Catania Street Food Walking Tour: Markets, Arancini & Pastries

Summary

Stroll Catania’s markets for street food, arancini and sweet treats

You’ll wind through Catania’s buzzing markets with a local guide, tasting fresh arancini, crispy fried fish at la pescheria, and classic pastries like cannoli or granita depending on the season. Expect laughter over mispronounced names and little moments—like church bells or powdered sugar everywhere—that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under striped awnings at the Monday Fair in Catania, following our guide through the press of shoppers and the shouts of fishmongers. The air was thick with frying oil and something sharp—maybe lemon? I nearly tripped over a crate of prickly pears. Our guide, Marco, grinned and handed me a paper cone of fried anchovies. “Eat it hot,” he said. I burned my tongue a little but didn’t care. That first bite tasted like salt and sunshine.

We wandered down Via Etnea, past old men arguing about football outside cafés, then stopped at Bar Savia for arancini. They’re heavier than they look—rice packed around ragù, then fried until golden. I tried to say “cipollina” with the right accent; Marco laughed and corrected me (I still can’t get it). There was this moment on Via Crociferi where the bells started ringing from one of the churches, echoing off stone walls while we nibbled sweet almond pastries. It felt like all of Catania was humming along with us.

The last stop was Piazza Duomo, just as the sky turned that weird blue before sunset. Marco insisted we try cannoli from his favorite pastry shop—crisp shell, ricotta so creamy it almost melted before you finished chewing. I wiped powdered sugar off my shirt (no regrets). Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much or feel so welcome in a city I’d only seen on postcards. If you’re hungry for real Sicilian street food—and don’t mind sticky fingers—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catania street food and market tour

• Visit Piazza Duomo and Cathedral
• Taste cheeses, olives, and oil at la pescheria
• Try mixed fried fish at la pescheria
• Walk along via Crociferi churches
• Arrive at Piazza Stesicoro Roman amphitheater
• Enjoy arancini at Bar Savia
• Eat cipollina at Bakery Pacini
• Cross la fiera market
• Taste fizzy Selz drink at Chiosco Costa

Top questions

How long does the Catania street food tour last?

The tour typically lasts several hours as you walk through central Catania’s markets and squares with stops for tastings.

Is there an evening option for this street food tour?

Yes, there’s an evening tour departing at 5:00 PM if you prefer exploring Catania’s food scene at sunset.

What foods are included on the Catania street food walking tour?

You’ll try arancini, cipollina, mixed fried fish (at la pescheria), Sicilian pastries like cannolo or cassatella, plus seasonal treats such as granita or almond paste.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Bottled water is included and you’ll also taste a typical fizzy drink made from Selz and syrups at Chiosco Costa.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start in central Catania but public transportation options are nearby.

Are vegetarian options available on this street food tour?

The main focus is traditional street foods which often include meat or fish; check ahead for specific dietary needs.

Do I need to book in advance?

Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot on this popular walking food tour of Catania.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through bustling markets like la pescheria and Monday Fair, plenty of snacks such as arancini and pastries (with options changing by season), bottled water to keep you going between bites, plus all tastings led by a professional local guide who knows every shortcut—and every best bakery—in town.