mediterranean.
What are some of the best places to eat in Palermo to experience unforgettable Sicilian dining moments? Can you find more than just familiar Italian creations at restaurants in Palermo? We've curated a selection of restaurants in Palermo that represent the best dining experiences for your money. Whether you're traveling through for business or settling in for pleasure, these spots are a delicious introduction to the region's dining circuit.
Jump to Section
The 29 Best Palermo Restaurants
1. Trattoria da Pino
Get your fill of authentic Italian cuisine and spectacular seascape views with a visit to Trattoria da Pino. This cozy eatery has been a fixture of restaurants in Palermo since 1968, sharing wholesome, family-friendly dishes with a clientele hungry for homestyle cooking.
The Vibe
Sweet and casual, with plenty of seating in a spacious dining room and sun-soaked patio.
What to Order
Seafood lovers can catch their fill of Mediterranean lobster au gratin at this restaurant in Palermo, while meat eaters are sure to love the veal cutlets.
Trattoria da Pino | Via dello Spezio, 6, 90139 Palermo PA | €
2. Ristorante Quattro Mani
The team at Ristorante Quattro Mani strives for excellence, giving restaurants in Palermo a gold-star spot that discerning gourmets can't get enough of. You'll find this thoughtful culinary workshop in Palermo's historic district, providing a great excuse to step into the city's beating heart for a taste of authentic Sicily.
The Vibe
White-washed arches and cathedral ceilings envelop visitors to this restaurant in Palermo in Mediterranean magic.
What to Order
Beef filet served in succulent slices surrounded by grilled Belgian endives topped with house-made honey mustard dressing and baked potatoes is a dream meal for steakhouse fans.
Ristorante Quattro Mani | Via Francesco Riso, 3, Palermo, Italy | €€€
3. Ristorante Charleston
Michelin stars and a magnificent menu make Ristorante Charleston a prime restaurant in Palermo for high-end diners. This long-timer is among the longest-lasting restaurants in Palermo, playing host to dignitaries and luminaries since the late 1960s. You could be next!
The Vibe
Dress up pleasingly for your visit to this elegant stop on your tour of Palermo restaurants.
What to Order
Seasonal tasting menus come in five-, seven- and 10-course options — sumptuous spreads springing from the creative culinary mind of Chef Gaetano Green.
Ristorante Charleston | Piazzetta Salvatore Fausto Flaccovio, 26, 90141 Palermo | €€€€
4. A' Cuncuma Restaurant
After a sightseeing excursion of Palermo cathedral, drop in at A' Cuncuma Restaurant for a premier meal at one of the best restaurants in Palermo. This Michelin-starred space celebrates nearby elements with exceptional seafood served with a modern presentation that's as delicious to observe as it is to eat.
The Vibe
Vibrant abstract art by Palermo painter Daniele Favolo lends the space a gallery-like energy.
What to Order
Bring your friends for a five-person tasting adventure designed to capture your every sense via epicurean ingenuity.
A' Cuncuma Restaurant | Judica, 21, 90134 Palermo Italy | €€€
5. Palazzo Branciforte
If dining in an actual palace tops your Palermo restaurants' dream list, Palazzo Branciforte is here to make that dream come true. Restored as a cultural center that celebrates the region's rich history and delicious character, this magnificent eatery is situated on the grounds of an actual Sicilian palace in central Palermo.
The Vibe
High dining in the most magnificent of settings redefines the lush life.
What to Order
Luscious Jerusalem artichoke cream enjoyed with crispy pumpkin chips sounds exactly like the fare you should be served in a palace-based restaurant in Palermo.
Palazzo Branciforte | Via Sammartino, 97, 90141 Palermo Italy | €€€
6. Gagini
Gastronomy takes on an experimental sheen at Gagini. This restaurant in Palermo enlists imaginative recipes that take Sicilian cuisine out of the realm of the ordinary and seats visitors squarely on the cutting edge of culinary masterpieces.
