The Best Coffee in Palermo, Sicily

Usually when I write about the best coffee in a city, it’s a roundup list of a few favorites. But when I decided to write about the best coffee in Palermo (perhaps even in Sicily) there was one spot that stood out among the rest: Vago Rizzuto.

Don’t get me wrong – there’s an undeniable charm to walking into a traditional Italian coffee bar, ordering an espresso at the counter, and drinking it right there alongside people who make this part of their daily routine. 

But the truth is, if you like specialty or third wave coffee, most Italian coffee will not be for you. Most cafes use robusta, which has that strong burnt flavor that overpowers any potential nuance. Of course, there are always cappuccinos, but expect these to be on the milkier side (and never order one in the afternoon!).

That said, there are a few honorable mentions that I think are worth your time when in Palermo. These combine some specialty coffee chops with tradition to round out your cultural experience.

Vago Rizzuto: the Best Specialty Coffee in Palermo

Vago Rizzuto is unlike the specialty coffee shops we have become accustomed to. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the wall behind the bar; rows and rows of coffee in bags and jars, as well as teas and bottles of liquor (you can get a drink here too!).

The cafe has also not fallen in line with the bright minimalist coffee shop aesthetic that has spread worldwide. A refreshing change from a design choice that has become trite.

The word I might use to describe the bar area is messy, but with this messiness comes a sense of authenticity and so, so many options. Not only do they have beans from all over the world, in different roasts, and varietals, but they also have nearly every preparation method to choose from.

Would you like your coffee made by an AeroPress? Done. How about a pour over? You got it. A chemex or traditional espresso machine? Yes and yes.

With all these options the customer might get overwhelmed. But the owner, who is usually at the shop, is passionate about his craft and more than willing to offer his recommendations. 

We ordered an espresso based on the owners’ recommendation and decided to try the Geisha varietal from Finca Volcan Azul brewed with the pour-over method. Both were delightful.

I do recommend you ask about pricing before you order, as some of the coffees are quite expensive. We knowingly ordered a €15 espresso to try something we hadn’t had before, but you wouldn’t want to be caught off guard with a price tag like that!

Vago Rizzuto also has delicious pastries and a menu of “snacks”, which might as well be complete meals. All in all, it’s a great place to stop for coffee, whether you’re an aficionado or an unfussy coffee drinker.

Coffee Shops in Palermo, Sicily: Honorable Mentions

While in my opinion Vago Rizzuto is the best game in town, it’s not the only one. Part of Sicily’s charm is in its history as a cultural melting pot, which are reflected today in its architecture, food, and traditions.

For that reason, I’d be remiss not to mention some of the city’s historic haunts, which merit a visit to complete your Sicilian coffee experience.

Ideal Caffè Stagnitta

Ideal Caffe Stagnitta offers a nice compromise between history and modern espresso brewing. Founded in 1922, the cafe is steeped in nostalgia: the interior remains close to intact and is lined with beautiful black and white photographs. While they have several locations, the original cafe has maintained its old-school charm.

The cafe also offers a variety of specialty single origin beans, including an Indonesian Kopi Luwak and a Rum Fermented Colombian varietal. It’s worth visiting if you have the time!

Bar del Corso

If you’re looking for a coffee shop that honors tradition to its fullest extent, you have to go to Bar del Corso. The coffee shop opened in 1950, and remains in the family to this day. The decor is simple and nondescript, and the focus is fully on the coffee. 

The shop still uses the traditional manual lever coffee machine, and does not cater to modern whims like sugar sachets. You come, order coffee at the bar, drink it, and go – an authentic Italian coffee experience from start to finish.

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