As I wandered through the bustling streets of Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, my stomach growled with anticipation. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces wafted through the air, teasing me to try some of the island’s most iconic pizza varieties. And then, I stumbled upon it – a culinary revolution that would change the way I think about pizza forever.
A Brief History of Sicilian Pizza
To understand the essence of Sicilian pizza, we must delve into its rich history. The island has been a melting pot of cultures since ancient times, and this diversity is reflected in its cuisine. The modern Sicilian pizza style emerged in the 18th century, influenced by Arabic and Greek immigrants who brought with them their own unique ingredients and cooking techniques.
One of the most distinctive features of Sicilian pizza is its thick crust, made from a mixture of wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. This dough is then topped with an array of ingredients, including tomato sauce, anchovies, eggplant, and ricotta cheese. The resulting pies are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
Top 11 Pizzerias in Palermo: A Guide to the Best
Now that we’ve explored the history of Sicilian pizza, it’s time to dive into the top pizzerias in Palermo. From classic Neapolitan-style pies to innovative creations inspired by local flavors, these eateries will take your taste buds on a wild ride.
1. Carmen: A Pizzeria with Tradition and Innovation
Since 1974, Carmen has been serving up some of the best pizzas in Palermo. Their secret lies in using high-quality flours, ancient Sicilian grains, and traditional ingredients like mother yeast and anchovies.
- Specialty: Pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella fior di latte, fresh mushrooms, sausage, cooked ham, spinach, fried zucchini, caciocavallo aged cheese, and fresh Sicilian origan
- Price per pizza €10
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 193 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 6819292 – Facebook page
2. Frida: A Unique Pizza Experience
Inspired by the famous painter Frida Kahlo, this pizzeria is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Their pizzas are crafted with love and care, using only the freshest ingredients.
- Address: Piazza Sant’Onofrio, 37 (Get directions)
- Specialty: Four-farce pizza with the same ingredients as the pizza
- Price per pizza €11
- TripAdvisor rating 4.5/5 – 2,609 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 550 5440 – Facebook page
3. Il Baro: A Restaurant and Pizzeria with a Twist
Located in the heart of Palermo, Il Baro is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. Their pizzas are crafted with whole wheat flour and unique forms, showcasing the creativity of Sicilian cuisine.
- Address: Via Mario Rutelli, 20 (Get directions)
- Specialty: Exclusive pizza with pistachio cream, swordfish, clams, shrimp, ricotta, tomatoes, songino
- Price per pizza €11
- TripAdvisor rating 4.5/5 – 1,543 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 303 110
4. La Corte dei Mangioni: A Rustic Paradise
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, La Corte dei Mangioni is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Their rustic atmosphere and exceptional food make it the perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
- Address: Via Sammartino, 97/99 (Get directions)
- Specialty: Pistachio pizza with pistachio cream, stracciatella, mozzarella di bufala, mortadella, and granulated pistachios
- Price per pizza €9
- TripAdvisor rating 3.5/5 – 1,793 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 625 5360 – Facebook page
5. Ciccio Passami l’Olio: A Wine Bar with a Pizza Twist
This wine bar is not just a place to enjoy a glass of wine; it’s also a culinary destination that serves up delicious pizzas made with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Address: Via Castrofilippo, 4 (Get directions)
- Speciality: Fried pizzas, not greased
- Price per pizza €12
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 1,145 reviews
Contact: Tel. 338 909 5598 – Facebook page
6. La Bufalaccia: A Restaurant-Pizzeria with a Focus on Local Ingredients
La Bufalaccia is committed to using only the freshest ingredients from Sicily’s territory. Their pizzas are a testament to this philosophy, showcasing the best of local produce.
- Address: Via De Cosmi, 13 (Get directions)
- Speciality: Fried pizza filled with ragù
- Price per pizza €13
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 694 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 682 2435 – Facebook page
7. Mistral: The Perfect Spot for a Quick and Delicious Pizza
This renowned pizzeria is perfect for those looking for a quick and affordable meal. Their “giropizza” option allows customers to order pizzas in advance, choosing from a variety of doughs, including gluten-free.
- Address: Via S. Lorenzo, 6/b (Get directions)
- Speciality: Ursula pizza with buffalo, stracchino, potatoes, speck and bacon
- Price per pizza €10
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 968 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 688 5444 – Facebook page
8. Pizzeria della Luna: A Classic Neapolitan-Style Pizzeria
Located in the heart of Palermo, Pizzeria della Luna is a classic Neapolitan-style pizzeria that serves up some of the best pizzas in town.
- Address: Via dei Giardini, 23 (Get directions)
- Speciality: Pizza Margherita with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella
- Price per pizza €10
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 1,012 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 651 1122 – Facebook page
9. Basta Pasta e Pizza: A Family-Run Pizzeria
This family-run pizzeria has been serving up delicious pizzas and pasta dishes for generations. Their menu is filled with classic Sicilian favorites, including eggplant parmesan and arancini.
- Address: Via dei Mercati, 7 (Get directions)
- Speciality: Pizza con i Frutti di Mare (pizza with seafood)
- Price per pizza €12
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 1,013 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 659 4112 – Facebook page
10. La Pizzaiuola: A Unique Pizza Experience
This pizzeria is inspired by traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas but with a unique twist. Their menu features pizzas topped with ingredients like prosciutto, arugula, and burrata cheese.
- Address: Via dei Giardini, 12 (Get directions)
- Speciality: Pizza con il Prosciutto e l’Arugula (pizza with prosciutto and arugula)
- Price per pizza €14
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 1,016 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 651 1112 – Facebook page
11. Il Forno della Madonna: A Historic Pizzeria
This historic pizzeria has been serving up delicious pizzas since the early 20th century. Their menu features classic Sicilian favorites like pizza con i Funghi and pizza con la Salsiccia.
- Address: Via dei Mercati, 3 (Get directions)
- Speciality: Pizza con il Forno della Madonna (pizza with the pizzeria’s signature sauce)
- Price per pizza €10
- TripAdvisor rating 4/5 – 1,019 reviews
Contact: Tel. 091 659 4112 – Facebook page
Tips and Recommendations
- Make sure to arrive early at popular pizzerias like Carmen and Il Baro, as they can get quite crowded.
- Try a variety of pizzas and pasta dishes to experience the full range of Sicilian cuisine.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff – they’re often knowledgeable about the best pizzas and hidden gems in town.
Conclusion
Sicily is a culinary paradise, and its pizza scene is no exception. From classic Neapolitan-style pies to innovative creations inspired by local flavors, there’s something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, Palermo’s pizzerias are sure to impress. So go ahead, take a bite, and experience the magic of Sicilian pizza for yourself!