Enna [ˈɛnna] listen (help·info) (Sicilian: Castrugiuvanni; Greek: Ἔννα; Latin: Henna and less frequently Haenna) is a city and comune located roughly at the center of Sicily, southern Italy, in the province of Enna, towering above the surrounding countryside. It has earned the nicknames belvedere (panoramic viewpoint) and ombelico (navel) of Sicily.
Things to do in Enna
4 based on 352 reviews
Ristorante Centrale lies within the historical heart of Enna, the town traditionally referred to as 'Sicily's navel' as it stands, at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, in the exact geographical centre of Sicily. Ristorante Centrale, accessed through a small lane, sits within a historic building which overlooks Piazza VI Dicembre, formerly Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark's Square). This was built at the beginning of the 1900s to replace an old Monastery's small garden. The Monastery's structure ('Monastero delle Ree pentite' - Monastery of the penitent offenders) gave its name to the street behind the Restaurant (Via Ree Pentite) and survived until 1897. Since its establishment at the beginning of the 1900s, Ristorante Centrale proudly carries on Enna's ancient culinary traditions through a cuisine which uses strictly fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Our simple cuisine is reminiscent of ancient culinary rituals which reveal the abundant flavours and products of our land. Ristorante Centrale gives you the opportunity to taste ancient traditional recipes from the Mediterranean such as the 'frascatola' (cream of vegetables), the 'figliulata ca' cipudda' (onion's omelette), the 'caprettu abbuttunatu' (Roast Kid with pecorino ennese and garlic), the 'farsumagru all'ennese' (Traditional stuffed roast), and the 'maccarruna alla castrugiuannisa' (Local style maccheroni). Ristorante Centrale proudly serves a very old recipe, 'u sciabbo', prepared with sweet pork mincemeat and cocoa. The recipe of this and other traditional dishes have carefully been preserved and protected by the Pirrera family in the last 45 years. It was in 1968 that Gaetano Pirrera decided to take over the restaurant's ownership, having fallen for the charm of its delightful decor. Ristorante Centrale still preserves its big mirrored wall which hosts, within a rounded niche in its centre, an antique vase depicting 'The Rape of Proserpina'. The restaurant also preserves two beautiful bas-reliefs, made in the 40s, portraying convivial scenes in a villa overlooking Lake Pergusa. Gaetano begun his culinary erudition as a child, working in various bars and restaurants of the area, but most importantly working in baronial houses for affluent families. It was here that Gaetano learned the gastronomic secrets of the prestigious 'Monsu'. The Monsu were celebrated cooks, formerly of French origins, employed by aristocratic families in order to impress their guests, as they were able to transform every dinner into a proper culinary ritual. Gaetano was able to combine the knowledge acquired from the Monsu to his own creativity thus adding a personal touch to the traditional Sicilian cuisine. Nonetheless, Gaetano was always eager to preserve the simplicity of Sicilian cuisine and of our cultural origins, two key 'ingredients' which his son Giuseppe, now owner of the family business, proudly maintains and nurtures with great care. The deep bond between father and son has given an unique twist to traditional recipes. A good example of this can be found in the 'Arancini do' Centrali' (Centrale's Arancini). These are traditional rice balls stuffed with various ingredients and popular throughout Sicily. Ristorante Centrale, however, has been able to make them its own, and the 'Arancini do' Centrali' are considered to be one of Enna's most famous products. It is to honour this that Giuseppe, throughout the year, organises 'Arancini' evenings (Serata dell'Arancino). These 'golden spheres' are the stars of the evening, and are placed at the centre of our imperial table, the same one used to accommodate King Vittorio Emanuele III during his visit in the 1940s. The fresh cuisine of Ristorante Centrale can surprise when you least expect it... ... The smell of freshly cooked vegetables, used to make our delicious Caponata, might be carried by the wind on a fresh spring evening, and surprise you while sitting on a bench in Piazza VI Dicembre ...... On a cold January noon, while walking through S. Antonio's market close to Addolorata's Church, your appetite might be tickled by the scent of wild fennel dancing on our pan, the ones used to dress our 'Maccheroni ai sapori locali' (Local flavour's Maccheroni) ...... Finally, while on Via Ree Pentite, a beautiful Sicilian lady might invite you, with a gorgeous smile, to enter her kitchen and admire the sizzling pork cheek, mountain artichokes and sweet and sour shallots, surrounded by a delightful mist produced by the vanishing white wine from Mount Etna. Ristorante Centrale has a long tradition of hosting notorious guests. These have included Placido Domingo, Katia Ricciarelli, Beppe Grillo, Pino Daniele, Nino Frassica, Enzo Iacchetti and Miriam Makeba. Recently, Ristorante Centrale has hosted various comedians from the Italian show 'Zelig' such as Checco Zelone e many others.Throughout the summer our dining hall is pleasantly air-conditioned. Alternatively, you can choose to dine in one of our 40 outdoor tables overlooking the town square.(rewiew Anna Tinebra - translation Luisa Termine)
The restaurant was a typical Sicilian Trattoria, with buffet selection of starters, good pasta selections and meat and seafood dishes. Enna being 1500+ meters above the sea, we stuck to the meat dishes. Service was ok but sloppy (as for instance not letting us taste...Moregrazie per l' apprezzamento Buona vacanza Giuseppe
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Had the rustic antipasto which the chef chooses the components. Gave a very interesting selection of Sicilian flavors. It's a big dish and you don't get cheated on the food. Had the gnocchi, which was a little heavier than expected. Enjoyed the Porchetta. Service was good. They seemed to group the non-locals in the front of the restaurant.
