OSTERIA DEI VESPRI: AN ELEGANT, YET APPROACHABLE CULINARY JOURNEY IN PALERMO, ITALY
The Cost - $58 per person
The Atmosphere – Set in the charming and secluded Piazza dei Vespri, Osteria Dei Vespri offers a serene dining experience in the heart of Palermo. This lovely square, closed off to major traffic, provides a peaceful ambiance perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to soak in the historic surroundings, including the restaurant’s direct neighbor, Palazzo Gangi, the beautiful urban palace that played a role in the movie The Leopard. The square itself has seen famous battles, and today, it stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant past. Smart casual is the dress code, and reservations are recommended.
Osteria Dei Vespri is helmed by two brothers who have crafted a menu of traditional and contemporary Sicilian cuisine, elevated by exquisite presentation and the use of fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant, which has been open for 25 years, serves the same menu for both lunch and dinner. With Michelin Guide recognition and a wine cellar containing over 650 wines, Osteria Dei Vespri has been a favorite among foodies and wine lovers for quite some time.
The Order – Almond Cream and Squid, Anelletti with Octopus Ragu, Duck and Black Pork Fat, and a Bignolata.
The Fantastic – The Anelletti with Octopus Ragu was a standout. This traditional Palermitan ring-shaped pasta was cooked with a light, fresh ragu made using saffron and red wine, draped over octopus carpaccio with wild fennel. The U-shaped presentation on the plate was visually stunning, and the flavors were delicate yet vibrant. As compared to a meat ragu, this ragu was much lighter but was just as delicious. The octopus carpaccio added a sophisticated touch, elevating this pasta dish to must-try status.
The Great – The meal began with the Squid with Almond Cream, beautifully presented with small pieces of tender squid atop an exceptional almond cream. The addition of bottarga (tuna roe) added a delightful saltiness that complemented the cream well. Despite its small portion, this sophisticated and creative dish exemplified the artistry and attention to detail that sets Osteria Dei Vespri apart from the typical, less expensive osteria.
The Duck and Black Pork Fat course was equally impressive. Slices of perfectly cooked duck breast were accompanied by boneless leg meat stuffed with herbs and Sicilian wild black fig. The dish was finished with red pepper and orange sauces, artistically splattered across the plate like a Jackson Pollock painting. The duck breast was particularly delightful, while the leg meat offered a nice flavor contrast. The sauces, which provided an unexpected flavor combination with the duck, added depth and actually complemented the meat very well, and the black pig lard was a welcome addition that really showed creativity and technique.
Dessert brought the Bignolata, a custard creation featuring Chantilly cream, black currants, and a rich chocolate sauce made from 66% cacao from the Ivory Coast, poured over delicate puffs tableside. The dish, which is a play on the traditional Sicilian sausage rolls called bignolati, was garnished with powdered sugar and edible flowers. This dessert was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate. The combination of flavors and textures, especially the lightness of the puffs combined with the wonderful, rich chocolate sauce, made for a lovely conclusion to a wonderful meal.
The Verdict – Osteria Dei Vespri is an experience that captures the essence of Palermo's culinary heritage while embracing modernity and creativity. From the excellent dishes to the charming location, every aspect of the meal delighted the palate, the eyes, and the mind. For anyone visiting Palermo, a meal at Osteria Dei Vespri is definitely recommended.