Catania is a fantastic destination for food lovers. Its lively markets, authentic street snacks, and rich Sicilian culinary tradition make it a perfect place to explore through a food tour. Unlike some cities where food is an afterthought, Catania’s vibrant food scene is woven into the city’s very fabric—from the bustling fish market to the elegant squares and historic streets. We particularly enjoy tours that mix local culture with authentic tasting experiences, like the Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure, which combines lively market visits with insider tips on the best local spots.
For travelers craving a deep dive into Sicilian flavors, these tours offer a range of options—from short, focused tastings to full-day culinary explorations. Whether you want a quick snapshot of the city’s street eats or a comprehensive wine and food journey, there’s something suited to your pace and interests.
1. Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure
At number 1 on our list, the Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure is a top-rated experience for its intimate small-group setting and rich insights into Sicilian cuisine. This 3-hour walk takes you through the heart of Catania, starting from the stunning Piazza del Duomo and winding through the historic fish market, where you’ll learn about Sicilian seafood and sample fresh catches. The guide also shares stories about local traditions while you explore landmarks like Museo Civico Castello Ursino and Piazza Mazzini.
One of the tour’s strengths is its diverse tasting stops—at market stalls and bakeries—and the chance to sample seasonal desserts. Guests consistently praise the guide for their knowledge and friendliness, describing the experience as both educational and delicious. The highlight is the opportunity to toast with local specialties and leave with tailored restaurant tips.
This tour is ideal for those wanting an authentic, hands-on introduction to Catania’s street food scene, especially if you enjoy small groups and local insights. The $74.15 price includes generous tastings and personalized attention.
Bottom line: It’s a well-rounded, personable tour for foodies eager to dig into Catania’s culinary soul.
2. Catania: Guided Street Food Walking Tour
For around $55.80, the Catania Guided Street Food Walking Tour offers a relaxed way to taste a variety of local specialties over 3 hours. This tour explores the Old Town, moving through bustling markets, historic squares, and lively streets. You’ll sample classic snacks like arancini, pizzette, and even horse-meat meatballs—an authentic Sicilian delicacy.
Led by Alexandra, the guide, this tour combines food tastings with insights into Catania’s history and urban fabric. Guests have appreciated the personal touch, noting how the guide’s knowledge enriches the experience. If you’re looking to understand more about the city’s traditions while satisfying your appetite, this tour hits the mark.
The walk involves some light strolling through busy streets and markets, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The tour’s value lies in its combination of cultural context and delicious bites, making it perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those who want a well-rounded city overview.
Bottom line: A friendly, flavorful introduction to Catania’s street food and history at a reasonable price.
3. Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre
At number 3, this Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre combines culinary highlights with a focus on Catania’s freshest seafood and historical sights. This 2.5-hour tour is especially appealing if you’re interested in the fishmongering traditions that are central to Sicilian cuisine. Visiting the lively Pescheria, you’ll learn how seafood is sourced and enjoy tastings of local specialties.
Led by a top-rated licensed guide, the tour balances food with sightseeing, including highlights of the city centre. Guests appreciate the engaging storytelling, especially when descriptions include local customs and the importance of fish in Sicilian diets. Tasting a variety of regional foods, you’ll get both a flavour and a cultural education.
This tour is particularly well-suited for those short on time but eager for an authentic experience. The price ($26.76) makes it accessible, and the combination of food and cultural insights makes it a great value.
Bottom line: Perfect for seafood lovers and those interested in Sicily’s coastal culinary traditions.
4. Catania: Street Food Walking Tour
Number 4 is the Catania Street Food Walking Tour, a 3-hour stroll through the city’s most delicious street bites. This tour offers a good mix of local food tastings—think arancino, granita, seltz, and cannolo—while exploring iconic spots such as Piazza del Duomo and Via dei Crociferi.
Guided by an expert who shares fascinating stories about Catania’s culinary traditions, the tour is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing with tasting. Reviewers consistently mention the engaging guide and the ample, authentic food experiences that make this tour stand out. The $47.83 price reflects good value for the depth of local flavor and culture packed into the walk.
Suitable for travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace with plenty of tastings, this tour is best if you want a comprehensive snapshot of Catania’s street food scene without a long day.
Bottom line: A solid choice for anyone wanting a mix of sightseeing, history, and delicious Sicilian treats.
5. Sicilian Soul: Winery Tour, Wine & Food Tasting in Catania
While most tours focus on street food, the Sicilian Soul Winery Tour offers a different experience—an elegant 1.5-hour escape into Sicily’s wine country. Visiting a historic organic farm or a lush garden, you’ll taste 3 different wines paired with local delicacies. This is a more relaxed, sophisticated experience suited to those who appreciate wine as much as food.
Guests have raved about the authentic farm-to-table offerings, which include olives and local specialties. It’s an intimate setting, perfect for wine enthusiasts or couples celebrating a special occasion. The guide shares insights into Sicily’s viticultural tradition, making this a cultural as well as culinary journey.
At $58, this tour offers good value if you’re seeking a memorable, taste-focused experience away from the busy streets. It’s ideal for those who want to combine wine with a taste of local food in a tranquil setting.
