Sponge cake filled with ricotta mixed with sugar and chocolate chips (which weren't part of the older versions), covered with almond paste and layered sponge cake, covered with icing sugar and topped with candied fruit or, in the baked version, enclosed in a pastry shell which is then dusted with icing sugar. Cassata, the sweet symbol of Sicily boasts a long and fascinating history, which begs to be discovered. But first it is worth tasting it in the pastry shops of Catania which best honour its long tradition.
The best cassata in Catania
Caffè Europa
Close to the seafront, it is a point of reference from morning to night for those who work in the area. The counter showcases a wide assortment, the granitas and typical desserts (think fried iris pastry with pistachio cream) are a must. And then there is the large fridge wall dedicated to classic cakes and cassata, made as tradition dictates.
Caffè Europa - c.so Italia, 304 - 095 372655 - www.caffeuropa.it
I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza
A home of the past with antique credenzas and tables for this brand with other branches in the city (and beyond). The biscuits and cakes of the Nonna in question, who unfortunately passed away, have raised generations in Catania. Everything starts from local ingredients (almonds from Avola, pistachios from Bronte, honey from Sortino, milk from Ragusa) and great craftsmanship. In addition to the exquisite cassata, there are also cannoli, minnuzze and holiday desserts.
I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza - piazza San Placido, 7 (Palazzo Biscari) - 095 7151844 - www.dolcinonnavincenza.com
Ficarra
Centrally located, this valid pastry bar with a generous display window boasts a traditional pastry production. The stuffed brioches, the mignons, even the gelatos are good, all made with quality ingredients, but don't miss the cassatine, a true delight. Also rotisserie.
Ficarra - via Umberto, 69 - 340 9283395 - Facebook Page
Pasubio
Classic crostatas and more modern creations such as Fedora (filled with ricotta, almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios), large leavened products for the holidays (such as Panriccone, a reinterpretation of panettone in different variations), Colomba for Easter and almond paste but above all the queen of Sicilian pastry: the cassata, here offered in the baked variant.
Pasubio - via Pasubio, 2f - 095 371946 - www.pasticceriapasubio.it
Proietto
Another classic establishment, one of the most famous in the city, it offers mostly classic and traditional pastries with a few off-theme variations. If the specialty of the house is the millefeuille, it is also worth trying their cassata, beautiful to look at and - rightly so - sweet on the palate.
Proietto - via Gustavo Vagliasindi, 22 - 347 5559392 - Facebook Page
Savia
Located in the heart of the city and its rotisserie "pieces" (arancini firstly) are an irresistible temptation. But the heart of the offer is in the pastry shop, in business since 1897 and today under the management of the fourth generation of the family. The cassata in the shape of "minnuzza di Sant'Agata", the breast of the patron saint of Catania, is delightful.
Savia - via Etnea, 302 - 095 322335 - www.savia.it
Spinella
Another historic address in the centre, which has been around for over eight decades. Loved by tourists and locals alike, it is an elegant place with a large outdoor area and an inviting counter that houses sweet and savoury dishes. Among the frozen semifreddos, the pistachio one is popular, while among the cakes the specialties are the classic ones, from cassata to the one with sponge cake, chantilly cream, custard and strawberries. There's a separate counter for the typical products, where the colourful hand-painted Martorana almond paste fruit stands out.
Spinella - via Etnea, 294 - 095 327247 - www.spinellapasticceria.it
Verona e Bonvegna
The atmosphere is retro, typical of the small pastry shops of the past, those that offer trays of pastries on Sundays and cakes for special occasions. Among these, the cassata stands out, played on the great balance between sponge cake, ricotta, candied fruit, chocolate chips and royal icing. A must in the morning are the classics of the Catania breakfast, such as raviole with ricotta cheese (often served warm).
Verona e Bonvegna - via Asiago, 60 - 095 370868 - Facebook Page
In the opening, photo of Pasticceria I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza
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