The best pistachio arancino in the heart of Catania!
Rating: 9/10
Savia is undoubtedly the most famous bar in Catania, especially when it comes to arancini! Featured in every ranking and tourist guide, it is also regularly brought up in the eternal battle against Spinella over who is the true king of arancini on Via Etnea, right in front of Villa Bellini.
Is their pistachio arancino up to the hype? For me, the short answer is YES.
It is arguably the best pistachio arancino you can find in the center of Catania. Paradoxically, I find it better than their ragù version, which in my opinion has lost some ground compared to other bars over the years.
Pros:
- natural, very intense pistachio flavor
- super crunchy breading
- vegetarian
Cons:
- not very creamy, so it's a bit dry on the inside
Price as of May 2024:
- €2.50
The pistachio flavor really shines through with a pure and authentic taste, without any interference from onions or cheeses that often mask the flavor. Another point in Savia's favor is definitely the absence of meat, which allows vegetarians to enjoy this arancino as well. The frying is impeccable, as is the cooking of the rice.
If I had to find a flaw, it's a bit "dry", as it isn't heavily mixed with cream/béchamel/cheese; instead, it's more like a chopped pistachio filling, which preserves the natural taste of the pistachio but sacrifices some creaminess.
The price is in line with other top spots in Catania, and more than acceptable considering the central location and the quality of the pistachio.