The Vibe
Soothing stone walls wrap around guests to light a spark of earthy romance.
What to Order
Assemble a three-course meal from the à la carte menu and you can savor beef carpaccio, pork capocollo and caper ice cream to intrigue your taste buds.
Gagini | Via Cassari, 35, 90133 Palermo | €€€
7. Buatta Cucina Popolana
The best-loved cuisine in the city is what Buatta Cucina Popolana brings to the array of enticing restaurants of Palermo. Customary food crafted with care gives patrons a taste of what authentic Sicilian dining is all about.
The Vibe
A winsome, easygoing spirit makes this boîte feel like an upscale neighborhood hang-out.
What to Order
Chicken cooked over real coals with a side of spaghetti and anchovies captures the soul of one of the best foodie cities in the world. Save room for a classic cannoli dessert or a delectable slice of cake.
Buatta Cucina Popolana | Via Vittorio Emanuele, 176, 90133 Palermo | €
8. L'Ottava Nota
Innovation among restaurants in Palermo has a champion in L'Ottava Nota, a kitchen where history harmonizes with the modern age. The name translates to "eighth note," a reference to the melodic flow created by a suite of culinary achievements designed to entrance guests like an epicurean symphony.
The Vibe
An alluring nook to tuck into with your favorite foodie for a thoughtful evening meal.
What to Order
Abundance from nearby fills dishes like the freshly-made pasta of tortelli al Parmigiano, and tournedos alla nocciole — breaded beef filets flavored with liver pâté.
L'Ottava Nota | Via Butera, 55, 90133 Palermo | €€€
9. Osteria dei Vespri
One glance at the ornate doorway and glowing lanterns at Osteria dei Vespri and you'll understand why restaurants in Palermo capture hearts around the world. Self-taught culinary magician Alberto Rizzo uses early kitchen lessons with his mother and grandmother as a springboard for modern Sicilian masterpieces.
The Vibe
Lush courtyard tables compete with soft-lit interiors for the most romantic setting among restaurants in Palermo.
What to Order
Try the vegetarian tasting menu to learn how incredibly well-breaded potato spheres infused with oregano, spaghettini with black lentils and tomato ravioli can play together.
Osteria dei Vespri | Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6, 90133 Palermo | €€
10. Da Bacco
In an alleyway sandwiched between classic Sicilian structures, curious culinarians will find Da Bacco giving restaurants in Palermo a dash of winsome personality. Take a seat in the enchanting umbrella-covered patio or head inside for eye-catching décor spanning pink walls to enhance the experience.
The Vibe
Drum kit pieces levitating over the bar demonstrate the wit and whimsy of this fun space.
What to Order
Handcrafted pasta topped with shellfish or octopus provides a blend of this restaurant in Palermo's best traditional offerings.
Da Bacco | Via Orologio, 29, 90133 Palermo Italy | €€
11. Taverna Dei Canti
At Taverna Dei Canti, classic fare is spruced up with a little gourmet flair, bringing restaurants in Palermo into the 21st century without abandoning tradition. The warm wisdom of Italian culinary joy helps anchor this tavern's youthful spirit with a nod to the ancestors.
The Vibe
An energetic spot for lingering with friends and family.
What to Order
You may have had a charcuterie tray before, but you've never had the colossal cold-cut and sliced cheese collection that this cheeky eatery serves up.
Taverna Dei Canti | Via Maqueda, 229, 90133 Palermo | €€
12. Ristorante La Galleria
A quaint pub situated on the festive Salita Artale in the heart of town, Ristorante La Galleria is one of those classic restaurants Palermo visitors love discovering. This is where food fans come to start a big night out with antipasti and bevi, or to finish it off with dolci and vino.
The Vibe
A relaxed boho chic space adorned with seaside Euro-Mediterranean touches.
What to Order
The potato and cheese ravioli platter is topped with melted cheese and nuts for a luxurious yet earthy dish.
