Where to Eat Cheaply in Catania? A Budget-Friendly Guide to Delicious Local Spots

Many of you often ask, where can you eat well and cheaply in Catania? Fortunately, it’s hard to have a bad meal in Catania. Of course, personal preferences matter, but I’ll give you some universal tips.

I won’t focus on restaurants hereβ€”if you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, check out my article on Best Restaurants in Catania.

In this guide, you’ll find helpful tips on how to eat tasty and affordably.

If you’re looking to save money on food or don’t have time to sit down for a meal in a restaurant, here are a few reliable options:

The Best Bars in Catania

Head to a bar. In Sicily, bars are much more than just places for coffee. Bars are open all day (without a siesta), and some are even open 24/7. Popular quick meals or snacks, known as tavola calda, are great choices for cheap, local eats:

  • Arancini – rice balls filled with various ingredients  
  • Pizzette – small pizzas  
  • Cartocciate – buns stuffed with cheese and ham, mushrooms, or spinach  
  • Cipolline – puff pastry filled with onions, tomato, ham, and cheese

At a bar, you can eat something hearty and tasty for just 2-3 €. Tavola calda is a great alternative to typical fast food, offering better quality.

Some bars also serve lunch options like pasta, meat, and salads. For around 10 €, you can get a satisfying meal.

For breakfast, I recommend a classic croissant with espresso or cappuccino, or try the famous granita with brioche (a traditional Sicilian sorbet served with a soft bun), costing about 2-3 €.

Here are some of the most popular bars in the city center:

  • SAVIA, Via Etnea
  • SPINELLA, Via Etnea
  • PRESTIPINO, Piazza del Duomo
  • GELATTERIA PELLEGRINO, Piazza dei Martiri della LibertΓ 

For great bars in the seaside area of Catania (Lungomare di Catania), check out these spots:

  • CAFFÈ EUROPA, Corso Italia
  • CAFFÈ EPOCA, Piazza Europa
  • GELATERIA BAR ERNESTO, Viale Ruggero di Lauria
  • PASTICCERIA QUARANTA, Piazza Mancini Battaglia
  • CIOCCOLATO CAFFE, Viale Ruggero di Lauria
  • BAR MAGRÌ, Viale Ruggero di Lauria

Markets in Catania: Fresh Food at Affordable Prices

Another great option is to visit a market, where you can find fresh produce at excellent prices. For a few euros, you can grab cheese, ham, fruits, and bread. Markets are typically open only until 1:00 PM, and on Sundays, selections can be limited.

Fiera di Catania – The largest market in Catania, where you’ll find everything from food to clothing and cosmetics.

Fish Market Pescheria – Here, you can find not only fish but also fruits, vegetables, and bread. 

While the Pescheria Fish Market has become more commercial due to increased tourism, it still retains much of its charm and is a must-visit in Catania. Many smaller shops have turned into restaurants, and prices have risen to cater to tourists, but the atmosphere remains special.

At Pescheria, try fried seafood at Scirocco, or visit Via Gisira for local wines, cheeses, and cold cuts at the Salumeria stand. Don’t forget to stop by Chiosco for a refreshing drink like freshly squeezed orange juice or seltz al sal e limoneβ€”soda water with salt and lemon. However, I’d advise against eating raw fish or seafood in summer, especially if it’s served on the street on plastic plates.

Grocery Stores and Bakeries in Catania

Catania also offers plenty of well-stocked bakeries and grocery stores where you can pick up sandwiches, pizza, and other local specialties for a few euros. Near Villa Bellini, I recommend:

– Panificio Gerbino – Enjoy a tasty sandwich while relaxing in Villa Bellini Park.  

– Pan del Sole – A bit further from the city center but offering excellent bread.

For a larger grocery selection, head to the DECΓ“ supermarket chain, with the nearest to the center store in Corso Sicilia. Here, you can find food, drinks, Sicilian wines, beer, and all the basics you’ll need.

Street Food in Catania: Panini and More

Street food is a big deal in Catania. The most iconic choice is paniniβ€”large sandwiches filled with various ingredients. Paninari (sandwich vendors) set up their stands in the late afternoon, usually serving from trucks. Here’s how it works: Pick your main ingredient, such as salsiccia (sausage), polpetta (meatball), or bistecca di cavallo (horse steak). Then, add toppings like salad, fries, ketchup, or mayonnaise.

A panino costs around 8 €, and you can get a beer for 1.5 €. Some of the best spots for panini are near the central train station, Piazza Europa, zona Ciminiere, and Lungomare di Catania. Here are my top recommendations: Na Za Rosa and Panineria Enzo Cristaldi.

Via Plebiscito: A Street Food Paradise

Via Plebiscito is a popular destination for meat lovers. During the day, it’s filled with butcher shops, and in the evening, large grills appear, serving grilled meat specialties, particularly horse meat. You can order a plate of grilled meat or a panino to go. Even if you don’t speak Italian, just point to what you want, and the staff will be happy to assist. My favorite affordable meat trattorias on Via Plebiscito and nearby are La Terrazza Del Barone, Re Carlo V, Achille, Macceleria Licciardello.

Catania offers a wealth of options for cheap, delicious, and authentic food. From bars to bakeries and street food stalls, you’ll never be short on budget-friendly choices. I hope these tips help you make the most of your time in Catania. Enjoy your meal!

To fully experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Catania, consider discovering the city with a knowledgeable local guide. The Catania City Walking Tour takes you through hidden gems and iconic landmarks, giving you a true sense of Catania’s charm. For food lovers, the Private Catania Street Food Tour is a must, offering authentic Sicilian flavors with a licensed guide and food expert. These tours provide an unforgettable way to see and taste Catania!