What Food To Try in Palermo and Food Prices

Panelle - Chickpea fritters - Crispy, golden-brown fritters made from chickpea flour, often served in a sesame-seed-studded bun. Locals typically enjoy them as a satisfying street snack, preferably from a hole-in-the-wall place.

Arancini - Fried rice balls - Risotto balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella, coated in breadcrumbs, then fried to perfection. You’ll find these delightful bites at cafes during lunch; it’s common to pair them with a refreshing arancino (a soda) while sitting outdoors.

Involtini di melanzane - Eggplant rolls - Grilled eggplant slices wrapped around a delicious filling of cheese and herbs, baked in a tangy tomato sauce. This dish is often enjoyed at family dinner gatherings, served fresh from the oven for maximum flavor.

Caponato - Ratatouille-like dish - A hearty mix of eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers, slow-cooked with herbs until melt-in-the-mouth tender. This dish is especially popular in the summer months when vegetables are abundant, and locals often serve it as a shared side during sunset gatherings.

Frittata di maccheroni - Pasta frittata - Leftover pasta mixed with eggs, herbs, and cheese, then pan-fried until golden and slightly crisp outside. You might accidentally order a bit too much since it’s just as filling as it is savory, so be sure to share!

Costata di Manzo - Beef rib chop - Succulent ribeye steak, grilled and seasoned with a sprinkle of bruschetta spices, often served with a side of roasted potatoes. Dinner is the best time to savor this, usually accompanied by lively family conversations, highlighting its cultural significance on special occasions.

Couscous - Couscous di pesce - Steamed durum wheat served with a rich fish stew and flavored with saffron and local spices. Normally enjoyed during community feasts or family gatherings, it showcases the region’s connection to North African influences and should be savored slowly to appreciate each bite.

Cappuccino - Caffè Cappuccino (rich coffee drink) - Silky espresso topped with frothed milk, sometimes sprinkled with cocoa or cinnamon. You’ll notice locals enjoy this in the morning rather than after meals—a common mistake is ordering it post-lunch.

Sangria - Sangría (refreshing fruit punch) - A combo of red wine, chopped fruits, and a splash of orange juice, served over ice. Perfect for hot afternoons in the summer, you might find it at many outdoor terraces where friends gather to unwind.

Granita - Granita (icy dessert) - A semi-frozen treat made from sugar and flavored with local fruits like lemon or almond. During sizzling summer months, locals often indulge in this as a refreshing break, and you can find it in colorful layers at street vendors.

Cornetto - Cornetto (flaky pastry) - Think of it as a buttery croissant filled with delicious cream or jam. Typically enjoyed with a morning cappuccino, I’ve seen locals savor these at cafés while working or chatting with friends; just don’t ask for one after noon, as it’s more of a breakfast treat.

Torrone - Torrone (traditional nougat) - A delicious mix of honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds, usually found during festive celebrations like Christmas. It’s often cut into bite-sized pieces and shared at family gatherings—definitely a delightful sweet indulgence during festive preparations.