Catania fish market exudes an atmosphere of an exotic oriental marketplace with a pinch of local Sicilian flavoring - the presence of ever restless Etna in their backyard and a shadow of the Godfather. It's a concoction of amazing passions, aromas, stenches and colors. As for sounds - it's a complete cacophony of shouts of traders and a clatter of metal weights. Considered to be one of the best fish markets in the entire Italy, it is a true paradise for sea-food lovers and a real-life encyclopedia, all at the same time. Shopping there has turned into a ritual for locals - almost everyone has their own trusted sellers, and these ties are passed over from one generation to another, with sons replacing their fathers. The legendary osteria Antica Marina is sited in the middle of it. Everything is very down to earth there but impeccably clean. Tables are adorned with paper napkins and table-cloths, yet no fish smell whatsoever. Fresh oysters are coming right from the market and you can pick out which fish and how much of it you would like. No fooling of tourists either! The best lunch time is between 1pm and 3 pm, when the market is buzzing, but you can eat there later, too. Only when the market is closed, the place loses much of its lively charm and feels empty and abandoned.
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