Ristorante La Galleria | Salita Artale 3, 90134, Palermo | €€
13. Il Culinario
All celebrations are welcome at Il Culinario, a lively restaurant in Palermo that loves to show patrons a good time. No matter your reason for pulling up a seat here, warm hospitality is the specialty of the house.
The Vibe
Colorful arabesque murals and vibrant table settings reflect the diversity among restaurants in Palermo.
What to Order
Sample street food fare with a spread of arancini (rice balls), coppu di paranza (fried fish) and cazzilli panelle (potato croquettes) on your table. The variety of pasta dishes should also excite your taste buds.
Il Culinario | Via Principe di Belmonte, 87, 90139 Palermo | €€
14. Osteria Ballarò
Presentation is a prime part of dinner at Osteria Ballarò. This restaurant in Palermo maintains a vintage sense of elegance and manners while serving indulgent, table-filling feasts.
The Vibe
Live music and cozy quarters here make for comfortable moments among fellow foodies.
What to Order
Adventuresome diners can dip their forks into tonnarello, a handcrafted pasta darkened with cuttlefish ink and topped with a cherry tomato confit.
Osteria Ballarò | Via Calascibetta, 25, 90133 Palermo | €
15. Antica Focacceria San Francesco
When restaurants in Palermo can trace their roots all the way back to the 1800s like Antica Focacceria San Francesco can, you know your experience will be a rich one. This eatery is the perfect spot for visitors who love a dash of history with contemporary cuisine.
The Vibe
Up-close views of the neighboring Church of San Francesco's breathtaking stonework may distract you from your meal.
What to Order
Linguine dressed with pistachios and shrimp gathers a unique variety of regional ingredients into a heritage dish unique among restaurants in Palermo. For dessert, nothing beats traditional, tasty cannoli.
Antica Focacceria San Francesco | Via Alessandro Paternostro, 58, 90133 Palermo | €
16. Biga Genio e Farina
There's no way you can visit restaurants in Palermo without sampling real pizza in its land of origin. Taking the traditions to heart, Biga Genio e Farina crafts creative pies with masterful dough and regional ingredients for sauces and toppings that couldn't be any fresher.
The Vibe
A modern presentation of square Sicilian slices in a bakery-like case is like a candy store for pizza lovers.
What to Order
Street pizza innovations like marinara di biga alla pala put a signature spin on the usual formula with a paddle-made pizza featuring the house marinara sauce.
Biga Genio e Farina | Via Maqueda, 284, 90133 Palermo | €
17. Osteria Mercede
Tick off your seafood plans for restaurants in Palermo with a stop at Osteria Mercede. This free-spirited spot makes visitors feel like they've dropped in at their gourmet friend's house for supper.
The Vibe
Retro-eclectic and no-frills décor keeps the focus squarely on the food.
What to Order
Lobster with linguine is a lush offering for diners with big appetites for Sicilian seafood.
Osteria Mercede | Via Pignatelli Aragona, 52, 90138 Palermo | €€€
18. Brioscià
For a sweet treat during your travels, be sure to check out Brioscià gelato parlors while exploring restaurants in Palermo. This charming scoop shop conjures an original Sicilian sandwich with gelato smashed between two halves of brioche.
The Vibe
Gelato tubs and chocolate-dipped pops gleam like jewels in this petite space.
What to Order
Chocolate fiends can order chocolate gelato on a chocolate brioche roll drizzled with chocolate sauce for a triple-up of their favorite flavor.
Brioscià | Via Mariano Stabile, 221, 90141 Palermo | €
19. Cioccolateria Lorenzo
You won't want to miss the confection selection at Cioccolateria Lorenzo while exploring the restaurants of Palermo. This adorable chocolate and pastry boutique is a picturesque sweet shop straight out of an Italian postcard.
The Vibe
Flower-filled bicycle displays and exquisite teahouse loveliness will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.
