Il Panino Di Archimede Closed

I stumbled upon this place while strolling through the market. There was a line and a charming gentleman making beautiful sandwiches. He was friendly, yelling greetings at all those passing by. I was shy and unsure how to get one of these tasty sandwiches. I stood at the edge, mesmerized by the show. A staff member approached me and kindly in English offered to help. The shop makes their own cheese and generous samples were handed out while in line. The cheese is WOW. I got a sandwich, whatever the guy choose to make. And it is so good words do not do justice. We also bought some cheese that was vacuum sealed and assured I could carry onto the plane. This is a must stop in Ortigia.

Go mid morning for an early lunch and enjoy the colourful Sicilian atmosphere of a real food market, not a tourist trap. You'll see fruit and vegetables from local farms, fish and seafood fresh from that morning's catch and you must resist the samples and titbits you will be offered until you reach the end of the market at the Port where Archimedes and the Salumeria next door offer exceptional Sicillian food and drink. There is always a queue of hungry Sicilian's and in the know tourists lining up to watch the Maestro at Archimedes make his sandwiches using the very best ingredients available. As he works with his assistant morsels are offered to the crowd as they decide what they want. The atmosphere is convivial and charming with lots of chat and laughter. If you don't want to queue pop over to the seated area opposite and a waiter will take your order. Next door, the no less wonderful, Salumeria offers tasting plates of amazing artisan produce meats, seafood, fish, pickles, vegetables, wines, cheeses, beers and bread on wooden platters to share. Highly recommended, first class food and enthusiastic service. A genuine gastronomic experience of the real essence of Sicily.