In Palermo, a “market” of Sicilian taste hosted inside the ancient stables of Palazzo Cattolica Briuccia which consists of an elegant restaurant and a well-stocked wine shop, for years a point of reference for good food & drinking in the capital.

Enclosed within thick seventeenth-century walls on the borders of what was once the Jewish quarter, Osteria Ballarò takes its name from the dream of gathering in one place the entire Made in Sicily flavor chain, hence a covered “market” of Sicilian excellencies (Ballarò in one of the main markets in the city), from wines to cheeses, from meat to fish.

Opened by Doriana Ribaudo, taking up the paternal legacy of the historic Trattoria da Gaetano, Osteria Ballarò is made up of two rooms: the more informal wine bar with the characteristic stools and high tables and the scenographic restaurant with soft lights and the high beamed ceiling reminiscent those of an art atelier.

Osteria Ballarò is a “market” of values, in this place we have tried to contain all the love for our land.

(Ribaudo family)

A link between food and culture, well exemplified by the many works of art that decorate the place such as the author’s photographs depicting various typical markets on the walls and the many ceramic decorations from Caltagirone.

The host is the maitre d’ Giovanni Battista Calabria who will be able to recommend the best bottle, suitable for every occasion, and tasty dishes based, in particular, on Slow Food Presidia and products from local family-run businesses.

In the kitchen, in fact, Calogero Branca uses 90% Sicilian products and everything, from bread to fresh pasta, is homemade. Many traditional dishes on the menu, enriched with the chef’s delicious touch, such as the Ballarò street food appetizer, potato dumplings stuffed with Sicilian buffalo burrata, mussel cream, prawn tartare and bacon, veal from Sicilian pastures or seared amberjack with seafood foam and glasswort.

In combination, around a hundred Sicilian labels and a selection of Italian and international wines, as well as the oil list, all available for tasting and sale.

Osteria Ballarò is a world of warm Sicilian hospitality perfect from lunch to dinner, including the ritual of the aperitif perhaps based on a special wine!

The Secret

Palazzo Cattolica Briuccia, with its majestic courtyard with two marble porticoes, is today divided into several units, including, in addition to Osteria Ballarò, a hotel and the famous Focacceria San Francesco dating back to 1834, located in its ancient chapel.

Useful Info

Osteria Ballarò
Via Calascibetta 25
90133 Palermo
Tel. +39 091 326488

Starters: from 15 euro
First courses: from 19 euro
Second courses: from 18 euro