15 Delicious Dishes to Try in Palermo, Sicily

While Sicily lies close to Italy, it stands as an independent region with a rich history. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, and Normans, all of whom have shaped its vibrant culture and unique culinary landscape.

If you’re enjoying one of our European cruises and happen to dock in Palermo, prepare for a delightful experience. This captivating city blends tradition with modernity. As you set foot on land, be ready to discover the city, but don’t forget to indulge in some local delicacies that are must-tries in Palermo.

1. Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is perhaps the most famous representation of Sicilian cuisine outside of Italy. This comforting pasta dish is packed with a variety of locally sourced vegetables and herbs, including tomatoes, eggplant, and basil. The addition of salted ricotta enhances the flavors and provides a rich, creamy texture to the dish.

2. Arancine

Arancine stands out as one of Italy's most recognizable dishes. These delicious rice balls feature a creamy, risotto-like consistency and can be filled with an array of meat, sauce, and cheese combinations. You'll find them either baked or fried, piled high in bakeries throughout the city.

3. Busiate al pesto Trapanese

While green pesto might be more popular, the golden Sicilian variant, pesto Trapanese, offers a distinctive burst of flavor. Made from a blend of garlic, almonds, tomatoes, basil, and cheese, this sauce is traditionally ground using a mortar and pestle until it achieves the perfect texture. It's especially delightful when served with corkscrew-shaped pasta.

4. Cannoli

A trip to Sicily isn't complete without indulging in a cannoli, the birthplace of this iconic pastry. You can enjoy the classic sweetened ricotta filling or experiment with more daring flavors like pistachio or blood orange. No matter what you choose, the local bakers will impress you with their delicious creations.

5. Orange Salad

Don’t let the vibrant rings of various oranges mislead you. With your first taste of orange salad, you'll realize you’ve stumbled upon something extraordinary, far from the ordinary fruit salad. The addition of parsley, black olives, and olive oil brings a delightful savory and salty contrast to the citrus's sweetness.

6. Cassata

Originating in Palermo, this traditional Sicilian cake has an interesting backstory, with tales of a pastry chef trying to utilize an abundance of candied fruits. It’s a decadent dessert featuring a sponge cake soaked in liquor and blended with ricotta cheese. Its exterior is adorned with green marzipan and candied fruits, often arranged in intricate, Arabian-inspired designs.

7. Granita

Granita is Sicily’s refreshing alternative to sorbet and cremolata. This icy treat, made with sugar and fruit juice, is the ideal way to cool down on a sweltering day while taking a break from your explorations of Palermo’s historic streets and beautiful beaches. While lemon is the classic flavor, you can also find a variety of options like almond, coffee, mulberry, pistachio, and more.

8. Frutta Martorana

Frutta Martorana is not just a delightful sweet; it’s a stunning piece of art. Crafted from marzipan, these exquisite confections are shaped by hand into realistic fruits, vegetables, and even sandwiches. Their bright, shiny colors are sure to draw your eye as you pass by. You might find it hard to believe they’re not real fruits at first glance.

9. Carne di Cavallo

While horsemeat might not be widely accepted in many regions, it’s considered a delicacy in Sicily. Instead of settling for the usual burger or sausages, look for a vendor offering carne di cavallo. You might find that you don’t even miss the beef once you experience this traditional local dish.

10. Pani Ca Meusa

Sicilian street food goes beyond just pizza slices. A popular choice is a sandwich filled with lamb spleen and lungs, enhanced with a squeeze of lemon and topped with mozzarella cheese. Grab one to snack on as you explore the sights of Palermo.

11. Pasta con le Sarde

The blend of pine nuts, raisins, and saffron in pasta con le Sarde showcases the African influences on Sicilian cuisine. Salted anchovies, fresh sardines, and wild fennel harmonize with the sauce that envelops the pasta. Restaurants in Palermo often put their unique spin on this beloved dish, frequently topping it with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.

12. Sarde a Beccafico

Sardines are a staple in Sicilian cuisine, and they shine in this particular dish. Prepared in beccafico style, the sardines are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, pine nuts, and raisins, creating a delightful flavor as they cook. If your idea of a perfect beach day involves fresh seafood, this dish is a must-try.

13. Sfincione

Sicilian pizza is distinct from the pies you typically find on the mainland. You won't encounter a thin, crispy crust that you can fold. Instead, it features a fluffy base that can hold a generous amount of cheese, herbs, and sardines. The slices are not cut into neat wedges but are instead served as thick rectangular pieces, often accompanied by a side of sauce.

14. Caponata

While many consider Sicily an extension of Italy, its cuisine is also heavily influenced by Arab flavors. A prime example is caponata, a dish built on a foundation of eggplant, vinegar, pine nuts, and raisins. Each chef then adds their personal touch, customizing this simple stew with whatever ingredients they have on hand.

15. Timballo

As with many Sicilian dishes, the history of timballo is rich with tradition and folklore. Regardless of its origins, this layered dish is a fantastic way to utilize leftover rice or pasta. A classic Timballo Siciliano features a hearty portion of eggplant in every slice.

By the end of your day in Palermo, you’ll hopefully have a heart full of memories, a stomach full of delicious food, and a souvenir or two in hand. Dining in Palermo is a highly coveted experience, ensuring you’ve sampled some of the most intriguing dishes the Mediterranean has to offer.