Ernesto - Catania

Kindness and courtesy. Excellent baked goods. The focaccias...Mmmmmmm, so good! read more Kindness and courtesy. Excellent baked goods. The focaccias...Mmmmmmm, so good!

Bar Ernesto was always renowned for the quality of its drinks, ice cream and tavola caldo. It is located opposite the sea, although current roadworks do obscure... read more Bar Ernesto was always renowned for the quality of its drinks, ice cream and tavola caldo. It is located opposite the sea, although current roadworks do obscure the view. We went for breakfast, it was very busy and staff seemed overwhelmed. My cappuccino was 90% foamed milk with hardly any coffee in it, making it tasteless. A croissant filled with pistachio crème was small, somewhat squashed and flaky to the point of being difficult to eat. We had far better breakfasts at less established and cheaper bars nearby .

Every time I go back to Catania I always go back to Ernesto to treat myself to a delicious breakfast. And it is delicious indeed. I always have the Cremino coff... read more Every time I go back to Catania I always go back to Ernesto to treat myself to a delicious breakfast. And it is delicious indeed. I always have the Cremino coffee (see photo attached): to die for! A masterpiece! The granita is something out of this world, I love the chocolate and pistachio one. The croissants are fresh, full of filling, incredibly tasty, practically perfect. And its staff is always professional, knowledgeable, courteus, friendly. I just love this place.

From my visit to Sicily and Catania I will always remember the unfogettable irish coffee at Bar Ernesto best in my life!! read more From my visit to Sicily and Catania I will always remember the unfogettable irish coffee at Bar Ernesto best in my life!!

We went to Ernesto's twice during our stay both times for dinner. Taking bit of chance because we think this is really a cake, patisserie and ice cream place. T... read more We went to Ernesto's twice during our stay both times for dinner. Taking bit of chance because we think this is really a cake, patisserie and ice cream place. The latter offerings are ugly attractive and beautifully presented. And can be enjoyed in delightfully modern and pristine surroundings. The first night we had great service and great food in the inside of the restaurant, And the desserts ice creams and a pistachio semi freddo were to die for. Second time we sat outside, and we looked after by a guy we think is an old time senior waiter but our service was poor and the food did not meet the previous standards. Luck? Or perhaps the second time round we were just at the mercy of the waiter !!