Written by Sjalen on May 31, 2004.

We had made a daytrip out of Siracusa and as we were busy looking at the archaeological park first, we became really hungry later, just hours before the train back north. This is of course a problem in Italy where many restaurants close between lunch and evening meal.

The rescue was this tiny hole in the wall which we stumbled across in the middle of Ortygia, just before giving in to a simple pizza slice somewhere. What a jackpot the "thieving magpie" turned out to be! There was only us in there and at first we though that a bit scary (foodwise) as the place looked deserted but I decided that my daughter needed food right there and then and we entered.

The menu turned out to be mainly vegetarian pasta dishes and the Italian speaking lady patiently explained the ingredients we didn't understand by pointing at her little glass counter and the vegetables on display there. Once we had ordered, she carefully started cutting and slicing behind the counter, and we ended up with delicious meals. She also asked if my daughter could have her juice before the meal or if she should wait and other nice things.

Finally, as a bit of a veggie family, we were delighted to discover anti fur leaflets and similar (although she indeed also serves local Sicilian sausage etc.). Definately a place I will return to, if nothing else just to talk to the lovely lady whose English speaking friend turned up later.

Pumpkin and pistacchio sauce pasta 

Theme: Italian
Price: less than US$10 
Comparison: less expensive than average
Address: 8/10 Via Cavour