What to Order
Whether you order a chocolate-filled croissant or a decadent fudge-topped cupcake, prepare for sugar-coated bliss.
Cioccolateria Lorenzo | Via IV Aprile 18, 90133, Palermo | €€
20. La Duchessa
A pizza restaurant in Palermo named La Duchessa, or The Duchess, is bound to serve royally delicious pies. Healthy ingredients with more than a touch of gourmet consideration go into every luscious creation here.
The Vibe
The dining room is as fresh and inviting as the pies.
What to Order
Go for a traditional favorite like the four cheese or experiment with gastronomical inventions like a pear and walnut-topped pizza.
La Duchessa | Via Principe di Belmonte, 69, 90100 Palermo | €€
21. Antico Caffè Spinnato
Breakfast and brunch come with an Italian soul at Antico Caffè Spinnato, one of the most stylish restaurants in Palermo. Filled with early morning dishes and all sorts of delectable treats, it's perfect for starting your day or ending your afternoon.
The Vibe
The most luxurious coffee lounge among the selections of restaurants in Palermo.
What to Order
Sample the eye-popping gourmet pastries, which look more like sweet sculptures than familiar baked fare.
Antico Caffè Spinnato | Via Principe di Belmonte, 111, 90139 Palermo | €€
22. Bisso Bistrot
Plant-based eaters on the search for restaurants in Palermo to suit their sensibilities will find a top pick in Bisso Bistrot. The mindful inclusion of unique regional ingredients in dishes that emulate traditional recipes is an inspired blend of old and new customs.
The Vibe
Wondrous floral murals imitate frescoes, lending a striking sense of classicism.
What to Order
Eggplant caponata reimagines the zesty original with delicious aubergine at its center.
Bisso Bistrot | Via Maqueda, 172A, 90133 Palermo | €
23. Ciurma
Joy is a necessary element at Ciurma, one of the most light and lively restaurants in Palermo. Though the pasta and seafood recipes may be customary, the contemporary presentation is anything but.
The Vibe
Fun nautical décor in bright orange and aqua tones make this spot Instagram-ready.
What to Order
Fishburgers are the signature creation — overstuffed sandwiches filled with treasures from the sea.
Ciurma | Via Maqueda, 239, 90133 Palermo | €€
24. Osteria Pane e Alivi
Easy-going craft cocktails and gourmet dishes give Osteria Pane e Alivi a special identity among the restaurants of Palermo. This is the spot to bring your crew for lighthearted moments centered around great cuisine.
The Vibe
Well-lit and cozy with an earthy palette and close seating.
What to Order
Fried calamari rings with prawns are sure to make a seafood fanatic ecstatic.
Osteria Pane e Alivi | Piazza sant'Onofrio, 17, 90134 Palermo | €€
25. Osteria Mangia e Bevi
Nonna's classic kitchen is best recreated at Osteria Mangia e Bevi. Nostalgic flavors merge in simple dishes you're sure to recognize and destined to love.
The Vibe
From mismatched chairs to red tablecloths, the spirit of home dining is captured delightfully.
What to Order
Sea salad blends various shellfish into a single dish with visual charm and gustatory magic.
Osteria Mangia e Bevi | Largo dei Cavalieri di Malta, 18, 90133 Palermo | €€
Find the Best Restaurants in Palermo
If you're not sure where to start on your adventure to find the best places to eat in Palermo, begin with guided food tours in Italy. You'll find a deep menu of wondrous excursions that lead you directly to the rich traditional fare found in this beloved locale. Along the way, you'll explore historic sites and visit world-famous vistas that season your travels with a hearty helping of timeless flavor.
The restaurants of Palermo are more than just an extension of the Italian dining scene; they form their own world of incredible culinary creativity, one that's certainly deserving of a page in your atlas of gourmet wonders. For anyone traveling through the area, restaurants in Palermo provide a mix of classic and contemporary fare that's always worth the trip.
For even more ways to explore Palermo and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.