Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo
A long-standing, rustic trattoria serving authentic Sicilian pasta and seafood at incredible prices, where diners can leave their mark on the walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long-standing, rustic trattoria serving authentic Sicilian pasta and seafood at incredible prices, where diners can leave their mark on the walls.
"Outstanding food for the price; the pasta is truly unbelievable and worth every bite."
Visit Early for Lunch
Avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed dining experience by arriving early for lunch service.
Ask for Recommendations
Staff can guide you to specific food recommendations, ensuring a great dining choice.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sicilian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Sicilian Pasta
Experience incredible value with classic Sicilian pasta dishes that are both delicious and affordable, making every bite a true taste of the region.
Rustic Charm & Wall Art
Diners can leave their mark by drawing on the walls, adding a unique, personal touch to the restaurant's rustic and charming atmosphere.
Delectable Seafood & Meatballs
From expertly prepared seafood to must-try meatballs, indulge in traditional dishes bursting with authentic Sicilian flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early for Lunch
Avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed dining experience by arriving early for lunch service.
Ask for Recommendations
Staff can guide you to specific food recommendations, ensuring a great dining choice.
Don't Miss Stuffed Squid
The stuffed grilled squid dish is a highly recommended specialty not to be missed.
Embrace the Local Art
Join in the tradition of leaving your mark by drawing on the restaurant walls.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early for Lunch
Avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed dining experience by arriving early for lunch service.
Ask for Recommendations
Staff can guide you to specific food recommendations, ensuring a great dining choice.
Don't Miss Stuffed Squid
The stuffed grilled squid dish is a highly recommended specialty not to be missed.
Embrace the Local Art
Join in the tradition of leaving your mark by drawing on the restaurant walls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo is celebrated for its outstanding value and delicious, authentic Sicilian cuisine, particularly its pasta dishes. While many praise the rustic ambiance and friendly service, some diners have noted issues with the bread's texture and occasional inconsistencies in service, especially during busy periods.
"We decided to visit because of the great reviews here, TikTok and YouTube. The vibe is pleasant and it’s not as busy during lunch service.
The prices are great with a bottle of house wine at 12€, and primi piatti (pasta) at 9€, plus a big bottle of water. Total we paid - 31€.
Definitely worth a visit, and comparable to other restaurants in the area."
Nia B
"Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo offers outstanding food for the price. The pasta is a standout dish and truly unbelievable. While slightly over-salted for our preference on the squid ink pasta, the flavor was still exceptional. However, the bread was unfortunately too hard. One unique aspect of the restaurant is that patrons are encouraged to draw on the walls, adding to the rustic charm. Overall, a highly recommended experience!"
P W
"An interesting place. The food was tasty and beautifully presented. The music was very loud, and I really felt for the staff who were running around as if training for the next Olympics — that’s how busy it was. I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to miss this experience."
Albert eldar Eiríksson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners highly recommend the pasta dishes, especially pasta alla Norma, and the polpette di sarde (sardine meatballs). The stuffed grilled squid is also a specialty.
The restaurant is very popular, especially at lunchtime, and can get busy. Visiting early for lunch or being prepared to wait for a table is advised.
The restaurant offers outstanding value for money, with pasta dishes typically around 7-9 euros and house wine also very affordable.
Yes, diners are encouraged to draw on the walls, which adds to the unique, rustic charm of the restaurant.
The atmosphere is described as rustic, charming, cozy, and informal, with outdoor seating available on a terrace.
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Tutti i turisti durante il loro giro per la città fanno tappa alla Trattoria Ferro di Cavallo per capire di che “stoffa” è fatta la cucina locale. L’odore che arriva dalla cucina è irresistibile e scegliere se provare carne o pesce è quasi impossibile, per questo, lasciamo alla caponata il compito di aprire le danze: la salsa è densa ed in bocca resta subito il sapore vivace dei capperi, piccoli gioielli siciliani. Mentre siamo intenti a capire qual è la differenza sostanziale tra questa e le altre caponate che abbiamo provato ci viene svelato il segreto: i dadini di sedano vengono fritti proprio come le melanzane e poi uniti alla preparazione.
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Translating to ‘horseshoe,’ this twee little trattoria just off Via Roma is always packed full of hungry locals come lunchtime. It has a super cosy, old-fashioned interior with a pretty terrace area outside, and is known for its excellent value pasta dishes, all priced at 7 EUR (at the time of writing). Choose from Sicilian classics like pasta alla norma (pasta with eggplant and ricotta cheese) and sarde e finocchietto (pasta with sardines and fennel), and finish with some deep fried fish and a wedge of lemon.
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The story of Ferro di Cavallo unfolds like a vintage family recipe, with Franco Ciminna at the helm, crafting dishes that have stood the test of time. From the humble post-war beginnings to the present, this trattoria has evolved into a haven for those seeking authentic Sicilian fare. The menu boasts old-time favorites such as bollito di vitello and polpette di carne, served in a rustic yet charming setting.
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In this traditionally impoverished region, just about anything is on the menu. This next dish won't be for everyone, but there's no getting around the fact that it is a classic part of Sicilian culture. Carne di cavallo, or horse meat, is definitely an acquired taste, but it's one that you should try if you're looking for a truly authentic Palermo experience.
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This mid-range Palermo restaurant is no-frills, all-flavour!. Ferro Di Cavallo is a basement‑style trattoria dripping with football memorabilia and local charm, offering half‑portion options so you can taste more dishes without overdoing it. Think seafood linguine, stuffed squid, and hearty Sicilian cooking at fair prices.
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Bright red walls seem to rev up the energy to high levels in this ever-busy favorite, but the buzz is really about the good, simple food served at very reasonable prices. A decent antipasti platter offers a nice sampling of panelle (fried chickpea fritters) and other street food, but…
The nights in Palermo are lively and charming
Just a few steps away from the market, crossing Via Roma, there is a little trattoria, perfect for a traditional Sicilian dinner, Ferro di Cavallo is its name (Via Venezia, 20). Ask for mixed starters to try the classics, and don’t miss the swordfish rolls and the eggplant rolls.
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Horsemeat may not be popular in some parts of the world, but it’s a delicacy in Sicily. Instead of opting for the same old boring burger or sausages, seek out a vendor selling carne di cavallo. You may not even miss the beef once you try this type of traditional local fare.
Where to eat in Palermo?
Osteria Al Ferro Di Cavallo: historic and traditional, this osteria on Via Venezia is the perfect spot to taste all the classics of Sicilian cuisine. The only way to book is by going with a group—a great excuse to enjoy good food together!
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Description: traditional eatery right in the centre, frequented by locals especially at lunchtime. Traditional menu, homely and informal service, excellent cuisine. Specialities: pasta with anciova, sardine meatballs
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Petit Jazz Bar does not have a kitchen but those wishing to dine can easily take advantage of the Trattoria Al Ferro Di Cavallo which is located in Via Venezia n.20, right next to cortile Dominici.
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Dinner on the night of our arrival was at Ferro di Cavallo - Via Venezia 20. We enjoyed the food and atmosphere.
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