In the center of Palermo, two ancient apartments from the 1900s have become the “home” of the Bellavista family, a modern osteria and cocktail bar that winds through a secret courtyard and original rooms furnished in the spirit of the most authentic Sicilian style.

The concept of “Locale” is all in the name: the choice of a story of the territory (Locale is “local” in English) and being many things together, a cozy meeting place at any time of the day. Thanks to the love for Sicily and the passion for tapas bars born during a trip to Spain, Locale was born in 2017 from an idea by Daniel and Greta together with their father Maurizio Bellavista.

The particular location that hosts the restaurant, found by chance, inspired part of the interior, faithful to Daniel and Greta’s idea of respecting its history and genius loci. In fact, part of the osteria’s spaces were, in addition to being a private residence, also a school, which is why on the first floor the furnishings are an original mix between those typical of Sicilian houses and of classrooms from the 50ies.

Smiles & “good vibes” are the main prerogative of Locale, to create an authentic Sicilian experience.

(famiglia Bellavista family)

While on the ground floor the protagonist is the suggestive internal courtyard, where horses once passed, which has retained the ancient drinking trough, the fountains decorated with original 20th-century majolica and even the house numbers that overlook the small alley that joins the two buildings that house Locale.

From there, many small rooms unfold, partly inspired by putìe, the traditional Sicilian shops, to recreate the convivial atmosphere of a place with ancient roots where the watchword is “Sicilianness” which translates not only into the use of mainly local raw materials, but also in the warm and welcoming atmosphere typical of the island.

In the kitchen, chef Lorenzo Muratore offers traditional dishes revisited with an international mood, not without a gentle irony. So on the menu, divided between small plates reminiscent of Spanish tapas, pastas, meat and fish main courses and pizzas, we find tasty recipes such as Nonna Lina’s ricotta meatballs, soft Caciocavallo in batter and local honey, Belly pork cooked at low temperature with mashed potatoes and Marsala sauce and, obviously, the Cannolo made with fresh ricotta.

The drink list is created by Francesco Di Verde, aka “Street Poppy” who revisits the most famous international cocktails in a Sicilian version, so Sex on the Beach becomes “Sex Unnegghieèè” and the Americano the “Americanotto”.

In a place where everything is taken care of down to the smallest detail, even the music could not be any less, managed by Vincenzo Callea, deeJay and producer for over 20 years on the world dance scene, who, given the great success of the selection, also created some dedicated playlists on Spotify under the name Locale Folklorica.

Locale is a modern osteria where you always feel at home, as if, for a moment, you were truly in a popular neighborhood in turn-of-the-century Sicily in the company of lifelong friends.

The Secret

During the restoration, in what was once the principal’s office on the first floor, two playing cards were found, a 5 of spades and a 5 of diamonds, inexplicably attached to the ceiling, which were preserved exactly as they were found.

Useful Info

Locale Palermo
Via Francesco Guardione 88
90139 Palermo
Tel. +39 091 7932430

Tapas: from 5 euro
Pizzas: from 8 euro
Pastas: from 10 euro
Second courses: 12 — 25 euro