Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Zia Pina
(Via Argenteria 67; meals €15-25)
Tucked under a red-and-white-striped awning on a Vucciria
backstreet, this highly informal eatery is run by elderly Aunt Pina and a bevy of her broth-
ers. There's no fixed menu, but everything's dependably tasty. Grab a plate full of anti-
pasti, choose your fish from the display up front, and pull up a plastic chair to one of the
sidewalk tables.
Other items usually on offer include Sicilian classics like
spaghetti alle vongole veraci
(spaghetti with clams, garlic, olive oil and parsley),
frittura mista
(mixed fried seafood)
and antipasti such as grilled peppers, artichokes, zucchini and aubergines in tomato sauce.
TRATTORIA
€
Osteria Lo Bianco
( 091 251 49 06; Via Enrico Amari 104; meals €18-19; 12.30-3.30pm & 7.30-10.30pm Mon-Sat)
As tradi-
tional a place as you'll find in the new town, this bustling, down-to-earth
osteria
between
Piazza Politeama and the port is atmospherically decked out with red-checked tablecloths,
black-and-white photos of old Palermo and colourful ceramic plates. Potbellied guys in T-
shirts crank out a host of Palermitan classics, including plenty of seafood and a delicious
homemade
cassata
, all at very reasonable prices.
SICILIAN
€
Pizzeria Frida
(
www.fridapizzeria.it
;
Piazza Sant'Onofrio 37-38; pizzas €4.50-11; 7pm-midnight, closed Tue)
With sidewalk
tables under umbrella awnings on a low-key Capo piazza, this local favourite makes piz-
zas in a variety of shapes, including
quadri
(square, picture-frame-shaped pizzas) and
vul-
canotti
(named after famous volcanoes and looking the part). Toppings include Sicilian
specialities like tuna, capers, pistachios, mint, aubergines and fresh ricotta. Desserts
(strawberry tiramisu, almond parfait) are tasty.
PIZZERIA
€
Ristorantino Spanó
(
www.ristorantinospano.it
;
Via degli Scalini 6; meals from €20; 1-3pm & 7.30-10pm)
Conveniently located
near the Capo market, this family-run neighbourhood trattoria offers sidewalk seating on
warmer days. The two small interior dining rooms have brown-and-white-checked table-
cloths and a large window looking into the kitchen, where you can glimpse classic Sicilian
SICILIAN
€
