Where to Find the Best Cannoli in Palermo

Sicily is the birthplace of cannoli, which has become a symbol of the island’s rich culinary heritage. This beloved treat has a perfectly crisp pastry shell that encases a creamy ricotta filling. Depending on the occasion you might find cannoli decorated with candied fruit, pistachios, or simply garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar.

It’s such an iconic dessert, that no Palermo food tour would be complete without sampling a few.

The History and Cultural Significance of Cannoli

Cannoli’s historical roots can be traced back to Sicily’s ancient Arab connections. The name “cannolo,” translates loosely as “little tube,” which reflects its signature shape of a fried pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta cheese.

While you can find it any day on the streets of Palermo, cannoli is especially popular during religious festivals like Saint Joseph’s Day. As it was once a symbol of fertility and abundance.

Over the centuries, cannoli has evolved into a festive treat you can enjoy every day. Yet it still hasn’t lost its connection to Sicilian heritage.

Top Cannoli Spots in Palermo

Palermo is loaded with historic bakeries and modern cafes where you can enjoy some of the best cannoli in Sicily. The following are just some of my favorites.

Pasticceria Costa

Photo credit: Pasticceria Costa

Since 1960, Pasticceria Costa has been synonymous with elegance and excellence in Sicilian pastry-making. Nestled near Via Libertà, Palermo’s chic shopping district, this bakery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Why are their cannoli exceptional? It all starts with the ricotta sourced from local Sicilian sheep’s milk, giving it an unparalleled creaminess and slight tang. The shells are meticulously fried to a golden crisp and filled to order, ensuring you get the freshest bite possible. You can opt for the classic version or indulge in variations topped with dark chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, or candied orange zest for an extra layer of flavor.

Beyond cannoli, Pasticceria Costa is also famous for its exquisite cassata, frutta martorana (marzipan fruits), and flaky sfogliatelle, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Pasticceria Costa (€1–10) – Via Giosuè Carducci, 15, 90141 Palermo PA, Italy

I Segreti del Chiostro

There’s something magical about enjoying a handcrafted cannolo in a place where nuns once perfected the art of pastry-making. I Segreti del Chiostro is not just a bakery, it’s a living piece of Sicilian culinary history. Located within the former Dominican monastery of Santa Caterina, this charming pastry shop preserves ancient recipes once made by cloistered nuns.

Their cannoli are nothing short of divine, each shell is filled à la minute, ensuring maximum crunch. I still remember my first bite, the shatteringly crisp shell gave way to a velvety-smooth ricotta filling, perfectly balanced with just the right touch of sweetness and a hint of citrus that lingered on my palate. For an even deeper dive into Sicilian convent traditions, pair your cannolo with a slice of cassata or one of their famous almond cookies, each crafted with the same time-honored techniques.

I Segreti del Chiostro (€1–10) – Piazza Bellini, 33, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy

Pasticceria Capello

Photo credit: Pasticceria Capello

Pasticceria Cappello has two locations in Palermo, but I’m partial to the one on Via Colonna Rotta. It’s conveniently near Palazzo dei Normanni and the Porta Nuova gate, making it a great spot to enjoy a cannoli on a historic walking tour.

The unassuming décor of Pasticceria Cappello helps give it an invitingly cozy ambiance. Yet the display of pastries, cannoli, and other confections shows off like a true work of art. Everywhere you look, there are meticulously crafted desserts, reflecting the patisserie’s dedication to quality and tradition.

While Pasticceria Cappello offers a staggering array of delicious pastries, their cannoli stand out the most with locals and tourists alike. Their velvety ricotta cream has next-level richness and a smooth mouth feel. There’s usually a selection with special garnishes, studded with dark chocolate chips, or a candied orange peel.

Pasticceria Cappello (€1–10) – Via Colonna Rotta, 68, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy.

Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri

You’ll find Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri in Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily just outside of Palermo near Chiesa di San Giorgio Megalomartire. It’s a renowned pastry shop celebrated for its exceptional Sicilian desserts, particularly its cannoli.

Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri has the warm and inviting atmosphere you expect in a Sicilian pastry shop. You get the feeling that the interior décor is intentionally modest to help draw your eyes to the spectacular display of freshly made pastries in the case.

The menu at Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri is loaded with traditional Sicilian pastries. However, their extra-large cannoli definitely stand out. I love how the shell is perfectly crisp contrasting the creamy ricotta filling, often enhanced with chocolate chips or candied fruit.

Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri (€1–10) – Via Francesco Crispi, 226, 90037 Piana degli Albanesi PA, Italy.

I Segreti del Chiostro

Photo credit: I Segreti del Chiostro

I Segreti del Chiostro is a pastry shop connected to the former Dominican monastery of Santa Caterina. This gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a classical Sicilian cannolo while exploring the church’s ornate Baroque architecture.

The ambiance of I Segreti del Chiostro taps into a monastic vibe, which makes it serene and inviting. When I have the chance, I love to snack on a cannoli in their lush open-air courtyard which is tastefully decorated with multicolored traditional maioliche tiles.

I Segreti del Chiostro’s menu showcases a variety of traditional Sicilian pastries, including cassata and other classic cakes sold by the slice. However, their cannoli are masterfully crafted à la minute to ensure optimal crispiness. So, you never have to worry about the soggy shell you sometimes get if you order cannoli later in the day.

I Segreti del Chiostro (€1–10) – Piazza Bellini, 33, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy.

Insider Tips for Enjoying Cannoli in Palermo

To fully enjoy cannoli in Palermo it’s best to visit popular pastry shops from early in the morning to mid-afternoon. This will allow you to experience the freshest pastries while avoiding the tourist crowds that tend to fill the streets later in the day.

Authenticity is key when it comes to enjoying cannoli in Palermo. Look for pastry shops that use high-quality, local ingredients such as sheep’s milk ricotta and traditional fried shells. I try to avoid places with pre-filled cannoli that have been sitting on display for hours. The best cannoli are often filled à la minute, just before serving, to preserve the crispness of the shell and the freshness of the filling. It’s a hallmark sign of quality craftsmanship, that’s worth the wait.

These à la minute cannoli perfectly showcase the contrast between the crispy shell and the creamy, slightly sweet ricotta filling. A pastry shop that allows you to customize your cannoli with toppings like chocolate chips, candied orange, or pistachio crumbs is an especially nice touch.