Trattoria da Salvo

The quality and quantity of seafood is spectacular. We each ordered the 20 euro grilled seafood platter: a whole dorade (sea brim) calamari, squid, prawns and swordfish. As a man with a hearty appetite, I would say that this was twice as much food as I should have eaten or, under most circumstances, could have eaten, but it was delicious and I was not about to let anything go to waste. What surprised me is that the three women I was with also kept up (though my wife hardly ate for the next two days).
Were I to go again, I would probably order the whole fish, as that was the most tasty and special, and I would hope that mia moglie would order the swordfish so we could share. The gigantic prawns were also good. Grilled squid is still rubbery and rather tasteless … I prefer my calamari breaded and fried … but hey, if you’re into grilled squid, go for it. The ambiance is on the cheap side (wine out of plastic glasses), but that is part of the charm, as the tables are spilling right out on the street. The parade of would-​be entertainers and flower hawkers is also over the top, but again, the ambiance will contribute to your never forgetting your evening.
One minor complaint. When the four of us sat down, the proprietor said that the seafood platter came with complimentary wine and asked if we’d like a liter or half-​liter to start. We said a liter, but they only brought a half. We remarked on this, and the waiter said, «A half liter is enough for you!» (Sounds like a certain Seinfeld episode, doesn’t it?) We waited around for refills fruitlessly, and eventually one of our party simply got up and chased down a waiter whenever we wanted more wine. We simply couldn’t seem to get it across that when our pitcher was empty, that they should bring more. The waiter apparently didn’t like it, but we let it roll off our backs. At the end of the evening, the proprietor tacked on another 10 euros for the wine, which seemed fair given the quantity but a bit puzzling given the premise. All-​in-​all, this misunderstanding didn’t spoil the evening and just seemed part of the ultimate Palermo waterfront dining experience.
Note: Da Salvo’s is also known as Padre Aldo’s and has been written up as such in many publications, including the New York Times.