Prestipino

Prestipino is a historic cafe and pasticceria at Via Etnea 34 in Catania, with a second entrance on Piazza Duomo, beside the cathedral square. It is a classic stop for a granita and brioche breakfast, a Sicilian ritual in which a semi-frozen flavoured ice, commonly almond, lemon, coffee or pistachio, is eaten with a soft brioche bun, usually dipped or torn and dunked. Cannoli, with their crisp shell and sweet ricotta filling, and arancini, the fried rice balls filled with ragu or other fillings, are also on the counter, along with other Sicilian pastries and sweets. The cafe's position between the cathedral, the Fontana dell'Elefante and the start of Via Etnea makes it one of the busiest refreshment points in the historic centre, and the atmosphere is lively, with a steady flow of residents, tour groups and visitors, a high noise level and an ornate, traditional look typical of a long-established Italian cafe. Smart-casual dress is common but not required. Coffee, espresso-based drinks, and soft drinks form the beverage list, and aperitivo drinks may also be offered later in the day. Prices are moderate, higher than a neighbourhood pasticceria because of the central location, commonly EUR 3 to 8 for a granita with brioche and a coffee, and more for pastries eaten at a table, where table service usually carries a surcharge compared with standing at the counter. The listing gives no phone number or confirmed hours, so visitors should check locally; cafes of this type usually open in the morning and remain open into the evening. Reservations do not apply, and tables on the piazza are first come, first served, filling quickly on warm days and during the Sant'Agata festival in early February. The cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre area and the La Pescheria market are all within a short walk, which makes it a convenient meeting point.