Tucked into an atmospheric alley in the shadow of Ibla's picturesque Piazza Duomo, Ristorante u Saracinu is a cheap and cheerful establishment serving a broad selection of stock Italian dishes. As it can get rammed in August, you probably should try and bag one of the outside tables before 8pm. The bread is basic and the antipasti misti is simple, but tasty enough, featuring aubergines, spinach-filled pastries, cold meats and hard cheese, similar to gouda. Among the primi courses, the salmon ravioli (containing ricotta) is very good for 7.50 euros - the pasta is fresh and the salt of the cheese works well with the salmon. The spaghetti in a tomato sauce (about 5 euros) would be a good choice for little kids, if it wasn't quite so huge. The seafood risotto is mainly rice, but it gets good reviews. The Sicilian pasta isn't so appealing, however, seemingly lacking the promised anchovies and capers. For just four euros, you can get a half litre carafe of a rough red wine. The waiting staff are pretty rushed and the kitchen workers may come out to help serve tables. And you might have to go inside to the cashier to pay. For desert and coffee, try the authentic gelateria-bar next door. 7/10
