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Situated in the heart of Catania, Acqualavica offers an enticing journey through authentic Sicilian cuisine, expertly blending fresh, locally sourced ingredients into vibrant and memorable dishes. Whether you're seeking delicious starters, hearty mains, or indulgent desserts, this restaurant promises a diverse culinary experience that highlights traditional flavors with a modern twist.
Starters
Begin your meal with a selection of thoughtfully curated starters that showcase the rich bounty of Sicily. From crispy, golden lingotto di caciocavallo ragusano paired with a vibrant zucchini and basil dip, to the tender polpette di melanzane siciliane blending eggplant, mint, and creamy tomato sauce, these dishes awaken the palate.
- Lingotto di caciocavallo ragusano croccante e dip di zucchine al basilico — crispy ragusano cheese with zucchini and basil dip
- Polpette di melanzane siciliane — Sicilian eggplant meatballs with mint, tomato cream, ricotta salata, and caciocavallo
- Frittura mista di paranza secondo il pescato del giorno — mixed fried local fish lightly coated in flour and sea salt
- Polpo murato con cous cous tabulè — marinated octopus served with fresh vegetable couscous and aromatic herbs
- Caponata siciliana e piacentino ennese — classic Sicilian eggplant caponata with onions, zucchini, peppers, olives, pine nuts, capers, raisins, and saffron-infused cheese
- Zuppa di cozze e vongole con crostini di pane al finocchietto — mussel and clam soup served with fennel-flavored toasted bread
- Impepata di cozze, aceto di mele e crostino all’aglio fresco — black pepper mussels with apple cider vinegar and garlic crostini
- Fagottino di Speck e Mozzarella — savory bundle of speck ham and mozzarella with fresh tomato crudaiola, spinach, and black rice chips
Main courses
For the main course, Acqualavica presents a variety of dishes that celebrate Sicilian ingredients and culinary traditions. From the striking Risotto Acqualavica featuring cuttlefish ink, raw prawns, and buffalo stracciatella cheese infused with thyme, to the delicate Calagnocco potato gnocchi paired with tender calamari and aromatic thyme, every dish is a testament to regional flavors.
- Risotto Acqualavica — black cuttlefish ink risotto with raw shrimp and buffalo cheese with thyme
- Calagnocco — potato gnocchi with calamari and fresh thyme
- Caserecce alla griglia — grilled pasta with eggplant, zucchini, leek, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes
- Tonno scottato alla menta — seared tuna delicately infused with fresh mint
- Filetto di manzo alla messinese — scottona beef fillet with sautéed endive, anchovies, olives, chili pepper, and datterino tomatoes
- Baccalà da Pischaria — soft potato cod with olives, capers, and chili pepper
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with Acqualavica's exquisite desserts, praised for their rich flavors and delicate textures. The semifreddo, beautifully complemented by pistachio cream and berry jam, offers a refreshing and indulgent finale that perfectly balances richness and tartness.
Drinks and specials
Complement your meal with a curated selection of wines and beers, reflecting the vibrant beverage culture of Sicily. Acqualavica also offers daily specials that highlight the freshest catches and seasonal ingredients, ensuring each visit brings a new taste adventure.
