Engage with a local pizzaiolo and learn how to make the perfect Sicilian-stylepizza in a palazzo from the 1300s 🍕
Taste classic ‘caponata‘ at a truly unique restaurant housed in a building from the 15th-century!
Indulge in the best of Sicilian desserts like cannoli at ‘Bar Costa’, synonym of excellence in Palermo 🤌
Enjoy traditional ‘cunzata’ (Sicilian bruschetta) and street food. Find true happiness while snacking on ‘panelle’ and ‘crocchè’
We never forget the drinks. We’ve got you well covered with a selection of the best Sicilian wines! 🍷
Tour Description
Indulge in the best Sicilian cuisine with our complete dinner journey. Jump with us into the heart of Palermo, Sicily’s capital, and discover how centuries-old recipes have shaped Italian cuisine worldwide 🌎
Together, we’ll delve into the historical city center and La Kalsa, one of its most ancient neighborhoods, echoing the era of Arabic rule. We’ll introduce you to the artisans behind Palermo’s rich flavors, uncover the exotic and Middle Eastern influences in Sicilian food‘s history, and experience breathtaking views.
Trust us: cannolo do taste better when you’re admiring Belle Epoque architecture under the southern Italian sunset! 🤩
Dietary Information
Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
Why Eat with Us?
Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Palermo locals.
Palermo’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.
Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.
Cultural Immersion: See Palermo through the eyes of a local.
Established Expertise: More than a decade of experience in Italy. We’re simply the best food tours in Palermo!
"This was the third Eating Europe Food Tour we’ve taken and it did not disappoint! It’s clear that much care went into selecting the locations to fully represent the many culinary offerings in Palermo and Sicilian cuisine. Giusi, our guide, took pride in sharing “her” Palermo with us and in cultivating an engaging tour that was delicious and informative. We especially enjoyed learning about the history of each of the restaurants and meeting the chefs/owners who exuded pride in their establishments–something that would never happen if we were on our own. This was the perfect end to our vacation in Sicily!
"
Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Meeting Point
P.za Giuseppe Verde Palermo, PA 90138
Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag right in front of the theatre!
What Makes La Kalsa and Palermo's Historic Center Special
Palermo’s historic center is a magnificent, chaotic collision of cultures — Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Italian all layered into one extraordinary city. Its streets swing between crumbling grandeur and raw everyday life, baroque churches standing next to bustling street markets where vendors shout over each other selling swordfish, blood oranges, and piles of wild fennel. The famous markets — Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo — are the city’s true kitchens, where street food is an art form: panelle, arancine, stigghiola sizzling on open grills, and pani ca meusa handed to you dripping and perfect.
La Kalsa, the city’s oldest quarter, carries a quieter, more mysterious energy. Once the Arab rulers’ fortified citadel, its tangled lanes mix crumbling palazzi with wild gardens and hidden galleries. The food reflects that same spirit — traditional Sicilian trattorias alongside inventive new kitchens, old-school granita bars next to natural wine spots, all within streets where every cracked facade tells a thousand years of story.
What people are saying
5.0
★★★★★
TONs of food, lots of history, great time Had a great time with Innocenzo. Had way, way more food than I ever could have hoped for— designedly do not eat before joining the tour! Highlights were the monastery cannoli where we got to skip the line and the sfincione pizza. Great time, highly recommend.
read moreread less
Liam G
21 Sep 2024
Awesome food tour in Palermo We absolutely loved the Eating Palermo Food Tour. Our guide Innocenzo was fantastic, and he took us to lots of really interesting places that were serving delicious, high-quality and authentic street food. Innocenzo explained to us the history and culture of the food we were sampling and interspersed this with stories from his childhood and youth growing up in Palermo. We highly recommend this tour if you are looking for an authentic foodie experience in Palermo.
read moreread less
Jason D
15 Sep 2024
Wonderful food tour!!! What a perfect way to get a food tour of Palermo, visiting all the hidden gems and finding out about the city, its culture and food origins. Giusi was a fun, knowledgeable and interesting. The whole tour was very smooth and she kept us entertained and well fed!!!
