Hello dear
Welcome to Il Borgo di Federico
Il Borgo di Federico, nestled in the heart of Catania, Italy, is a culinary gem that offers an authentic taste of Sicilian cuisine at unbeatable prices. Located just a five-minute stroll from the Duomo, this vibrant eatery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. With an impressive antipasti buffet and standout dishes like the famous penne alla Norma, diners rave about the rich flavors and generous portions. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere, combined with efficient service, makes it an ideal spot for exploring unique offerings, including horse meat specialties. A visit here promises a satisfying and memorable gastronomic experience.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
About
Il Borgo di Federico
Welcome to "Il Borgo di Federico," a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Catania, Italy. Located just a short five-minute stroll from the iconic Duomo square, this charming eatery effortlessly captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant boasts a cozy atmosphere, perfect for both locals and visitors eager to dive into Sicilian flavors.
One of the standout features of Il Borgo di Federico is its dedication to providing authentic dishes at incredibly affordable prices. Diners rave about the generous portion sizes, making it an excellent choice for those with hearty appetites. As Lev Lukashev notes, the quality and quantity here are impressive. This is particularly evident in their local specialties, where you might find unique offerings like horse meat, presented in delightful ways, as well as a vibrant selection of antipasti.
The antipasti buffet is a must-try, showcasing an array of Italian appetizers that cater to diverse palates. Customers often find that sharing this abundant spread is an ideal way to start the meal. As Amanda Montgomery shares, the famous penne alla Norma is a highlight that delivers rich, flavorful experience, making it a dish you won't want to miss.
Another culinary delight worth mentioning is the variety of meats prepared in traditional Sicilian styles. TT O also praises the exceptional taste of the horse meat meatball, which offers a unique twist on a classic dish. The careful crafting of each recipe is evident in every bite, elevating the dining experience beyond mere sustenance into something truly memorable.
The ambiance at Il Borgo di Federico further enhances the experience, with plenty of outdoor seating allowing guests to soak up the vibrant Catanian atmosphere, even during busy hours. Despite the hustle and bustle, the service remains impressively efficient and friendly, creating a welcoming environment emphasized by the kindness of the staff as highlighted by Theodora Delibasoglu.
If you’re visiting Catania, I highly recommend making a stop at Il Borgo di Federico. From hearty pastas to tantalizing meat dishes and an extensive antipasti bar, every dish is a celebration of local flavors. Prepare to leave satisfied, both in belly and spirit, at this delightful Sicilian treasure.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Perfect place if you planning to try some local Sicilian/Catanian dishes for a ridiculously cheap price considering the quality and portions size. Restaurant is located 5 minutes away by walk from the Duomo square. Plenty of seats outside and even though it tends to be quite busy and crowded, service is impressively efficient. P.S they serving horse meat in here as well, so if you want to try it, you’re in the right place. P.P.S portions are huge so do not order both first and second courses as you’ll struggle to finish it. Highly recommended ”
“ Great taste of meat. First time to try Horse meat meatball in Sicilian way. It’s a great choice. The vegetable bar is also interesting where you can enjoy all kind of Italian appetizers. The beef is done in a thin sliced way where wasn’t to my favorite, but it can still be tasty. Bacon with green onion, pork with pistachio are both interesting to venture. You won’t regret visiting here. ”
“ Loved the cozy, local vibe and reasonable prices. The pasta was delicious—especially the famous penne alla Norma. Rich, flavorful, and perfectly done. Definitely coming back! ”
“ Our Airbnb host recommended this place, and overall we were extremely satisfied with both the food and the price. We started with the antipasti buffet. While the quality was excellent and the flavors were amazing, the portions were surprisingly large. Next time, I’d probably skip the buffet and try something else from the menu. The service was also excellent; our waitress was incredibly kind and helpful. Highly recommended! ”
“ This place came on recommendation from our Airbnb host. We went specifically for the anti pasti and we were not disappointed! It was insanely delicious! We then went for the pizza and mushroom risotto. Both excellent. ”
“ €5.50 penne alla norma, ordinary, too salty, €1.50 polpetta du cavallo, horse meat ball, taste like sweet beef, too salty; €1.00 cafe, espresso, super strong, super small; €3.50 Cotoletta di cavallo alla grigtia (Grilled Horse cutlet) €4.00 Aperol Spritz €1.50 coperto cover charge Everything in good portion. ”
“ This place is great! Large diversity of food, all tasty and delicious, decent prices and their starter philosophy is amazing: you have an open bar with a lot of choices that you can fill up a plate with! Have visited it several times during the time I was there and it never failed to deliver! ”
“ This restaurant felt like a true local gem — not touristy, just honest food and a warm atmosphere. My spaghetti alla carbonara had great texture and flavor, though I missed that peppery kick and the egg was slightly overcooked. My husband’s grilled shrimp were excellent — fresh, juicy, and full of flavor. Despite it being a weekday evening, the place was full, which says a lot. Definitely a place to try if you want a taste of how locals eat. ”