So since I have been saying "no" each time my husband asks if I want to go to the Chinese…read morerestaurant downtown, I decided I would try it out since he scored big with the Chinese buffet he recommended.
We drove thru Catania on a Monday night so it was quiet since most places are closed on Monday's. If you go to eat downtown you will be parking on the street. Hone up on your parallel parking skills.
You have to remember Catania was rebuilt after the earthquake and the Mt. Etna lava flow that occured in the16th century which destroyed much of the city, so the city centre is something out of of spooky storybook since some of it dates back to almost the 13th century. A castle can still be found in the middle of town from this era.
The Baroque architecture, clotheslines off balconies and sadly vastly spray painted walls gives downtown Catania an eery feeling, especially after dusk.
Some parts I swear look like what I would imagine Translvania would look like. Honestly, the only thing missing on this night was a vampire lurking around the corner. By now I was regretting my choice as I walked thru the dark narrow streets.
Not to mention the speedy crazy drivers where even driving on the opposite side of the road means nothing. I found that the Italians are never in a hurry except when theyr're driving! So if you're brave enough to drive to Catania do so but at your own risk.
The restaurant was nearly empty. Remember Americans eat between 5-8 p.m. and Italians eat between 8-10 p .m. We sat on the part of the restaurant that looked like it may have been a patio so it was a bit drafty. The "interior" portion of the restaurant was dark and had a bar so I'm assuming since we had kids we were sat in the other section which was well lit but chilly.
Vast menu, lots to choose from, including fried frog!
We ordered some spring rolls and they were mostly filled with cabbage. The sweet and sour sauce looked like ketchup but the flavor was just average, mildly sweet. The rolls didn't taste bad but they were nothing spectacular.
We also had some corn soup and that was a hit with my little boy. He also ordered some fried fish and those were really good.
The chicken curry was also not bad. I wouldn't order any noodle dishes since most of them are made from spaghetti noodles. We ordered the glass noodles and again just average.
This place will satisfy you're need for good Chinese food but like I said nothing outstanding, except the service. We were greeted with a smile, service was speedy and the kids walked away with some cute toy fish magnets.