In Palermo, the square of the “Gattopardo” palace hosts a gourmand Bistrot, perfect for an artfully prepared aperitif or Sunday lunch, born as an informal proposal of the adjacent Osteria dei Vespri of the Rizzo brothers, for over 25 years at the helm of this legend of Sicilian hospitality.

The hospitality of the Rizzo brothers really needs no introduction: since 1999, they have been the owners of the famous Osteria dei Vespri, synonymous with excellence in Sicilian cuisine and among the founders of the association Le Soste di Ulisse which brings together the best addresses on the island.

Alberto in the kitchen and Andrea at the reception and a great wine expert have wanted to extend their concept of hospitality to mixology and a more informal menu, taking advantage of the opportunity of a free space located right in front of their restaurant.

Who can recognize the occhiovivo – smart look – cannot lose oneself.

(Sicilian saying)

So in 2021 they opened Occhiovivo! Bistrot, whose name is inspired by a Sicilian saying that their father used to repeat, where you can savor the same quality of Osteria dei Vespri both for an aperitif and for a dinner based on tapas and excellent cocktails.

The furnishings are inspired by those of the French-inspired bistros of the early 1900s, with bottle green chairs and walls, leather sofas and many bottles on the shelves, with a beautiful flowered dehors overlooking one of the most beautiful squares in Palermo.

In the menu dedicated to the aperitif moment, we find many tapas for all tastes, with seafood and meat, vegetarian and creative, such as Millefoglie of aubergines with smoked Provola cheese from the Madonie or White wine polpette of blue fish, rosemary potatoes, wedges of orange.

Excellent the cocktails list, from the House Martini to the Vivo Spritz, as well as the offer of wines and spirits, also by the glass, which benefit from the rich cellar, over 650 references, of the nearby Osteria dei Vespri.

And from October to December, Occhiovivo! Bistrot also opens for lunch every Sunday from 12:00 with a more structured menu, perfect for a treat based on traditional recipes revisited with exceptional raw materials by chef Rizzo’s team.

From appetizers, such as the classic selections of artisanal Sicilian cheeses and cured meats with fried gnocco alla caponata and various creative salads, to delicious first courses such as Calamarata pasta with red tuna, fresh mint and Scicli “cosaruciaru” bean and second courses such as Squid with almonds from Noto, scent of orange on a bed of its black saurce or the Dairy calf roll with caciocavallo Ragusano DOP.

It goes without saying that for all those who’s got “occhiovivo”, the bistro has already become a rare and precious high-quality landmark in the city.

The Secret

Osteria dei Vespri is located right inside Palazzo Gangi, the legendary location of Luchino Visconti’s film Il Gattopardo, overlooking the suggestive Piazza dei Vespri, characterized by the magnificent golden yellow light that envelops the noblest corners of Palermo from late afternoon.

Useful Info

Occhiovivo! Bistrot
Piazza Croce dei Vespri 7
90133 Palermo
Tel. +39 375 787 3612

Cocktails: from 10 euro
Tris of tapas: 13 euro

Starters: 10 – 16 euro
First courses: 16 – 18 euro
Second courses: 14 – 18 euro