2,648 reviews
#175 of 2,168 Restaurants in Palermo$$ - $$$, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian friendly+39 091 326488+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Mon
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tue
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wed
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thu
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Fri
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sat
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$41.00 – $62.00
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, European, Deli, Healthy, Wine Bar, Sicilian, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant serve Tuscan food?
Details
About
Ballaro is an overlook on the soul of Sicily, a lively land and plenty of opportunities where you can create economy enhancing culture, images, smells, tastes and sounds. Osteria Ballaro contains these elements, a real market within the charming atmosphere of Palazzo Cattolica's stables. Our dishes value the simplicity as well as the wealth of Palermo and Sicily. We only use seasonal products, strictly at 0 km, starting from fish, to prepare recipes for every day menu. You can also combine the "street food" (from stigghiola to pani ca meusa, from pane cunzato to quarume), or a slow food platter of cheeses and cold cuts made in Sicily, with wines from our winecellar. For "traditionalists" who like "manciari in menzu strata" (eating in the middle of the road), we have set up a take-away outside.
PRICE RANGE
$41.00 – $62.00
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, European, Deli, Healthy, Wine Bar, Sicilian, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
2,648 reviews
Excellent
1,257
Very good
793
Average
324
Poor
158
Terrible
116
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TomTomekTom
Frankfurt4 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
We had the fish tasting menu and a bottle of wine. We did like the food very much, taste, texture, presentation was great. The only particularity was that every dish hand minced fish in it and we didn’t manage to find out, what kind of fish. It was all fresh and tasty though. The wine we had was good, too.
The service was attentive, friendly and simply professional. We were tired after a long day of sightseeing and the waiter and even the manager came to check on us and make sure we’re happy. The place has a lovely atmosphere and supports an romantic evening very much.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward C
Sliema177 contributions
Sep 2022 • family
When we visit Sicily we always look for authentic Sicilian food. For us this means simple, great tasty food using fresh ingredients.
Eating at Osteria Ballaro is anything but! It is surely not the Sicilian kitchen that we know and love. For starter we had the “Elementi di mare” This had like 6 different starters served in one plate. All kind of elaborate and I would more place it to a ‘French’ kitchen well surely not Sicilian. In fact we did not really know what we were eating. Afterwards we had the pasta with seafood, basil and sea urchins. Well the sea urchins we did not taste and it did not feel like Sicilian at all. I am not saying that the food was not tasty but for me it is surely not Sicilian.
The venue is very original and beautiful
We were also charged 10% coperto.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Osteria B
hi, our cuisine is not a typical Sicilian cuisine. It is a cuisine that looks at traditional dishes by revisiting them and that creates new ones. Therefore it is not a simple cuisine. Our products are all Sicilian, even the wheat with which we make the fresh pasta he ate. The pasta he ate contains an emulsion of sea urchins as well as well written in the menu also in English. Didn't pay 10% service. In Italy, the receipts must indicate how much of what you pay will then be paid to the State and that is what you have read and thought was the service.
Written September 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
133joan
81 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
My husband and I were impressed with this restaurant as soon as we entered. We were asked for our immunization card, all servers were wearing masks correctly. Tables were well spaced and guests were seated with as much space between us as possible. All of the staff paid great attention to detail and were courteous and helpful with the menu. The food was excellent, well timed and presented. It was a very enjoyable meal and we felt very special there!
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aude d
Bagnolet19 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
We had chosen the Osteria to have a really nice family meal to end our vacation and this was a disappointment.
We came at the start of service with my husband and 4 yo son. They sat us in a table in the middle of the way (while the place was 90%) empty. Almost all the menu items we asked about were unavailable or not available with the ingredients on the menu.
The food itself was tasty but over-priced.
Service was extremely slow (2h for 1 main course and 1 desert) and not very good. The advice on wine pairing was particularly poor, which is very strange in a place with such a long wine list.
