With so many tempting street food vendors lining the charming streets, where do you even begin? We'll help you out taste some of the best street food in Catania, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. And yes, we are locals who have tried every street food corner of Catania! Let's get started!

Ah, Arancini! These Sicilian spheres of fried joy are a must-try for any visitor to Catania.

Imagine a golden, crispy shell encasing a creamy, savory filling. The classic Catania Arancino boasts a rich ragù (meat sauce) simmered with local tomatoes, peas, and chunks of Ragusano cheese (a sharper, sheep's milk cheese).

But don't be afraid to explore! Many vendors offer creative variations, from pistachio and mortadella to vegetarian options filled with spinach and bechamel sauce. 

Where to find the best ones?

-🍘 Canusciuti
-🍘 Savia
-🍘 Arancineria Espresso Serafino

Forget the calzone, Catania's got Cartocciata! This handheld delight features a cloud-like dough cradling a savory symphony. Imagine: a tangy tomato base, melted mozzarella, and salty prosciutto – pure bliss!

But the fillings get adventurous, with options like spinach and ricotta, or even sausage and egg. Baked to crispy perfection, Cartocciata is a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for lunch on the go, just be prepared to share – these Sicilian clouds are hard to resist!

Where to find the best ones?

- Prestipino Duomo
- Savia
- Local Bakeries

Brace your taste buds for an explosion of flavors with Catania's Cipollina, a street food masterpiece that's both sweet and savory.

At the heart of Cipollina lies a rich and savory filling, typically made with a combination of onions, tomatoes, ham and cheese. The sweetness comes from a touch of sugar or honey, perfectly balancing the savory notes and creating a harmonious blend that's simply irresistible. Cipollina is often served warm, the pastry slightly crisp and the filling piping hot, making it a perfect on-the-go treat or a satisfying afternoon snack. Just be warned – one bite is never enough!

Where to find the best ones?

- Prestipino Duomo
- Savia
- Local Bakeries

For more details, read our guest blog - Best street food in Catania and where to find it

Cannolo Siciliano is the island's crowning culinary glory. Imagine a crisp, tubular shell of fried dough, its golden exterior encasing a treasure trove of sweet, creamy goodness.

The star of the show is the filling, traditionally made with a rich and creamy ricotta mixture, sweetened with sugar and delicately flavored with vanilla or citrus zest. But don't be surprised to find variations that incorporate chocolate chips, candied fruit, or even a touch of liqueur. The crowning glory is a garnish of crunchy pistachio nuts, adding a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy filling.

Where to find the best ones?

-Canusciuti
-Savia
-Prestipino Duomo

When the Sicilian sun beats down, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a Granita. This semi-frozen dessert is a summertime staple.

Made with fruits, water, and a variety of flavourings, Granita offers a delightful textural contrast to traditional ice cream. The crystals are coarser, creating a refreshing "snow" effect on the palate. Flavors range from classic lemon and coffee to more adventurous options like pistachio, almond, or even mulberry. Some vendors even offer boozy Granitas, perfect for an adult afternoon pick-me-up. Granita is typically served in a brioche bun, creating a delightful combination of sweet and savory.

Where to find the best one?

-Savia
-Prestipino Duomo

-Don Pippinu

Catania's fried seafood cone is a dream come true for anyone who craves fresh flavours from the sea.

Dive into a bounty of freshly caught calamari, succulent shrimp, and flaky white fish, bathed in a light and airy batter, then fried to golden perfection. Some vendors even throw in surprises like baby octopus or fried veggies for an extra burst of flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a zesty touch, cutting through the richness of the fried seafood and creating a flavor symphony in every bite.

Where to find the best one?

-🍤 Scirocco Street food
-🍤 Oasi di frutti di Mare da Nitto

Imagine a light and airy dough, fried to a golden crisp. This is the base for both sweet and savory crispelle. The savory version features a delectable filling, often a combination of ricotta cheese and salty anchovies – a classic Catania flavor combination.

Craving something sweet? The answer is the crispelle al miele (with honey). These fluffy fritters are drizzled with warm, golden honey, creating a delightful symphony of sweetness and texture. No matter your taste, there's a crispelle waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

They're perfect for a quick snack, a sweet treat after a meal, or even a delicious breakfast on the go. Just be warned – these addictive little morsels disappear fast!

Where to find the best one?

-Antica Crispelleria Mazzone

For more details, read our guest blog - Best street food in Catania and where to find it

The minne di Sant'Agata, literally translating to "Saint Agatha's breasts," are a sweet treat steeped in local tradition.

Imagine a miniature cassata, Catania's famous ricotta pie. The minne di Sant'Agata take this classic dessert and transform it into adorable, dome-shaped pastries made with a crumbly pastry crust. Inside lies a creamy ricotta filling studded with candied orange peel and dark chocolate chips, a delightful burst of sweetness and flavor in every bite.

These pastries are traditionally enjoyed during the Sant'Agata (Festa di Sant'Agata), a vibrant celebration honoring Catania's patron saint. But don't worry, you can find them in many pasticceria (pastry shops) throughout the year.

Whether you crave fresh seafood, icy refreshment, or a taste of local tradition, Catania's street vendors have something to tantalize every taste bud. So ditch the fancy restaurants and grab a napkin – it's time to embark on a delicious adventure through the streets of Catania! Don't forget to share your favourites with your friends – and for all you adventurous foodies out there, let us know what hidden gems you discover on your Catania street food odyssey!