Step one to living the Sicilian lifestyle? Eating like one.
Ages
4+
Duration
3 hours
Departs
Mon-Sat 10:30 am
Highlights
Get lost in the whirlwind of Palermo’s best street market, Ballarò and its 1000-year history, taking a bite out of the softest sfincione (local style pizza) and sipping on Italian beer 🍕🍺
Sip on espresso from a century-old roastery ☕
Fall in love with smoky, slow-grilled stigghiola and mangia e bevi from the Palermostreet food royalty 🫅
Step into a stunning monastery ⛪ and skip a long line found within to discover sinfully good pastries made with recipes handed down through centuries.
Tour Description
Immerse yourself in the warmth of true Southern hospitality by tasting its most famed Sicilianstreet food. From historic piazzas to Palermo’s local style of pizza and arancine, this street food tour is the real deal. Visit the iconic Ballarò Food Market and learn about the hidden history of local vendors who form the heartbeat of the community.
Taste heaven as you indulge in an iconic dessert made in a famous monastery-turned-bakery and recover from your food coma with a properly-brewed espresso made in a caffè that’s been hailed as one of the best independent coffee shops in the world.
As you walk off the beaten path through the stunning Albergheria district, you’ll be privy to legends of flavor that have been passed down through generations of Sicilian families.
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!
"Innocenzo was fun, smart, professional, and enthusiastic. He provided us with a unique and wonderful tasting/tour experience. We truly enjoyed tasting local foods and drinks, as well as lovely the community and family feel in Palermo.
Innocenzo took us to the local food places that the tourist would probably never know about, providing us with a a true sense of the city and the people. We also learned a great deal about the history of Palermo and Sicily in general, and specifically when we happened by historical churches, homes, etc. He also highlighted how things had changed since Palermo was virtually destroyed in WW II.
My only regret for this day of the tour is that I ate breakfast and couldn’t really enjoy all the food prepared for us. We will know for next time.
"
Sausage & mangia e bevi (traditional grilled meats)
Arancine (fried, filled rice balls)
Cannolo (iconic Sicilian dessert)
Sicilian craft beer
Partannina (Sicilan soda)
Water
Espresso
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
Via Nicolò Palmeri,
4 Palermo
Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag
What Makes Ballarò Market and Palermo's City Center Special
Ballarò is Palermo’s beating heart — a sprawling, centuries-old market where the city’s Arab, Sicilian, and African roots collide in the most delicious way possible. Its chaotic lanes overflow with towers of seasonal fruit, buckets of olives, fresh tuna carved on the spot, and street food vendors who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations. A few euros gets you a paper cone of crispy panelle, a warm arancina the size of your fist, or a slice of sfincione eaten standing between the stalls. Ballarò doesn’t wait for you — it grabs you by the senses and refuses to let go.
The city center surrounding the market tells Palermo’s layered story in stone — baroque churches beside crumbling Norman arches, sun-bleached piazzas tucked behind grand Spanish-era palazzi. But the best discoveries here are always edible. A hole-in-the-wall pasticceria boxing up cannoli filled to order, a family trattoria where the pasta con le sarde recipe hasn’t changed in decades, a corner bar where the espresso is strong and the conversation stronger. Palermo’s center feeds you the way it has always fed its own — abundantly, proudly, and without a single reservation needed.
What people are saying
5.0
★★★★★
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.
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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
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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!
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Carl Johnson
28 Oct 2025
Best Food and Historical Tour Ever Innocenzo was fun, smart, professional, and enthusiastic. He provided us with a unique and wonderful tasting/tour experience. We truly enjoyed tasting local foods and drinks, as well as lovely the community and family feel in Palermo.nInnocenzo took us to the local food places that the tourist would probably never know about, providing us with a a true sense of the city and the people. We also learned a great deal about the history of Palermo and Sicily in general, and specifically when we happened by historical churches, homes, etc. He also highlighted how things had changed since Palermo was virtually destroyed in WW II.nMy only regret for this day of the tour is that I ate breakfast and couldn’t really enjoy all the food prepared for us. We will know for next time.
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Mireille G
17 Oct 2025
Such a great tour with Innocenzo. So much food! And drinks. Innocenzo also gave us a lot of information about not just about the food, but Palermo’s much layered history. A most worthwhile tour.
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Karen Reu
15 Oct 2025
Such a great tour with Innocenzo. So much food! And drinks. Innocenzo also gave us a lot of information about not just about the food, but Palermo’s much layered history. A most worthwhile tour.
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Karen Reudavey
15 Oct 2025
Eating Europe was a wonderful experience. Our guide Julia was fun, very knowledgeable about the food of Palermo and took us to a variety of great restaurants.
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Judith McAuliffe
13 Oct 2025
Our family of six enjoyed a private evening food and wine tour led by the fabulous and friendly Guisi (pronounced Juicy) through the old section of Palermo. She introduced us to the history and culture of Palermo and the four quadrants that make up the town. Guisi is a proud culture bearer of Sicily and she explained in great detail the food traditions of the area. Tomatoes, anchovies, bread, eggplant, and pasta are the staples of Sicilian cuisine and we had the opportunity to try them all in various dishes throughout our walk. She wove a wonderful narrative around these food staples and we enjoyed it immensely. We learned to make pizza, enjoyed caponata, bruschetta, panelle, and cannoli, among other bites. We enjoyed our time so much that our adult kids have decided it was among the top highlights of our world travels together as a family. Guisi felt like family by the end of our evening together and we hope she will one day visit us in New Orleans!
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Liz Creel
10 Oct 2025
Phenomenal street food tour guided by the wonderful Giosi. She hand picked the oldest, most established cafes, bakeries and food vendors to give us the most local experience possible. With insights into the history, geography and people of the area we walked through the streets together tasting a great variety of local delicacies, alongside Sicilian sodas, beer and finished with an espresso.
Highly recommend this tour, and in particular this guide, our trip wouldn’t have been complete without her.
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Tara Alisandratos
09 Oct 2025
Great Street Foods! Giusi was a fantastic guide. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Great personality. And chose foods that bring out daily life in Palermo.
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Michael M
08 Oct 2025
We had an amazing food tour of Palermo with Giusi of Eating Europe. Her fun and informative tour was top notch. She took us to some incredible food spots where we sampled delicious foods. Giusi was so much fun and extremely personable throughout the entire time. She curated tastings involving the classic Sicilian ingredients eggplant, tomato, oregano and various cheeses covering bruschetta, pizza and Arab based dishes culminating in pasta alla Norma modernizing on the classic. Absolutely delicious. Thank you!!
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Marc Silverstein
05 Oct 2025
Authentic Street Food of Palermo Awesome experience. Mauro was a knowledgeable and helpful host. He used humour to move us along and to add to information. 3 hours didn’t seem long enough. We would’ve liked to spend more time at places but we know the street food hosts were cooking for the public and didn’t have time to spend with us. Mauro gave us ample information specific to the place. Excellent!!! Thank you and we’ll be recommending this to others. Ciao.
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Escape02761970946
05 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.
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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:
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