The story
Hidden inside the Monastery of Santa Caterina, I Segreti del Chiostro is a pastry shop that feels like a true secret. Set in a beautiful cloister garden with outdoor seating, it serves artisanal cannoli that are both huge and carefully made—Luigi Gramma calls it a “must-try in central Palermo,” and the setting, within a historic building, only adds to the charm.
The menu leans heavily on Sicilian classics. Gramma highlights the Cannolo con Cioccolato e Arancia Candita, while Giuliacrossbow, in her search for “the best Sicilian cannolo,” also tried the plain Cannolo and the Cassatina here. With a 4.6-star rating and reasonable prices, this scenic, tourist-friendly spot earns its reputation as a hidden gem in Palermo’s pastry scene.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2024.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 3 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about the cannolo, calling it a flawless finale to a meal, with the overall vibe being one of quiet, rustic elegance that makes every bite feel like a secret discovery.
“I got a classic cannolo with pistachio, chocolate, sour cherry, and candied orange zest. The shell is perfect — fried on the spot, crunchy, not too heavy. The ricotta is sieved really well, not pasty at all. The pistachio doesn't taste like anything, as usual, but the chocolate gives real flavor. The balance of sweetness is spot on, you can eat the whole thing without it getting cloying. It costs €3. I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the center and don't mind a 20-minute line.”
What creators say
2 creators have covered I Segreti del Chiostro. Most active: Giuliacrossbow, Luigi Gramma
Dishes mentioned
Cannolo
I got a classic cannolo with pistachio, chocolate, sour cherry, and candied orange zest. The shell is perfect — fried on the spot, crunchy, not too heavy. The ricotta is sieved really well, not pasty at all. The pistachio doesn't taste like anything, as usual, but the chocolate gives real flavor. The balance of sweetness is spot on, you can eat the whole thing without it getting cloying. It costs €3. I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the center and don't mind a 20-minute line.
Cassatina
I also got a cassatina — ricotta, chocolate chips, candied fruit, pistachio. The ricotta is really good, I hadn't had a cassata in years, I almost forgot the taste. It's extremely sweet, the candied fruit is so sweet that at some point you can't even taste the fruit anymore. But overall it's a good cassata, I don't have much to compare it to since I haven't eaten one in ages. It cost €3.50.
A hidden pastry shop inside the Monastery of Santa Caterina, serving huge, artisanal cannoli in a beautiful cloister garden — a must-try in central Palermo.
Dishes mentioned
Cannolo con Cioccolato e Arancia Candita
This cannolo is huge — at least 200-250 grams. The ricotta cream is excellent, made with sheep's milk ricotta. The chocolate drops are normal, but the candied orange is really good, and I'm not usually a fan of candied fruit. The shell is artisanal, not industrial, and that makes all the difference. The ricotta cream is good everywhere, but the shell is what sets it apart. The location is beautiful — you eat it in the cloister garden with a fountain view. Price is €3, a bit more than others in Palermo, but it's huge and really good. My lactose-intolerant friend approved it too, even though she might suffer later — it's worth it. I'd rate it 9.2 to 9.5 out of 10.