I would not recommend the place, there must be other better options in the same price range in Palermo
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Osteria B
We are sorry you did not find it well. It was a Sunday evening, at the end of a weekend, using only fresh products it can happen that the raw material of some dish ends and you don't have any in reserve.
The customer is free to sit at the table he likes best, especially if the other tables are free at that time.
Having a kitchen with not ready meals can happen a few more minutes of waiting. It rarely happens, it depends on the arrival time of the customers, an aspect that we try to manage at the time of booking because if 60 customers like that evening arrive at the same time, the waiting times inevitably increase.
Our sommelier always suggests wines, especially if requested by the customer, but before leaving them at the table they are tested by the customer. If the customer doesn't like it, the wine changes. Just say it. Beyond the correct combinations, there is the personal taste that we cannot always know. Just say it.
Written July 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greta
6 contributions
Jun 2022 • solo
Tried a few (mid ££-£££ priced) seafood restaurants in Palermo (won’t mention names to be fair) and I live in London so used to spend 50/60 GBP min for a ‘decent’ dinner but Osteria Ballarò is well overpriced for Palermo and for what I actually ordered. I would have expected a 45 euro (max 50 euro at the very max) for what I ordered. At the end I felt a bit disappointed as the value of my dinner did not really reflect 59 euro paid (and the seafood eaten was really little quantity for such price).
The tartare was extremely good but slightly overpriced (in Milan for the same you probably pay 15- 18 euro max) and the real waste of money was the second dish, really 3 super tiny baby squids (big like a thumb) with a sort of ‘spinach’ filling inside , no side coming with the dish but only a very light zucchini cream and very little seafood in the plate for a 22 euro dish, really off market and not worth it.
For same price in Palermo (or more extensive cities like Milan) you can get much nicer seafood or better dishes at a slightly lower price.
Service was good and staff were welcoming and friendly but I won’t come back, I am afraid.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oana m
Varese22 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Elegant place but disappointing food. Very high prices for what they offer. The menu from the internet site is not correct. One of the rarest occasions that I had to leave food in the plate because it was un- eatable.I would not recommend them to anyone
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliet R
Seattle41 contributions
May 2023 • couples
Ballaro came highly recommended, so we were excited to find a place to celebrate my 75th birthday and made a reservation way back in February for a May visit. But it was not a pleasant experience. We were placed at a tiny table right right next to two long tables from a very loud and, no doubt, happy tour group of about 30 people. It was so loud, in fact, that we could not even have a conversation among our selves. Finally we could not take it any longer and my husband threatened to leave unless we were moved. . We were put in the rather charming front room and so thought things would get better. But they did not. No one came to take our order for a long time, while those around us were all accommodated and even brought their wine and food. Finally my husband flagged someone down and we were able to place our order. It was a quite long time before our first course arrived, but it was delicious and that cheered us up. But then, long after we finished it and the plate taken away, there was another long wait of more than 30 minutes. Finally we got our main courses. Mine fish was dry and had clearly either been cooked too long or left on a warming tray too long in the kitchen. Such a sad thing in a kitchen that prides itself on its fish. So, overall, we were not happy and would not go back or recommend it to others.
Written May 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorenzo G
Rome9 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
We were visiting Palermo and on the advice of a "gastronomically reliable" colleague from Palermo, we booked a table at Osteria Ballarò.
The expectations were very high given the premises, but the experience at the table definitely exceeded them. In a well-kept historical environment, we were able to "enjoy" the palate, from the appetizer to the dessert, consuming dishes which, in terms of presentation, harmony of flavours, evident quality of the raw materials, I would dare to define as a starred restaurant, as well as the service which it was truly flawless. A compliment also goes to the cellar, which offers a wide and high-quality choice of wines and, in my opinion, at an adequate cost. When we return to Palermo (hopefully soon), the visit to Osteria Ballarò will be one of the essential stops.
