Caveau 38 — Restaurant in Palermo

I visited the restaurant with my wife during our honeymoon. Upon arrival, there was no one to greet us, which made it unclear whether the restaurant was even open or if there was a free table. After some time, we managed to sit down. The waiter, who did not speak a single word of English, asked us to settle in before bringing the menu. About 10 minutes later, we were served an appetizer of octopus with burrata and a tomato-basil sauce, along with a glass of sparkling wine. The dish was fine, but nothing remarkable.

Only afterwards did we finally receive the menu, and we ordered the mix tartare as a starter. To our astonishment, this dish – which requires no cooking at all – took an unbelievable two hours to arrive. During this entire time, we were not offered water, wine, or even an explanation. We had to call the waiter ourselves and request at least two glasses of wine to ease the wait. When the dish finally arrived, not only was it far from exceptional, but the fish was poorly cut — we even found fibers and small bones in it.

After another 40 minutes with no sign of our main course, we decided to leave. I patiently explained to the chef that I understand the concept of slow food, but that making guests wait nearly three hours without any attention is simply disrespectful. Instead of showing understanding, the chef reacted arrogantly when we told him we were leaving, and still charged us €50 for the tartare and the two glasses of wine.

I have dined at many restaurants and know how to recognize quality in the kitchen. There is certainly potential here, but without a doubt, this was the most frustrating dining experience I have ever had. We went with an open heart, willing to enjoy the evening, but left hungry, disappointed, and upset.

This was meant to be a special occasion during our honeymoon, and I regret that it was marked by such long delays, poorly prepared dishes, and lack of care. I sincerely hope the chef and the team understand that waiting time, respect, and customer attention are essential parts of any dining experience. Sadly, I cannot recommend...

Best meal in three weeks of travel in Italy. Chef Francesco has created a uniquely marvelous restaurant focusing on many different seafood dishes. We started with the seafood tartare platter which was outstanding - approximately 7 different types of raw fish, each with a distinct and fantastic flavor. We moved on to a pot of clams, calamari and shrimp steamed in a light tomato broth and finally a fish saltimboca. Everything was excellent. Chef Francesco takes the time to stop by and speak with everyone. Finally, in his own words, “ this restaurant is not designed for tourists” - which should alone give a traveler...

"Caveau 38 is a culinary gem in Palermo, where Chef Francesco’s passion for exceptional food and presentation shines through. An experience that delights not only your taste buds but also your senses. The restaurant's atmosphere exudes a warm, inviting ambiance with tasteful décor and attentive service. Throughout the evening, we were treated to a live music performance, creating a truly entertaining experience. With fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques, Chef Francesco crafts an unforgettable dining experience that delights the senses. Don't miss the opportunity to savor his...