Where to eat Arancine in Palermo according to Gambero Rosso: the definitive guide

Of Saracen or Arab origin, the "rice ball" is shaped in the palm of the hand with a bit of saffron and then seasoned with lamb meat. It originated in Sicily between the 4th and 11th centuries. From the large trays of the Arabs to the court of Frederick II, the practice of breading and frying began to make it easier to transport. According to historian Gaetano Basile, the arancina as we know it appeared in the 1700s as a specialty of Palazzo Abatellis, which was then a Dominican convent in Palermo's historic center. The addition of tomato and ragù occurred during Garibaldi's arrival. In Palermo, the arancina is strictly round and feminine because, according to scholars, the Arabs used to name dishes after the fruits they resembled. Sicily was rich in oranges. In Palermo, where arancine are an essential part of the Santa Lucia celebration, they are enjoyed year-round with thousands fried daily. The dish remains popular despite attempts to make it gourmet. The focus is on national-popular appeal, large-scale ingredients, and the iconic "accarne" (meat) and "abburro" (butter) flavors. Here’s a guide to the most popular historical spots loved by the people of Palermo, with some hidden gems yet to be discovered.

Where to eat Arancine in Palermo: historical addresses

Bar Vabres

For three generations, Bar Vabres has perpetuated the Sicilian rosticceria tradition. It is a favorite among Palermitans, with a reputation that solidifies its arancina as one of the city's most representative.

Via Michele Cipolla, 83/85

Oscar 1965

Known as a pastry shop, Oscar is one of Palermo's historical addresses. Its arancine are notable, particularly the "accarne" ragù arancina, with perfectly cooked saffron rice and a crispy, dry breading.

Via Mariano Migliaccio, 39

Bar Alba

"New vision, old tradition" is their motto. Since 1955, this place has transformed into a restaurant, pastry shop, lounge, and café. Despite the changes, the traditional arancine remain constant.

Piazza Don Bosco, 7/c

Sampolo 246

This spot has a strong national-popular heart, particularly for its butter arancine. The breading and rice cooking are well-executed, making it one of the city's classic addresses.

Via Sampolo 246

Pasticceria Cappello

Although primarily a pastry shop, master pastry chef Salvatore Cappello does not neglect rosticceria. The arancine, especially the classic ragù variety, are made with technical precision and high-quality ingredients.

Via Colonna Rotta, 68

La Romanella

This small rosticceria, established in the 1970s, retains its authentic charm. A pilgrimage destination during Santa Lucia for its high arancine consumption, it remains popular year-round with classic meat and butter arancine, as well as vegetarian, salmon, and sausage ragù varieties.

Via Giacomo Leopardi, 12, 90144

Pasticceria Bar Matranga Ettore

Another historical place in Palermo, its rosticceria, including rollò with wurstel, ravazzate, and calzoni, stands out for its arancine, especially the ragù and butter varieties.

Viale del Fante, 54

Pasticceria Massaro

A favorite among university students, this bar has been renovated with a spacious, modern hall. From gastronomy to pastry, its arancine are a beloved choice among nearby university students.

Via Basile 24/26

Bar Turistico

Located near Hotel Villa Igiea in the Acquasanta district, arancine are fried non-stop, always hot and crispy, favored by the local Palermitans. Butter and meat varieties are the top choices.

Via Comandante Gulì 212

Other addresses

Nino Total Food

A recent restyling has revitalized Nino Total Food, which celebrates food in artisanal gelateria, pasticceria, and excellent rosticceria under culinary director Francesco Palumbo. The arancine blend the classic recipe with modern twists, featuring creative pairings and essential toppings.

Via Comandante Gulì 212

Coast to Coast

Born from the decades-long experience of Bar Alba, Coast to Coast focuses on arancine, including delivery options. Butter, meat, sausage, spinach and gorgonzola, and salmon varieties are highly appreciated by Palermitans.

Viale Campania, 29

Donnafranca

In this new and elegant bar-pastry shop in Via Maqueda, a tourist pilgrimage site, arancine are presented as a culinary experience. With sixteen artisanal flavors, great attention to raw materials and quality marks this place as distinctively popular and high-quality.

Via Maqueda, 292

Friggitoria da Davide

Known for its Instagram-worthy dishes, this street food specialist offers arancine with a good frying and breading, perfect for a cheesy zoom shot.

Viale Croce Rossa 199/201, Palermo

Ke Palle

An iconic name in Palermo, popular with tourists on Via Maqueda, Ke Palle has established itself as the street food king with a marketing edge and a varied arancine menu. Classic, vegan, vegetarian, pasta, fish, baked, and even sweet arancine are available.

Via Maqueda 270, Palermo

Laboratorio Martino

This small artisanal pastry lab is not famed for rosticceria but for its bakery skills. It offers authentic, homemade-tasting arancine, especially prominent during Arancina Day. The rest of the year, it is a hidden gem for those seeking good arancine among cakes and pastries.

Via Nicolò Garzilli 43, Palermo