Catania is a treasure trove for food lovers, especially those eager to taste authentic Sicilian street food and explore local markets. Unlike many tourist-heavy cities, Catania’s vibrant food scene is rooted in tradition and local flavor, making it an ideal place for food tours. We love the Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure because it combines a walk through historic squares with tastings at the fish market and bakeries, giving a genuine taste of Catania’s culinary soul. The small-group setting ensures a personal experience, and the emphasis on local seafood and seasonal desserts makes it a true Sicilian experience worth savoring.
While exploring options, you’ll find a variety of tours including guided walks through markets, small-group tasting adventures, underground explorations, and even wine and food tastings at historic farms. Many tours focus on street food, but some combine history and culture, making them perfect for travelers who want to learn while they eat. Below, we’ve compiled the top 15 food tours in Catania, each offering a unique way to indulge in Sicily’s flavors.
1. Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure
At number 1 on our list, this highly-rated tour offers a 3-hour exploration of Catania’s street food scene with a local guide. You’ll visit the historic fish market, learn about Sicilian seafood, and stroll past landmarks like Piazza del Duomo and Via dei Crociferi. What sets this tour apart is its focus on local treats at market stalls and bakeries, plus a seasonal dessert finale. The small-group format ensures attentive guidance and plenty of interaction. The reviews are stellar, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guide Davide and the abundance of food, making it an excellent choice for first-timers craving an authentic taste of Catania.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a mix of history, culture, and delicious street food in a manageable time frame.
2. Catania: Street Food Guided Walking Tour
This tour is a classic 3-hour stroll through Catania’s most iconic food spots, starting at the Fountain of the Elephant. It covers five major stops, including the famous fish market and the Roman Theater, with tastings like Cannolo and Granita. The guide provides a lively narration of local street food traditions, making it ideal for travelers wanting a rundown of Catania’s culinary scene. The reviews highlight a fun, flavorful experience with a friendly guide.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a broad taste of Catania’s street food and a bit of sightseeing thrown in.
3. Catania Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better
At number 3, this small-group tour dives into Catania’s market stalls, food shops, and eateries. Led by a local insider, you’ll sample deep-fried seafood, cannoli, and more, all enough for a full meal. The tour also offers a chance to spot top attractions along the way, making it a mix of culinary treats and sightseeing. Guests mention the guide’s friendly manner and the wide variety of local delicacies, which makes this a solid choice for foodies who want to savor Sicily’s flavors without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking local culinary traditions with a relaxed pace and small-group intimacy.
4. Catania: Guided Street Food Walking Tour
This 3-hour guided tour explores Catania’s old town, emphasizing authentic street food and local stories. Starting at the Fountain of the Elephant, you’ll visit the fish market, via Crociferi, and other hotspots, tasting arancini, pizzette, and even horse-meat meatballs. The guide’s narration makes history and food come alive, with reviews praising the informative and friendly approach. It’s a versatile option for those who want a combination of food and cultural insights in a relaxed walking format.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a comprehensive city overview with plenty of tasty bites.
5. Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre
A shorter 2.5-hour tour, ideal for a quick yet immersive experience. It focuses on Catania’s lively Fish Market and city highlights, with tastings of local specialties. The tour is praised for its local guide and the way it combines history and food in a compact walk. Reviewers note the diversity of flavors and the personalized attention, making it a great choice for travelers with limited time but a big appetite.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a quick, high-impact taste of Catania’s culinary and cultural gems.
6. Catania: Underground and Street Food Walking Tour
For something a bit different, this 2.5-hour tour takes you beneath the city to explore ancient Roman ruins and secret passageways. After discovering underground sites, you’ll end with local street food and a drink in the market. The mix of history and culinary exploration makes it stand out. Guests love how this tour reveals hidden parts of Catania while satisfying their appetite for authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: Best for those intrigued by history and underground sights who also want a delicious food experience.
7. Catania: Street Food Walking Tour
This tour blends a 3-hour walk with tasting stops across Catania’s bustling streets. Highlights include local cheeses, arancini, and granita, with the guide sharing stories of Sicilian culinary traditions. The reviews reflect a friendly guide and plentiful food, making it perfect for those new to Catania or wanting a relaxed pace to enjoy local bites and cultural sights.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for first-time visitors who want to combine food and city exploration.
