In Palermo, one of the best friggitorie fried food shops is I Cuochini, which sells arancini rice balls, timballini di pasta deep-fried pasta, pasticcino a sweet pastry filled with mince and sfinciuni, a soft flat bread topped with tomatoes, onion, anchovies, cheese, toasted breadcrumbs and oregano.

I Cuochini – Hidden behind the tiny door on Via Ruggero Settimo between the Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama is one of the oldest gastronomia in the city, open since 1892. You’ll be in-and-out relatively quickly–this place is the precursor to Palermitano street food–as you’re here to order an assortment of mainly-fried, miniature bites from their long counter. Must Order: Panelle and i pezzi di rosticceria (“little pieces”): pasticcini con carne (bread filled with meat sauce), calzone, crocché di latte (fried milk)

If you are among those who cannot resist a rich breakfast, like me, then I Cuochini deli is your kind of place. Founded in 1826 on the bourgeois Via Ruggero Settimo to satisfy the taste of Sicilian aristocrats, it has since become a must-see for all. Products are freshly made in-house, and they range from the popular balls of fried rice stuffed with meat or cheese, krapfens (fried dough with ham and cheese filling), pasta timbales, and the unmissable pane e panelle (a sandwich roll with slices of fried chickpea flour).

Said to have originated in the 10 thcentury during Arab rule in Sicily, arancine are one of the island’s most famous foods. A crumbed and deep fried ball of risotto rice cooked in ragu- they make a great snack, or a meal even as some are about the size of a small orange (it’s where their name comes from too as they are said to resemble little arancia or oranges). We love the ones at I Cuochini- a hole in the wall joint that’s been churning out mini arancine since 1826.

Since 1826 this rotisserie has been making flavours that these days are hard to find. Close to the Politeama Theatre, inside the doorway of a courtyard, a famous small spot, tidy and clean with a large window separating the kitchen from the bar. On the counter every speciality of arancine, “panzerotti”, wondeful timbales, savoury doughnuts, focaccia with chickpea-flour “panelle”, croquettes, all prepared there and then.

Located near Piazza Castelnuovo and the stunningly gorgeous Palchetto Della Musica garden, this casual eatery serves up some of the best street food in Palermo. The selection of brioche, cannoli, croissants, and other tasty sweet treats are perfect with an espresso or latte. If you want a full meal, try some of their dishes with fresh mozzarella and perfect prosciutto.

These deep-fried rice balls are gooey, sticky and delicious. You can these and more decadently fried treats like timballini di pasta (deep-fried pasta) and pasticcino (a mince-filled sweet pastry), at I Cuochino. This hole-in-the-wall bakery is the real deal, it’s been here in Palermo since 1826.

I Cuochini is a tiny bakery where you’ll find typical Sicilian snacks such as little meat pastries and panelle (fried chickpea flour) sandwiches. Everything here is homemade and is described as an institution and therefore a must-try when visiting Palermo.

I cuochini (Politeama): rosticceria storica nascosta nel cortile di un antico palazzo che serve le specialità palermitane in versione mignon.