Vermut - Salumeria, vineria, vermouth bar — Restaurant in Catania

Sicily #1, Catania #1, Bar #1: I originally found this place on Google Maps due to the volume of high ratings. However, we stayed nearby and this place was always packed, so I think we would have found it on our own :)

This was the first bar and first stop of our Sicily trip. Located on a very cool, lively street this is an awesome bar. If you like vermut, you'll be very happy as they have a huge variety and prices are great here. If vermut isn't your thing, they also have plenty of wine and beer, too!

We tried to come back another night, but it was full. We made a reservation for another night, but we were too late (oops!). As you can see, this place is very popular. Highly recommend and will be back the next time I step foot in Catania!

Other bars we liked in Catania: Cascia (aperitivos near the fish market), Cru (wine bar where you can play vinyl/records from the adjoining record store), Città Vecchia (just a few mins from here; cocktails, beers,...

This is a very special place and so many locals gravitate towards it because of the special atmosphere.

We were surprised to find it because we associated Vermut with the Spanish/Catalan custom similar to aperitivo in Italy.

But we found it to be a great place to have drinks and various interesting local snacks.

I think some of the negative reviews probably come from confusion about the service and availability of tables. That's understandable because it can seem a bit chaotic and sometimes they have promised tables at one part to the many local Sicilians who wait in the street until they can be seated at a table across the street. (The staff manage both places at the same time.)

Just ask if a table is available. Yes, the staff constantly get dragged away to do different things but we found them all to be kind and helpful, as well as speaking good English.

This place is unique and, I think, absolutely...

I was deeply disappointed with my experience at Vermut Salumeria in Catania. Never in my life have I been treated with such disrespect. We arrived at the place and, under scorching heat, waited an hour and a half for a table while several people who arrived after us were quickly seated. When we questioned our table, the staff repeatedly told us we were next or that they had forgotten about us, dragging out our suffering for a long 90 minutes.

To make matters worse, due to the long wait, it was too late to look for another place. Additionally, the same staff member told every new customer that the wait would be just 20 minutes, which was clearly not true. This place is clearly a tourist trap that ruined our experience in Catania. I do not recommend it at all. Avoid Vermut Salumeria at all costs.

Moreover, honesty is a fundamental aspect of good service, and the lack of it only worsened...