8. The Original Fish Market and Street Food Tour of Catania
This 3-hour tour is a fish lover’s dream, exploring Catania’s vibrant market with a local expert. You’ll sample Sicilian arancini, discover hidden lava tunnels, and enjoy street food known only to locals. It’s ideal for travelers eager for an immersive market experience paired with authentic Sicilian snacks.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want an inside look into Catania’s market culture with delicious food included.
9. Catania: The Sweet Side of Sicily – A Food Tour by Do Eat Better
This 2-hour tour focuses solely on Sicilian desserts, including Iris pastries and Torta Setteveli. Led by a passionate foodie, you’ll visit top pastry shops and hear stories about Sicily’s sweet traditions. The reviews mention the delicious variety and the tour’s engaging storytelling. It’s ideal for those with a sweet tooth wanting to indulge in local confections.
Bottom Line: Made for dessert lovers wanting an intimate peek into Sicily’s pastry culture.
10. Catania Street food tour by night
Taking place in the evening, this 3-hour walk combines Catania’s nightlife with authentic street food. Starting at Via Crociferi, you’ll explore illuminated squares and taste local fried snacks, granita, and more, all while enjoying the lively evening atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and local insights. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Catania’s evening scene without the daytime heat.
Bottom Line: A great option for night owls wanting to combine food and nightlife.
11. Catania: Guided Tour of Etna with Farm Visit & Food Tasting
This extensive 7-hour tour takes you from Mount Etna’s volcanic craters to an organic farm. You’ll learn about the volcano’s impact on local agriculture, visit a lava tube, and enjoy farm-to-table wine and food tastings. It’s a perfect choice for travelers wanting a full-day experience blending nature, geology, and gastronomy. The reviews praise the panoramic views and delicious local products.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to combine nature and food in a comprehensive tour.
12. Catania Street Food Tour
This 3-hour indoor-outdoor tour explores major streets and monuments, with tastings of arancini, street cheeses, and regional specialties. It’s a good pick for travelers wanting a cultural and culinary overview with minimal walking. Reviewers note the variety of flavors and the informative guide.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those looking for a compact taste of Catania’s street food with cultural insights.
13. Sicilian Soul: Winery Tour, Wine & Food Tasting in Catania
This 1.5-hour experience immerses you in Sicilian wine culture at a historic Palmento, tasting 3 wines paired with local delicacies. It’s a quieter, more refined experience perfect for wine enthusiasts or couples looking for a relaxing break. The reviews praise the informative guide and beautiful setting.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a more intimate wine tasting coupled with Sicily’s flavors.
14. Catania Night Street Food & Backstreet Tour with a Local
This 3-hour evening tour takes you down Catania’s backstreets, revealing hidden food spots and local cultural stories. You’ll taste less touristy street food and meet locals, making it a more authentic experience. Travelers love the friendly guides and the relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous eaters seeking a nighttime insider’s view.
15. Street food tour of Catania by night
This 3-hour sunset tour explores famous local spots for crispy fried snacks and granita while avoiding daytime crowds. It’s ideal for night owls and those wanting to combine dining and sightseeing in a laid-back setting. Reviews highlight the informal vibe and delicious tastings.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a relaxed, evening-focused food experience.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Catania
When selecting the right tour, think about your interests and schedule. If you want a rundown with sightseeing, Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure is a great pick. For a small, intimate experience centered around pastries and desserts, consider The Sweet Side of Sicily. Budget travelers might opt for the Fish Market & City Centre, which offers a shorter, more affordable experience.
Consider the time of day — the night tours provide a different vibe, perfect for warm evenings. If you’re into wine and local farm products, the Sicilian Soul winery tour is ideal. Lastly, check your fitness level: some tours involve a lot of walking, while others focus on specific sites.
Final Thoughts
Catania offers a broad spectrum of food experiences — from lively market visits and street food walks to wine tastings and underground explorations. For those craving authentic Sicilian flavors combined with local culture, the Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure and the Small Group Street Food Tour stand out as top choices. If you prefer a more relaxed, romantic setting, the wine and farm visits are perfect.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot on these highly-rated tours. Whether you’re a food novice or a seasoned gourmand, Catania’s food tours promise a taste of Sicily you won’t forget.
