In Palermo, in the “Gattopardo” palace, a charming restaurant where you can savor the soul of the city pampered by chef Alberto Rizzo and his brother Andrea, a great wine connoisseur, passionate ambassadors of the renowned Sicilian hospitality around the world.

The Osteria dei Vespri is located inside Palazzo Gangi, the legendary location of the film Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) by Luchino Visconti, overlooking the suggestive Piazza dei Vespri, characterized by the magnificent golden light that envelops the most noble corners of Palermo from late afternoon.

Located in the heart of its historic center, within the ancient Arab neighborhood of La Kalsa, the Osteria was born as an osteria at the beginning of the 20th century and in 1999 it was taken over by the brothers Alberto and Andrea Rizzo who, after taking the first steps in the world of catering, at the helm of the family club, the current Tennis Club Palermo 2, they had developed the dream of giving life to their own hospitality project.

For 25 years our cuisine has been telling stories and supporting the territories of Sicily.

(Alberto and Andrea Rizzo)

The interiors of the restaurant, as well as the beautiful retro sign that reads “enoteca con cucina”, are still the original period ones with wooden furniture, boiserie on the walls, partly built with crates of important wines, vaulted stone ceilings and many objects that recall the important history of the building.

Taking care of everything down to the smallest detail, Alberto, self-taught, with a passion for cooking developed thanks to his grandmother, a great cook of Cremonese origin, begins to make his way in the world of Sicilian fine dining scene, while Andrea, with a passion for good wine, dedicates himself to pampering guests and the construction of an excellent wine cellar.

Today, having reached full maturity, chef Alberto Rizzo‘s cuisine unites the two souls of his family, the Lombard-Emilian one with the Sicilian and Palermo one, elaborating them with innovative techniques to create dishes with great personality that respect the incisive flavors of the excellent raw material.

From marinated pork fillet with mustard mayonnaise, Marsala jelly, red cabbage, bitter orange and pink pepper jam to Mezzecandele pasta with potato, grilled spring onion, Nebrodi black pig cheek, fresh peas and the scent of rosemary, every recipe in the menu is a hymn to the history of Sicily and its most noble products.

Osteria dei Vespri’s wine cellar is very famous in the sector, not only for its grandeur but also for its location within the walls of the former stables of Palazzo Gangi. The list includes more than 650 national and international references including timeless classics, natural and biodynamic wines, and also “fruit wine” and barricaded wines.

Highly impressive, the list is, upon request, brought to the table and is bound in large format leather, the perfect support for choosing or receiving advice on a wine for a special occasion.

Since 2021, right in front of the restaurant, the two Rizzo brothers have opened Occhiovivo! Bistrot, whose name is inspired by a typical Sicilian saying, where you can savor the same quality of Osteria dei Vespri in a more informal guise, perfect for both an aperitif and a dinner based on tapas and excellent cocktails.

Osteria dei Vespri is a special place to savor all the elegance and culture of the prominent Palermo families who have dedicated their lives to the art of hospitality and beauty in all their forms.

The Secret

Osteria dei Vespri is among the founders of the Le Soste di Ulisse association which, founded in 2002, brings together addresses that allow a tour of the island between refined gastronomy and high-level hospitality.

Useful Info

Osteria dei Vespri
Piazza Croce dei Vespri 6
90133 Palermo
Tel. +39 091 6171631

Tasting menu: 8 courses 150 euro wines excluded
Starters: 28 euro
First courses: 30 euro
Second courses: 35 euro