Il Sale Art Cafe' — Restaurant in Catania

In-depth Review for “Sale” via Santa Filomena:

Nestled in the heart of the city, “Sale” via Santa Filomena beckons the discerning diner with a promise of an extraordinary experience, and it unequivocally delivers on every count.

Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the restaurant’s refined ambiance. It’s clear that every design choice has been made with meticulous precision, offering a backdrop that marries contemporary aesthetics with classic elegance. Soft, ambient lighting complements the sophisticated decor, casting a warm glow that invites patrons to relax and truly savor the experience.

The menu, while replete with tantalizing options, led me to opt for the Sicilian pizza and focaccia. The pizza, a veritable canvas of vibrant colors and textures, presents a tantalizing interplay of flavors that dance on the palate. Each bite is a testament to the chef’s commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients and crafting dishes that resonate with authenticity. The focaccia, meanwhile, is a revelation in its own right. The exterior provides just the right amount of crunch, giving way to an interior that’s the epitome of softness – a balance that speaks volumes of the skill in the kitchen.

Service, often an overlooked aspect of dining, is where “Sale” truly shines. The staff embodies the very essence of hospitality, moving with a graceful efficiency that never feels intrusive. Their deep knowledge of the menu and attentiveness to diners’ needs ensures that every guest is treated with a level of care that’s become increasingly rare in today’s dining landscape.

What’s even more remarkable is that such a top-tier experience comes at a price point that belies the sheer quality on offer. It’s a testament to “Sale’s” philosophy of making exceptional dining accessible, a gesture that’s sure to be appreciated by gourmands and casual diners alike.

In sum, “Sale” via Santa Filomena isn’t just about food, service, or ambiance in isolation. It’s about the alchemy of these elements coming together to craft an unforgettable dining narrative. It’s a must-visit, not just for those in search of a meal, but for those seeking a...

Unfortunately this place was a real disappointment. The quality and flavor is an insult to the usual amazing standard of Sicilian food. Tasteless. There are chips (!) on the fritto misto plate that tasted like they were out of a packet. There was no pride in what was served, the waiter we had was arrogant and put pressure on us to order multiple times when it was quiet, and within a few minutes of us arriving. I honestly thought it was hard to go wrong with eating out in Catania until now. I know and understand what good food is. Subjectivity isn’t even a valid argument in this case. Avoid this place, don’t waste your time.

Edit: the response is very interesting. I want to reiterate that this is the only bad food experience I have ever had in Sicily. We gave the staff every opportunity to do the right thing. We didn’t complain as we we found the waiter very intimidating. I don’t actually remember being asked if my food was ok at any stage but if they did I must have been not at my best after the bad experience. Don’t accuse people of hiding behind reviews when you don’t...

Warning! They DO NOT like tourists and will treat you as lesser customers. Il Sale Art Cafe is the kind of place that will tell you "5 more minutes" for two hours then call the police on you for leaving. Remarkably rude staff who refused to explain our delay while surrounding customers who arrived later were served comparable meals before us.

EDIT to address the owner's fraudulent response:

The staff asked for the order within two minutes of seating us, not 30, and we needed a couple minutes longer to choose (perfectly normal). The restaurant was not full until after the order was placed. No entrees were ever served over the two hours spent there, meaning it is impossible for them to have been sent back to the kitchen. The owner should be ashamed for claiming this. Please do not LIE to the people reading this review, it makes your apology worthless. Learn from this, be honest, and treat all customers...