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Written April 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sianyp777
Leicester31 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
A gorgeous, relaxed restaurant in Palermo, which is perfect for a special meal. It’s in a converted barn space, and is part of the ‘slow food’ movement which means the food is seasonal, brilliantly prepared and deliciously fresh. They cater for vegetarians and meat-eaters, and as you’d expect in Sicily, it is heavy on the fish. Friendly and helpful staff explain the dishes and if you love your wine then you have come to the right place. We were here for my husband’s birthday and had a great time. Do book if you are thinking of coming as we managed to get a table but were very lucky as the place filled up fast
Written March 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LjWrwc
Redwood City76 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
Best eggplant parmigiana and lasagna I’ve ever had. The lasagna used wonderful fresh pasta, and had wild mushrooms and ground lamb. It’s also an enoteca, nice wine list. The waiter was able to recommend the perfect glasses of wine for each dish we had. Surprisingly busy for dinner on a Monday night - make a reservation or go right when it opens (at 7pm).
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karim Boustani
London1 contribution
Aug 2020 • couples
Went here for dinner and the food was quite expensive for what you got. The octopus in arabiatta and deep fried seafood were extremely chewy and did not taste fresh. The only good thing was the extensive wine list. Many better options around.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jontancock
Cambridge25 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Having attempted to fly into Catania for the first part of a 12 day visit planning on spending 6 days in Taormina and then on to Palermo, only to have flights cancelled twice, due to fire damage at the Airport terminal, we decided to change plans and fly directly to our second destination of beautiful Palermo, and oh, how glad we did!
Our first nights supper was spent at the excellent Osteria Ballaro, where we were greeted warmly be the head of house and further assisted by friendly and very helpful and efficient staff. Choice and quality of excellent pasta and seafood was amazing as was the huge wine selection, ably navigated by our knowledgable Sommelier.
The quality, ambience and value for money is outstanding and couldn’t recommend this restaurant more highly! We will be back! And soon! Excellent!
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aroundtheworld
Oxfordshire64 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
Everything about this place is just brilliant.
The restaurant is nestled in a stunning antique architecture with exposed brick, ancient pillars and ambient lighting creating a romantic atmosphere to enjoy your evening.
The food presentation is at Michelin start level, oozing with classic Italian flavours - everything we had was 10/10.
I recommend starting with the pistachio tuna and moving into the squid pasta which was the start of the show for us. We were also lusting over the caprese salad we saw so many others ordering but decided to save room for desert. Talking of desert, if you can’t decide on one, you will not regret the mix of 5 mini puddings.
The service was absolutely immaculate, and the waiters are happy to make suggestions on wine (they have 600 wines you can choose from). We had a natural white wine, again - delicious.
If you like good food, wine, calm and romantic atmosphere with reasonable prices - this place if for you.
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
proximalondon
London22 contributions
May 2024 • couples
My partner and I were excited to find an authentic Sicilian restaurant, and we decided to give Osteria Ballarò a try. The location, tucked away from the busy roads, seemed promising, and our initial waiter was delightful.
However, our experience took a nosedive once we placed our order. Within an astonishingly short 2-3 minutes, our main dishes arrived, leaving us puzzled about their freshness. The vegetable selection was passable, but the meat options were far from authentic and disappointingly cold. We sent them back, only to have them reappear after a quick stint in the microwave—hardly the quality we expected.
To add insult to injury, when we expressed our disappointment to what appeared to be the manager, their response was dismissive: “You should have ordered something else.” Needless to say, we left without even touching our food.
If you’re craving Sicilian cuisine, I strongly recommend avoiding Osteria Ballarò. There are better options out there that truly capture the essence of this delightful culinary tradition.
Written May 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mirage
London19 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
We went here as recommended by our hotel concierge and had a lovely dinner - delicious food and great wine, but the service in particular requires a special mention. The waiters were very attentive, service was with a smile, and when they didn’t have any English breakfast tea the waiter even went out to get some from their sister bar across the road. Very happy customers, thank you!
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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