Bottom line: A refined, wine-centric outing for lovers of Sicily’s viniculture and artisanal foods.
6. Street food tour of Catania by night
Number 6, the Catania Night Street Food Tour, takes you into the city after sunset. For 3 hours, a knowledgeable guide introduces you to beloved local spots, from crunchy fried “crispelle” to refreshing granita. This tour offers a relaxed, atmospheric way to experience Catania with fewer crowds and cooler evening temperatures.
The tour’s best feature is its focus on hidden gems that only locals frequent—giving you a true taste of the city’s nighttime culinary scene. Reviewers appreciate the friendly guide and the ability to enjoy a variety of savory and sweet bites without feeling rushed. The $81.82 price includes all tastings, making it an easy choice for those wanting a comprehensive, informal experience.
Ideal for night owls or travelers who prefer to avoid daytime heat, this tour offers a different perspective on Catania’s food culture.
Bottom line: Great for evening explorers wanting authentic bites amid lively local spots.
7. Wine & Food Tasting on Etna’s Winery Private Tour
This private 4-hour tour offers a bespoke experience at Etna’s famous winery. Traveling in a private vehicle, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Mount Etna before tasting exceptional wines paired with Sicilian specialties. This is perfect for couples or small groups seeking a personalized, tranquil escape.
The guide, a sommelier, will introduce you to Etna’s volcanic wines, which are unique globally. Guests praise the intimate setting and the chance to learn about Sicily’s viticultural heritage firsthand. The included tastings of four wines and local foods make this a premium experience, worth the $358.68 price for those seeking exclusivity.
Ideal for wine lovers looking for a luxurious, private outing, this tour is less about quick bites and more about savoring Sicily’s wine culture in a scenic setting.
Bottom line: A top-tier, personalized wine experience for enthusiasts willing to invest in a memorable day.
8. Catania Market & Street Food departure from Taormina
For those based in Taormina, the Catania Market & Street Food Tour offers a full-day adventure. Over about 5.5 hours, you’ll explore Catania’s architectural sights, bustling market stalls, and taste local specialties. The tour covers key landmarks and gives a complete taste of the city’s street life.
Guests love the combination of sightseeing and eating, with many praising the guide’s local knowledge. The inclusion of a certificate and recipes makes it a memorable souvenir. The tour is best suited for travelers with a full day to spare and those eager to see more than just food—combining culture, architecture, and flavors.
The cost ($56.94) provides good value given the scope, especially if you want to maximize your time in Sicily.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for a comprehensive, day-long immersion in Catania.
$56.94 per person
9. Catania: The Sweet Side of Sicily
Sweet tooths will love the Sweet Side of Sicily, a 2-hour dessert-focused walking tour. It takes you through Catania’s most delicious treats, including granita and cannoli, with stops at iconic spots like the Fountain of the Elephant and Villa Bellini.
This tour is all about sampling the best Sicilian desserts while soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the variety of sweets and the cheerful guide who shares insights into the region’s confectionery traditions. It’s a perfect, quick indulgence for those craving sugar and culture.
At $54.66, it offers a sweet value for a focused, fun experience suited for dessert lovers or those with limited time.
Bottom line: A delightful, sweet end to your Catania adventure, especially for dessert enthusiasts.
$54.66 per person
10. Etna Wine Tasting with Local Food Bites in Catania
Last but not least, this wine and food tasting offers a quick, hour-long immersion into Sicily’s vinicultural heritage. Held in a charming baroque-style enoteca, you’ll sample four wines paired with traditional Sicilian bites like DOP products and slow food specialties. It’s a compact, flavorful experience ideal for a relaxing evening.
Guests describe the setting as authentic and cozy, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through Sicily’s wine tradition. It’s perfect if you want an introduction to local wines without a long commitment. The $58 price makes it a worthwhile option for wine-curious travelers.
Best suited for those with limited time or seeking a relaxed, high-quality tasting session, this experience adds a flavorful note to any trip.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers needing a quick, insightful taste of Sicily’s vinicultural richness.
$58 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Catania
When selecting a food tour, consider your main interests—whether it’s street food, wine, desserts, or a mix. If you love authentic street eats and want an immersive introduction, the Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure offers a personal touch. For those craving wine and a serene setting, the Etna Winery Private Tour stands out.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Fish Market & City Centre, while dessert lovers might opt for the Sweet Side of Sicily. For a nighttime experience, the Catania Night Street Food Tour offers a relaxed way to explore after sunset.
Think about your time availability and fitness level—most tours are between 2-3 hours, but some, like the Taormina departure, span a full day. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the private winery experience.
Final Thoughts
Catania’s food scene is full of flavors waiting to be discovered, whether through lively street eats, wine tastings, or sweet treats. For a quick, lively introduction, the Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed, exclusive experience, the private Etna Winery Tour is perfect.
Travelers with limited time should consider the shorter tastings, but those with a passion for Sicilian cuisine might want to indulge in a full-day experience like the Catania Market & Street Food Tour from Taormina. Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these flavorful adventures.