Best cafes to work from in Catania
Its Confusing…Let me help you out!
If you want to venture outside of Cummari's coworking spaces, we recommend the following cafes in Catania. This list offers a combination of delicious treats, wifi and excellent people watching…I just wish they were as stunning as Il Gran Caffe Lorenti (pictured above) - The first cafe in Catania to offer ice cream cones and in the 1930s became the center "fashion scene." In 1942 it was destroyed by a bomb during WWII and sadly never reopened.
1. At the top of our list is Verso Coffice Catania. Verso stole our hearts first, as when we moved back to Sicily from Milano in 2019, Verso is where we went to focus on building our dreams of Cummari. Verso has delicious cornetti (vegan to chocolate croissants), lots plugs for charging, strong wifi in a gorgeous art deco inspired space. The best part, is there is plenty of seating indoors or on the terrace, and it even has a quiet working room where you can ask to reserve a workspace.
2. A personal go to lately has been Ostello Degli Elefanti which is a surprise to everyone I send there as this hostel has the most amazing vibe in its fresco filled converted palace common rooms. There is an 8 euro member fee (as this is a non profit organization) which you can spend in coffee/snacks/cocktails in addition to staying for the day using their fast wifi and enjoying their incredible views over Via Etnea. A special secret is that in good weather they have the top rooftop bar in all of Catania, make sure to book ahead if you want to visit during aperitivo hours/sunset hours on a warm day.
3. Missing Uni? A completely free place to get work done if you have a hot spot is the University of Catania a converted 1600s monastery with sprawling rooms and hallways lined with chairs and tables. I recommend scheduling a tour while you are there to get to see special non public rooms. A nice perk is that the coffee machines are discounted for students, so you can also get the cheapest espresso in the city while working. Just a reminder, you need a hot spot to work here, there is no free wifi…but the setting is worth it!
4. Just down from the University if my favorite woman owned (feminist vibe) bookstore and cafe Legatoria Prampolini . When this store opened its cafe, I thought I died and went to heaven. The vibe is chill, the decor is local and artisan and there is enough space to sit for a few hours and get work. Its right next to one of my favorite archeology sites, the Gree and Roman Theatre hidden behind the normal facade of Catania (make sure to pop in, its worth the 8 euro!).
5. An up and coming spot in Catania for coworking and community events is Trame di quartiere, this is a non profit organization located in the heart of the San Berillo district at the crossroad of old and new Catania. There is usually and awesome low cost menu of healthy items for lunch served and the wifi is free. Don’t be surprised if you leave feeling inspired.
6. Last on our list is Punto Concept Store. Punto is a cafe, store and gallery all rolled into one. The wifi and coffee are strong, and the little complimentary cookies they serve with your drink are delicious. Punto is on the “fashion” street of Catania, so if you can get a table outside you can have the feeling of Milan in Sicily. While at Punto, you might be tempted to buy a funky Sicilian designer t-short or book on architecture. This is listed last only because their prices are a bit higher, think around 15-20 euro for lunch and a tea.
If none of the above piques your interest... you are welcome to stay and work at Cummari - where coffee, tea and pasta are complementary and unlimited!
Good luck on your lap top adventures!
Michelle
