Buatta Cucina Popolana

Absolutely outstanding experience at Buatta Palermo! From the first moment, the hospitality and atmosphere felt truly special elegant yet warm, perfectly reflecting Sicilian charm. Every dish was full of character and flavor, beautifully presented and prepared with real care. The tasting plate and traditional pasta were exceptional, and the freshness of the seafood was remarkable. Service was professional yet friendly, making us feel completely at home. A genuine taste of Sicily authentic, soulful, and unforgettable. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Palermo!

I went with two friends, and we tried the tasting menu. Unfortunately, the food itself was underwhelming — the flavours felt unbalanced, and the sausages were so salty they were almost inedible. Overall, the food felt uninspired; we would have been better off picking something fresh from the farmers market. Service was attentive and friendly, definitely better than the food, and the ambience was fine but nothing remarkable. Regardless, the restaurant was busy and lively, with guests clearly having a good time

We booked a month in advance and had been looking forward to this dinner, as it was our honeymoon. At first, the restaurant seemed charming, and we were welcomed with a complimentary starter. But from there, things went downhill. We ordered the chef’s tasting menu. While the food was good—not amazing—it took an incredibly long time between courses. Even worse, the staff didn’t clear our table between dishes. By the time we were served the last course, there was still leftover snail shells from the first dish. To make matters worse, we found a hair in one of the dishes. We weren’t offered any compensation or even an apology, and we were still charged the full amount. Additionally, there was a large Italian group near us loudly singing all night, making the atmosphere feel more like a market than a fine dining experience. I couldn’t even hear my partner speak. For dessert, we were served homemade ice cream, which didn’t impress us at all. Overall, it was quite expensive. We came prepared to pay for a quality meal and experience, but sadly, this evening did not deliver on either.

Buatta Cucina Popolana offers a charming and authentic take on Sicilian cuisine in a lively, welcoming setting. The food is consistently well-prepared, with familiar classics elevated just enough to feel both traditional and fresh. The staff are genuinely friendly and attentive, striking a great balance between professionalism and warmth. Service feels relaxed but efficient, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with a great selection of local options to complement the menu. The atmosphere is vibrant, especially during dinner — buzzing with conversation, yet still comfortable. It’s a popular spot, so I’d definitely recommend making a reservation in advance, especially if you’re planning to go in the evening.

We had the tasting menu, majority of the dishes were seafood. It was good, some of these things I have tried for the first time ever. We went for a dinner and the place was packed, so staff was very busy and they forgot our drinks a couple of times. Worth trying, but probably not for a romantic dinner date.

Worthy holder of a Michelin bib gourmand and hence a relief from the endless streets of indistinguishable tourist restaurants. Offers several distinctive Sicilian dishes. Cheaper then one might expect, given the Michelin review.

Great wait staff. Appetisers were great. Main dishes were so-so. Get there at 6.30 sharp if you don't have a reservation

A restaurant that should be removed from the Michelin guide. Nothing special but high prices. The usual flavors. Same as any other restaurant in the main street. So, no specific reason to go here and pay for more. Way overpriced for what is it. And some of the staff, particularly the main members, feel they are doing a favor to you instead of treating clients friendly. Skip this restaurant.