Highly recommended!
read moreread less
draganadenkovski
14 Sep 2024
Just wow!!! From beginning to end it was a real education in local food and history behind it. Giusi was such a brilliant host and nothing was too much trouble for her. Her passion for food and her sunny personality was contagious. We will definitely be booking again and would thoroughly recommend 11/10!!!
read moreread less
Susan M
08 Aug 2024
Magical way to tour Palermo at night Excellent way to experience Palermo decided at the last minute to book a food tour and so glad we did we were fortunate to make our own pizza, drink wine, learn about the wonderful history of Palermo from Bennie a true local and find some historical gems. We even had some food at a restaurant that was previously a brothel the entire city comes to life at night and you will not be disappointed. The food and culture is amazing and the tour is a wonderful way to experience both!
read moreread less
Karin N
12 Nov 2025
Benni was a great host, friendly and knowledgeable about the food and our environments.
The food we sampled was excellent - simple and very tasty.
Highly recommended - probably the best of 3 different food tours I have had in Italy.
read moreread less
Phillip Smith
11 Nov 2025
We had a wonderful tour with Innocenzo. In addition to a detailed street food-market tour, he provided a rich discussion of Palermo architecture and Sicilian cultural and political history. Terrific guide
read moreread less
Gary Moak
07 Nov 2025
A very enjoyable and informative tour. Food was traditional Sicilian and was very good and interesting. Our guide Mario was outstanding, very knowledgeable about the food and the city and the country. Small group made it more intimate and provided very open dialogue and discussions. Great night!
read moreread less
Carl Johnson
28 Oct 2025
So happy & full Just got back to the hotel from this tour with Benni. The food was delicious & so was the wine. I took my parents on this tour after a long day of flying. We were able to get a taste of everything & our guide did an amazing job explaining the food, its origin, & how it gained popularity in Sicily. We were also able to scope or places we want to go back to or points he pointed out during our walks. The highlight for me was listening to him & my 82 year old dad discussing the process of making olive oil. Def recommend this to anyone wanting an intro to Palermo!
read moreread less
Cosmopolitan288508
26 Oct 2025
Great Time So much fun. Great food and great stories. Would definitely recommend and do again! Great immersion to Palermo food and culture
read moreread less
Sophia R
21 Oct 2025
Hidden Palermo fun! Must do! Our guide Inno was very knowledgeable and very entertaining!! So much fun!! And the food was delicious (even with all of my limited options due to being gluten free and lactose intolerant—they were so accommodating!) . If you’re looking for a different experience in Palermo this is a must do!
read moreread less
Connie R
17 Oct 2025
A fantastic Palermo experience We had a fantastic tour with Giusi, she was friendly, chatty, told us some great stories, and showed us some excellent places. We had 5 in total on the tour which was the perfect size. My highlight was the Sicilian pizza. We got great value for money, and at no point did the tour seem too long. Overall we would highly recommend this tour
read moreread less
Dave
17 Oct 2025
Why Eat with Us?
#1 food and drink experience in Europe - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!
Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Palermo’s food scene.
Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.
Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included
Dining with Purpose
We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.
Our Palermo food tours are led by locals who grew up between the market stalls and the kitchen table. They know which vendor has the best panelle, which grandmother makes the ricotta cannoli by hand, and which backstreet trattoria hasn't changed its recipe in fifty years. They share Palermo the way it's meant to be experienced — loudly, generously, and with food that tells the story of a city shaped by a thousand years of culture.
Giusi
Ciao, my name is Giusi, born and raised in Palermo. After 10 years abroad, I came back to my town, following the luke of arancine!
Since I was a child, my favorite dish and comfort food is pasta with green peas. Growing up, I have improved the recipe and sometimes I propose it during formal dinners at my place
I love strolling around and getting lost in the narrow alleys, discovering new corners of my city. See you in Palermo!
Innocenzo
I was born in the south coasts of Sicily but at the age of 8 moved to Palermo where my family was originally from. Educated in Palermo until the age of 21, then moved to England to complete higher education. In 2007 I came back to Palermo because I missed it too much and even more its food!
Maybe it’s easier to say what food I don’t like… Sicily is heaven for me who have a terrible sweet tooth… hell for my slimming diet purposes!
