Treasures of the Sea

In past years, many restaurants have shied away from seating their guests in close proximity to the chef at work in the kitchen. But in the elegant Coppedè district, this opportunity is possible within the small and intimate Bistro 54. A few tables directly overlook the open kitchen across a counter where the catch of the day is displayed, and in fact, the menu focuses on sh expertly prepared by Chef Gianluca Puglisi, an nexpert on Sicilian seafood specialties. Start your meal with a tempting appetizer such as fried octopus with onion and mint jam or red prawn tartare with beet mayonnaise and liquorice. The long list of primi includes tonnarelli cacio e pepe with octopus; spaghetti with sea urchins; linguine with lobster; and risotto with pistachio cream and grouper. The main courses, in addition to many fried fish options, feature the fish of the day, baked, stewed, or cooked in a salt crust. The Sicilian cannoli top the list of unmissable desserts, and the wine list is streamlined with several interesting regional options.
> Via Adige, 30e. Tel 0653093727. bistro54.it