A Sicilian sweet tooth: exploring Catania’s best pasticcerie

5 must-visit pastry shops when traveling to Catania

As you may have noticed, Sicilians adore everything sweet, from granite to cannoli and cornetti. So it's no surprise that Catania, the second-largest city in Sicily, is filled with pastry shops - pasticcerie, as they are called in Italian. To help you savor every moment of your vacation, we’ve explored the best pasticcerie in Catania. Check out these five must-visit spots while exploring this vibrant city.

Prestipino: a historic café in the heart of Catania
Via Etnea, 38
Catania

In the bustling old town of Catania, just steps away from the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, you'll find Prestipino. Founded in 1976, this café and pasticceria is a true icon in the city, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Prestipino boasts a stunning, classic interior that immediately captures your attention when you walk in. It feels like you’re stepping back into time: the décor is elegant, with large mirrors, grand chandeliers, and a well-maintained, timeless look.

When visiting Prestipino, a must-try is the Iris, a fried treat that resembles a savory doughnut, filled with either chocolate or traditional cream. We tried the one with chocolate, and the exterior is crispy and light, while the inside is filled with rich, pure chocolate that isn’t overly sweet; it’s just right for those who appreciate deeper flavors. Prestipino is also famous for its excellent coffee, making it a great spot for breakfast or an afternoon break.

Whether you’re craving a cup of good coffee or a delicious pastry, Prestipino is absolutely worth a visit. It’s a delightful escape from the bustling streets, set in a place that feels like a piece of Sicilian heritage.

Here’s a tip: they also have another location, Prestipino Cafè, located at Corso delle Province, 150.

Quaranta: pastries crafted with love
Piazza Mancini Battaglia, 17/20
Catania

Located outside the city center and right by the sea, family business Quaranta is definitely worth the detour. Known for its award-winning pastries, Quaranta is a must-visit for anyone in search of the finest Sicilian sweets. This pasticceria boasts a modern interior with a stylish, contemporary vibe and a strong attention to detail, especially visible in the way they present their pastries.

Quaranta, which turned 40 this year (what’s in a name?), has won several prestigious awards for its signature dessert - La Perla di Ognina. This semifreddo features layers of ricotta and pistachio, a delicate pistachio coating, and a creamy ricotta-filled center.

We tried a few of their specialties, including the margherita cake, which has a soft, brioche-like texture and a pistachio filling, as well as the treccina - a pistachio marmalade croissant. Both were incredibly tasty. But as expected, the highlight was the Perla di Ognina. Created during a televised competition, Cake Star, it was inspired by the local area of Ognina, resembling a pearl in both shape and name. The combination of pistachios, almonds, and ricotta makes it a true representation of Sicilian flavors.
 
If you’re looking for a sweet escape with a view of the sea and excellent pastries made with love, Quaranta should be at the top of your list.

Caffè Europa: authentic Sicilian charm
Corso Italia, 302
Catania

When it comes to authentic Sicilian café experiences, Caffè Europa is a true gem. Not only for its long history and delicious treats, but also for its exceptional service.

What sets Caffè Europa apart is its timeless charm. Established in 1962, the interior showcases a classic, slightly vintage vibe that transports you back in time. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by well-dressed staff, often in classic attire. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, they make you feel right at home, offering personalized recommendations based on your tastes.

When you ask about their specialties, expect a parade of traditional Sicilian dolci: from cannoli and cassata di ricotta to delicate fruit tarts like the delicious cestini di fragoline (strawberry baskets), one of our favorites. A highlight is the option to order a mini granita, served alongside the traditional brioche.

In addition to its delightful sweets, Caffè Europa offers a wide variety of savory treats. One of their classics is the Cipollina, a crispy pastry filled with stewed onions, tomatoes, and cooked ham - a traditional specialty from Catania.

With its rich history, exceptional service, and top-notch pastries, Caffè Europa remains a true symbol of Catania, making it a perfect destination whether you’re after a sweet treat or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere.

Savia: a cannoli heaven
Via Etnea, 300/302/304, Via Umberto I, 2/4/6
Catania

If you’re in Catania and seeking the ultimate pastry experience, Savia is the place to be. Founded in 1897, this pasticceria is renowned for its iconic cannoli. All we can say is that Savia truly lives up to its reputation.

First things first: the cannoli. It's good to know that they only serve the large size here. But with this cannolo, it's absolutely no hardship: the shell is perfectly crisp and thick, made fresh and filled with the most delicious, creamy ricotta. It’s one of the best cannoli we’ve had in Sicily.
 
 Beyond the cannoli, Savia offers beautifully handcrafted marzipan fruits, known as frutta martorana in Sicilian - a traditional local sweet. We also tried their lemon granita, which was wonderfully refreshing, perfect for a sunny day.

With so many positive reviews, we were eager to see if Savia could genuinely live up to the hype. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. From the friendly and efficient service to the retro charm of the interior, which evokes the feel of an old-school diner, every aspect contributed to a delightful experience. Outside on the bustling terrace, locals and tourists mingled, savoring their treats and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Whether you’re after a traditional cannolo, a marzipan treat, or simply a quick granita break, Savia is a place you can’t miss in Catania.

Insigne Cafè: a local gem in Catania
Via Santa Maddalena 84
Catania

If you're seeking a more local experience in Catania, away from the tourist crowds, Insigne Cafè is a solid choice. Located on Via Santa Maddalena, just outside the city center, this bar-pasticceria-gelateria offers a wide variety of sweet and savory treats. Its location next to a park provides a pleasant backdrop for enjoying an aperitivo or lunch, away from the city center's buzz.

During our visit, we tried two impressive delights: the babà alla crema with elderberries and the code di Aragosta. The babà, originally from Naples, was soft, spongy, and incredibly fresh, with the elderberries adding a bright, fruity freshness that balanced perfectly with the cream. The code di Aragosta stole the show for us - incredibly crispy with delicate, flaky layers, filled with ricotta and pistachio cream. The filling wasn’t overly sweet, making it even more enjoyable. This was one of the best pastries we’ve had in Catania.

Next to pastries, Insigne Cafè is also known for its breakfast offerings, featuring doughnuts, croissants, and Sicilian classics like granita with brioche. If you’re in the mood for something savory, their arancini and cipolline are also worth trying.

For an authentic taste of Sicilian flavors in a local setting, Insigne Cafè is a great recommendation, whether for a quick breakfast or to indulge in excellent pastries.

If you find yourself in the city center, be sure to check out their other location at Via Etnea 97.

Savor pastries like a local

Whether you’re visiting Catania for a day or a weekend, you now have plenty of options to satisfy your sweet cravings. And more importantly, you can immerse yourself in Sicilian pastry culture. Trust us: once you’ve tasted these delights, you’ll understand why Sicilian pastries are truly irresistible.