This little gem is worth seeking out in Catania, especially if you look for vegan and/or Gluten-free choices! I was very impressed by this restaurant - considering that I'm not very much into the "healthy style" restaurants, but this one is outstanding - very fresh and tasty food for a reasonable price. Service was attentive and friendly, food is great and the decorations are very nice... Looking forward to going back & totally recommend this little restaurant to everyone!!!
Edit: As I only return to the places that I like the most, it was the time to return to Sicily and, therefore, I had to return to Cuore Fresco in Piazza Duomo, Catania.
Looking at the menu, I discovered that, apart from the healthy and tasteful sandwiches and salads, they are serving burgers now!!! My choice was the Sicilian burger (when in Sicily!!!), taking into consideration the ingredients - 200gr Piedmontese fassona hamburger, burrata cheese, crispy bacon, confit tomatoes, caramelized onion, pistachio cream, pistachio pesto, bread with sesame seeds (copied from their website). Now, I like to enjoy a gourmet burger from time to time, but this one was the Godfather of the gourmet burgers!!! Very tasty, full of local ingredients, but combined in manner that I wouldn’t think of… My wife had a delicious vegan Mumbo toast, served with rocket, orange and balsamic cream (triple toast, hummus, arugula, beetroot, dried tomato and almond pesto, grilled zucchini, avocado, red onion from Calabria), and the kids had mini burgers.
The place was almost full, and I noticed that they are very strict with the pandemic regulations compliance - actually, they allow less people inside now. Since we discovered this healthy place, we enjoy going back there - our friends that followed our recommendation told us they liked their menu, since they offer fresh local ingredients, and as well vegan and gluten-free options.
Keep your cuore fresco, Cuore Fresco! And see you guys...
Read moreNew Resto in Catania, Well worth a visit!! Cuore Fresco is truly a refreshing change for Eateries in Catania! Translation is “Fresh Heart”! Their logo is: Vivi bene e...mangia Sano! Live well & eat healthy!
Staff were handing out menus on the main square in Piazza Duomo so we were curious to indulge! Plethora of delightfully, prepared paninis to go or stay & enjoy! The display, upon entrance is mouth watering. Multi grain breads & more.
Loads of of options on the menu! Gluten free, vegan, meat lovers! Medley of gourmet paninis, focacce, salads, mixed fruit shakes with a vast variety of fruits! Selections of shakes include rehydrating, slimming, digestive, calming, energizing! Alcoholic beverages , beer/wine also available! It’s Sicily!!
Cutting boards/Tagliere for 2 include options of cheeses, local cold cuts, various artisanal jams, basket of assorted breads & 2 glasses of Sicilian wine!
We opted for the Tagliere & it did not disappoint! See photos below!
Thanks to Violetta, owner/Manager we were able to customize our selections for our Tagliere! We requested a robust wine & she delivered!
Super amicable staff, ever so obliging! Delish experience!! Highly recommend a visit for a change from pasta & pizza! One 1/2 blocks north & west of Piazza Duomo! Via Erasmo Merletta, 13.
A feather in your cap & kudos to your Cuore Fresco adventurous...
Read moreTucked away on a charming side street near Piazza Duomo in Catania, Cuore Fresco is a delightful café offering a creative and vibrant vegan menu. While you can’t see the iconic Duomo from the seating area, the cozy location and relaxed atmosphere more than make up for it.
During my visit, I had the Vegan Mumbo Toast (€9)—a generously portioned, triple-layered toast that was an absolute feast for the senses. Each layer was packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients: creamy hummus, peppery rocket, earthy beetroot, sun-dried tomato and almond pesto, smoky grilled courgettes, creamy avocado, and sweet Calabrian red onion. The combination of textures and the balance of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors made every bite a joy.
The toast was served with a side of rocket and orange, lightly dressed with balsamic cream. The citrusy sweetness of the orange and the tangy balsamic perfectly complemented the richness of the toast, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Despite its modest location on a quiet side street, Cuore Fresco stands out for its dedication to fresh, wholesome ingredients and thoughtful preparation. If you’re exploring Catania and looking for a satisfying vegan meal that showcases creativity and flavor, the Vegan Mumbo Toast is a must-try. It’s a hidden gem that’s worth...
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