Nni Franco U Vastiddaru — Restaurant in Palermo

I don't get the hype I guess. The terrace was really dirty with leaves and dust everywhere. Pigeons constantly trying to land on the tables and fly under the parasols and over your food, leaving a filthy smell. The service was extremely slow. Not just that (I had time), I had to beg to be served. Each time she saw me and nodded, each time she just ignored me for 10 more minutes. I know it was, busy but all other tables, including whole families arriving after me, got served first. I don't know what I've done to make me hate her but she had me convinced she just didn't want to help me. Finally, after multiple attempts, I got to flag down another waiter who was visibly annoyed because the lady was apparently supposed to help me, not him. When I asked what it was the table next to me where having he showed me a different, more expensive thing on the menu that turned out also to be waaaay too much for one person to eat. Why would you advice that and let me order another thing on top as well? The food is dirt cheap so it didn't really matter, it just doesn't sit with me well especially since I asked for advice on the menu. Lastly the food is extremely greasy. I get that's kind of the point since it's all fried, it's just that I had tried most of the things I ordered already at other places and from the ones I can compare to, these were the worst. So much oil you could barely make out the flavours, everything kinda tasting the same. The place certainly has a vibe about it, I guess it's just really not my thing. I have to give it little stars just to let Google know not to recommend me any place...

If you want to experience the real Palermo—the genuine, authentic, and flavorful kind—a stop at 'Nni Franco U Vastiddaru is an absolute must! Located just steps from the sea and the historic center, this historic venue is a street food institution, known and loved by Palermitans and tourists from around the world.

Here you'll find the best of Sicilian culinary tradition: bread with spleen, panelle and croquettes, arancini, sfincione, caponata, octopus, sausage, irresistible fried foods... all freshly prepared and with a flavor that captivates you from the first bite. Each dish exudes the aroma of history and the taste of authenticity.

The atmosphere is always lively and welcoming, perfect for a quick but flavorful stop. And despite its fame and constant flow of customers, the staff is always friendly, fast, and helpful: impeccable service, even at peak times.

'Nni Franco U Vastiddaru is a symbol of Palermo, where you can eat well, spend a fair amount, and enjoy an experience that goes beyond a simple meal.

A legend of Sicilian street food, not...

Umm, not exactly what we expected. Service was decent and friendly, waiting times were alright, but all the food we've ordered was a total miss (expect Aperole haha). Aubergines in every dish - super dry and the sandwiches over the top "bready". The pork meatball sandwich could've been easily fixed by adding marinara to it (sorry ir it's not "typical", but it would've been miles better) - the meat was great, but it was squashed inside a toasted roll without enything else. So double dry. Triplo sandwich was a complete pass.

The place gets a lot of tourists, I can only presume because of some sort of local fan base. After touring Sicily for week and having tremendous food, it's a pain to get into a trap like this unfortunately. If I'm missing something,...