“People can’t help but be transported to the idyllic Sicilian landscapes as they immerse themselves in the artfully curated menu that delivers not just a meal but an unforgettable journey of authentic flavours and vibrant spirit.” The team behind Bar Etna, on Stamford Road, just around the corner from Altrincham Market, introduce their restaurant with fittingly poetic language considering what it’s about. A contemporary take on a traditional trattoria back in the Old Country, they invite customers to book a table for a culinary odyssey through rich, time-honoured recipes.
Bar Etna’s menu reveals more. Opening with antipasti & taglieri, panino & focaccia, tantalise the taste buds with taglieri misto (cured meats, including salami, and cheeses), vegetariano (grilled vegetables and cheese), or formaggi (cheese, with jam, honey, biscuit and bread). Alternatively, or additionally, go for various bruschetta and other loafs topped with mouthwatering ingredients (bronte — with mortadella, stracciatella cheese, and pistachio cream — anyone?)
Pastas and oven bakes come next, ranging from icons like lasagne or cannelloni di carne, spinach and ricotta ravioli, and penne alla norma (with tomato, aubergine, garlic and salt ricotta), to less common plates such as fresh pasta with pistachio cream, fried onion, and crispy pancetta. If you’re still not done, take a look at the others. Here you’ll fine polpette al sugo (homemade meatballs in tomato sauce), salsiccia con l’uovo (Sicilian chilli and fennel sausage “cooked the Sicilian way” with eggs and cheese), arancini, and caponata. Desserts, meanwhile, include cannolo siciliano, gelato with brioche, torta del giorno (cake of the day), tiramisù, sorbetto al limone, and — of course — that ice cream and coffee wonder, the affogato. Cocktails and imported beers are in abundance behind the bar, and the wine list pays tribute to Sicily’s wealth of viticulture producing regions. All served with a warm atmosphere, more familial than formal — flight to Catania aside, what more could you want?