Try to wonder off the beaten path and you will discover the real Sicilian welcoming spirit and food! Dare with street food! Don’t ask what is it! Simply eat it and you will love its overwhelming taste!
Victoria
I’m Victoria your local Brit-Palermitan guide here to fulfil your culinary needs ‘n’ curiosities
My favourite dish in Palermo is… hmm… the LOT! So as long as it tickles my taste buds and warms my soul then I’m happy.
Palermo is the perfect place for food lovers! Are you ready to join us for an delicious, super tour?
Giulia
My name is Giulia, 100% sicilian and 100% in love with sicilian food.
My favourite dish is my mum’s Caponata
When in Palermo don’t miss a walk through the Kalsa neighbourghood to discover its history and beautiful graffiti
Benedetto
My name is Benny, I'm 25 years old and I have been living basically in every neighborhood of Palermo!
I am a simple Italian: I have been fed with pasta since 1999, by my dad. But, despite that, deeply inside I have a weakness for chocolate!
How do I keep my fit shape? I walk a lot around the city, always hungry for food and new stories!
Frequently Asked Questions
General Tour Information
Is a food tour in Palermo worth it?
Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Palermo and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.
What food is Palermo famous for?
Sfincione or panelle is frequently listed as the most famous food to originate from Palermo.
What’s included in the price of the food tour?
All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.
How long are the tours?
Our Palermo tours range in length from 3 to 3.5 hours.
What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?
Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. You might explore La Kalsa or Ballaro Market!
What is the group size?
Our tours have maximum capacity of 12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Palermo.
I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?
We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.
Food and Drink
What kind of food will we taste?
You will savor Sicilian and Italian specialties, exploring Palermo’s unique flavors shaped by centuries of cultural influences and street food traditions. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Are drinks included?
Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.
Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?
Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.
Are portions enough for a meal?
Yes. On each of our Palermo tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.
Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?
Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.
Booking and Payment
How do I book?
Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.
Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?
We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.
What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?
Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.
Accessibility & Safety
Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?
We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.
Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?
Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!
What should I wear?
There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.
Are tourists welcome in Palermo?
Yes, absolutely! Palermitans are proud of their city and are happy to share it with visitors who embrace its unique character. The warmest welcomes are found when visitors appreciate the rhythm of local life—whether that’s by supporting the vibrant local markets, being mindful of noise in the historic alleys of the Kalsa district, or simply showing respect when visiting the city’s beautiful churches.
That spirit of mindful travel is at the heart of what we do. Our small group food tours are designed to connect you with the real Palermo, introducing you to the local families behind our favourite vendors and sharing the stories that make the city so special.
Tour Experience & Expectations
Will the guide speak my language?
Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Italian as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.
Do I need to tip the guide?
Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!
Will we visit the same places as other tours?
No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Palermo tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.
Do you offer private or custom tours?
We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Palermo tour to suit your specific needs.
Palermo’s Coastal Christmas: Traditions, Lights, and Festivities by the Sea Palermo is famous for its history, sure, but most people have no idea how amazing Christmas is here. This sun-soaked, historic city might not have the icy winters you find up north, but that doesn’t stop it from putting on...
Once upon a time, corporate events were all about ticking boxes: stick to the agenda, get everyone in the room, call it a success. But that approach doesn’t really fly anymore, especially in Europe. Things have shifted. Now, it’s just as much about what people feel as what they learn....
Palermo has a rich history, culture, and unmistakable energy that’s reflected proudly in its local markets. These are places where people gather not just to buy fresh produce and local delicacies, but to experience the essence of Sicilian life. Bu...
Sicily’s storied history has seen it under the control of Greek, Arab, Norman, and Roman forces, all of which have left their mark on the island’s cuisine, including Sicilian desserts. Italy has a reputation for having some of the finest sweet treats on the planet. However, as you’ll know if...
La Vucciria Market has a rather misleading name. Sure, it was once a traditional bazaar where vendors sold everything from fresh catches and quality meat to local veggies, but today, it looks a little different. Though many old-school stalls still stand, it’s also become a bustling hub for al fresco...
A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.
Private Tours
A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™
Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.
LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS
Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.
CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS
Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!
DISCOUNT CODES
Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.
AMENDMENT POLICY
We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:
Food tips, travel inspiration, and special offers across Europe. Always free.
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.