Hasta Siempre — Restaurant in Catania

The restaurant is settled away in a nice cozy side street, right next to a flight of stairs which makes you feel ‘right in the city’ whilst having dinner. They have a daily menu which limited options, but a dedicated section for vegan/vegetarian. I had the grilled fish which is quite literally what it is, fish with little salad on the side. Not a lot of exciting flavors going on. Lots of locals eat here, so I would say this is a very ‘mom and pops, no frills, home made food’ restaurant. I might have not made the most exciting choice in food but I feel like this is not the place to go to if you’re looking for something exciting/extraordinary food wise, but definitely go here if you’re looking for something simple to accompany a night of drinking; they have a vast choice of wines, Prosecco’s, beers and cocktails. I was traveling by myself and My server recommended me a wine by the glass that was not on the menu. I would probably go to another restaurant for food, and end up here for some nice wine and a chat if you’re in Catania for a short stay. Definitely pass by here if you have more time on the island and are looking for a budget friendly dinner. I had the grilled mackerel (2 fish) + bruschetta + glass of wine...

I came tempted by vegan options. Food is very mediocre. The plate is full of high processed ready to buy vegan meat-like and cheese-like bites. They clearly don't understand how to COOK a vegan meal. We waited for it for a very long time and then sat forever looking at empty plates. No service, no question, no menu in English. On top of the food being a dissapointment, multiple people from the service smoke inside the place and inside the kitchen. Cigarette smoke is everywhere. Even after we changed seats to most distant ones. I have nothing against people smoking but I am pregnant, so it is obvious I don't want to sit in a place where people smoke. Others may just mind the smell itself. The last "star" is this place being full of communism supporting paintings...

I got this address via Google, online it looked nice and a bit less touristic than the rest of downtown. I am travelling alone and got a table in a bit of a dark corner. Menu is simple and very clearly state they don't do aranchini, pizza or canoluli, which is funny. I ordered eggplant parmigiano and a salade Caprese. both were ok (but in Italy great or even amazing food are just as readily available). The evening weather was nice, a glass of local wine and things are looking great quite easily. I think I was too much in a corner to get the attention of the staff to pay so I walked over after a bit. Again the most appealing aspect was the 'off the...