4.5 based on 123 reviews
We dined here twice on our recent visit to Pergusa and received an exceptionally warm welcome on both occasions. The staff certainly go out of their way to please. On the first night we ate swordfish which was absolutely wonderful - moist and perfectly cooked. On the second evening we had the local bean pasta and salads. The meals were really good value for money. There was no 'menu' as such and we were given a choice of foods available each evening. The choice was not huge but sufficient. The dining room of this hotel is huge but retains a friendly feel even when only a few people are in it which was the case on both nights that we were there. We would definitely return for a basic, inexpensive meal in extremely friendly surroundings.
4 based on 303 reviews
This small restaurant is located in the historic center, next to several b & b. a large courtyard offers the possibility of an outdoor lounge ... a garden in the city. A warm and friendly mood in which to enjoy typical dishes of Mediterranean cuisine and great pizza cooked in a wood oven.
We were directed here by the close by accommodation that we were staying in. We ate here on both our 2 days in Enna. We had salads both days and they were very good. The French fries that we ordered were the best French fries we had in Sicily. and on later on our longer trip. The ‘small’ portion was so large that we hated to think how large the big plate would be. We sat outside in the very nice patio area, however it was also nice inside as well. Service was good and friendly
4 based on 389 reviews
We loved the place, loved Massimo and loved the food. Visited three times! The first time we went, Massimo had us in stitches with his very particular kind of humour. Everything we ate and drank was optimum. Wonderful fish, wonderful lamb, could not fault the place at all.
4 based on 199 reviews
This restaurant was recommended by the manager at our B&B. I decided to take his advice--and ignored the top choice on TripAdvisor. The veal was very tough and my mixed grill was over-salted. There was a middle school party that made a lot of noise. Anyway, I do not recommend this restaurant.
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Amazing food (everything home made) at great prices in an informal atmosphere!
We took an antipasto mix (consisting of 3 plates of traditional sicilian food (simply DELICIOUS) for only 6 eur pp. We took a plate of delicious fresh fettucine and a wonderful Polpettona for only 6 eur each as well! A jug of great local red wine (only 6 eur as well).
4.5 based on 267 reviews
The venue, which evokes the magical charm of Pirandello's novella, is located in Enna in front of the lush Villa where stands the imposing Torre Federiciana. The Liolà born in 1998, joined the warm welcome of the family management, the elegance and the refinement of the dishes and a wine cellar. E 'with a characteristic dining room, which seats 60 people, and a frescha summer Terrace where you can sample the cuisine and the typical dishes of the house.
We were early for lunch, cold and hungry! They happily opened
up for us and served the most delicious lunch, with grace and appropriate style and friendliness. Seeing us checking our iphones, they came over and offered their internet password. This is a real full scale restaurant, though they also have pizza. Lovely experience. And the bathroom was clean!
4.5 based on 104 reviews
We found this little gem by accident or kismet whichever you want to believe. It was some if the best food in Sicily! The owner himself picked our meals and paired it with the wine for an amazing lunch! You know it was good from the locals that frequent the place and the smell at the front door! A real Sicilian treat!
4 based on 198 reviews
Enna is Sicily's prettiest hill town...and Pinocchio is a great pizza joint. Sicilian pizza is NOT the square rubbish you get stateside, but personal sized masterpieces made fresh for you...fresh buffalo mozzarella, parma ham, salsicca, frutti di mare (seafood) fresh basil...even uovo (egg), squid, artichokes or hot dog, but no pepperoni (not heard of in Italy). Thin crust, mimimal tomato sauce and fresh olive oil on top...Sensational!!
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