Pasticceria Spinella

Pasticceria Spinella is a pasticceria and bar at Via Etnea 292-298 in Catania, opposite Villa Bellini, operating since 1936 and known for its arancini. It stands a few doors from another well-known pasticceria on the same stretch of the main street, and the two are often compared by visitors and residents who sample both. The arancini, the fried rice balls that are a symbol of Sicilian street food, are available with ragu and with pistachio, among other fillings, and are shaped in the conical style associated with Catania. The counter also offers cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, granita with brioche, and a range of Sicilian pastries and savoury rosticceria items. Granita with brioche is the traditional warm-season breakfast, eaten by dipping pieces of the soft bun into the semi-frozen flavour, with almond, lemon, coffee and pistachio among the typical choices. The venue is a busy counter and bar with some seating, a lively atmosphere in the morning and at lunchtime, and a mix of local office workers, families and visitors strolling Via Etnea; no dress code applies and the noise level is high at peak times. Coffee and soft drinks are the main beverages, with no wine programme to speak of. Prices are low, commonly EUR 2 to 4 for an arancino and EUR 3 to 6 for a granita with brioche, so a light meal is EUR 6 to 10. Opening hours are not confirmed in the listing, though pasticcerie of this type generally open early and stay open into the evening, so visitors should phone +39 095 327247 to check. Reservations do not apply, since the shop works on counter service. As is common in Italian bars, ordering at the counter standing is cheaper than sitting at a table. The position opposite Villa Bellini makes it easy to combine a pastry stop with a stroll through the gardens, and the cathedral and Piazza Stesicoro are a walk away along Via Etnea.