Mangia & Bevi

This was recommended by a local who said it was not expensive and not touristy when we asked for a very good restaurant. We probably should’ve had reservations because the place was packed with Palermitane by the time we left. Really good food and wine. Amazing service, the best I’ve seen in the 9 days I’ve been here. Highly recommend. Always helps to know a little Italian to get by.

Very very cute place!
Traditional sicilian cooking is on the rise. This place has sort-​of Disneyfied it, creating an over the top décor with re-​used crates, checkered tablecloths, even a fake Palermo-​style balcony inside with laundry on it. Despite this, it has a hipster feel — the waiters have cute hipster/​checkered outfits too.
The menu has been clearly developed by a marketing company who has written a lot of interesting content about all the local products used in the seasonal menu (which changes twice a year).
I totally loved the «refried pasta» — something you could easily make at home, but you’d never really eat it out of the pan… feels like a sin!
One down point — the not good quality balsamic vinegar really doesn’t fit the theme — i suggested a local organic wine vinegar to the owner, who thanked me :)