Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab — Restaurant in Catania

This small fish fast-food spot is right in the city center, on a street near the main square where during the day there’s a fish market. The smell of fish is noticeable, but you can get used to it. The place had many positive reviews and always seemed busy, so I decided to try a fish’n’chips style cone.

The staff was very friendly. The first time I went, I was told they didn’t serve fries, but I could get the fried cone on its own, which was fine. My order arrived within a minute or two, and it came with a plate, napkins, and lemon wedges. The fish was fresh, the batter crisp, and the quality of the seafood was excellent. Even as someone who normally doesn’t enjoy fish and seafood, I liked everything I tried.

It was so good, that a few days later I went back. The cone was just as good as the first visit, served the same way. This time there were more small octopus pieces, which slightly dominated the mix compared to shrimp or calamari and other fish, but it was still very tasty.

Overall the food is fresh, high quality, and consistently well prepared. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to try some seafood in a casual, fast-food...

Sicily #5, Catania #5, Seafood #1: was recommended here by a friend. Scirocco is located just outside the fish market and has a pretty solid menu of food.

We ordered: cartoccio di mare senza spine (boneless) €8, insalata di polpo 🐙 €8, and un bic di vino bianco €3,5; €1 servizio per ticket.

The fried seafood cones are actually quite a lot of food. Different pieces are better than others. In conjunction with a salad (or really any other item), it's plenty of food for two. The octopus salad was very tasty, too. While each item was very good, it wasn't mind-blowing. I would, however, happily go back.

The white wine they serve is quite good IMO (the brand is quite common all over Sicily). The various people working here when we visited were super friendly (and made a few jokes). It's fast casual as you order and then your name is called and/or food is delivered.

After lunch, you can hit the fish market for some oysters and another...

We like this place. Friendly energetic service. You order at the window. Hopefully you are at the correct window. We stood at the “wrong” window for 10 minutes before someone sent us to the other. The cooked items took 15 min to arrive while the tramezzini (sandwiches) came quickly. Fried items arrive with fresh lemon. The cartoccio di calamari was hot, not at all greasy but a little firm and overcooked. The tramezzino di gamberi bianco (white shrimp sandwich) was on wheat bread- fresh and cool with lemon mayo and basil. We loved their in-house sparkling sodas, esp the mandarino verde (green orange). Someone will call your name and deliver the food to you. There are outdoor tables & a small indoor area that is only slightly cooler than outdoors that fills quickly. Have someone go in and save seats while you stand in line. It was worth the wait but waiting in line the sun...