Just off the main square in Enniscorthy, you’ll encounter the unexpected - an authentic Italian restaurant, run by Paolo Fresilli, a chef with many years of Italian culinary experience, and his wife, Diana. It’s buzzy and homely Italian in style with the ingredients they prize and Italian wines on shelves open to view; the welcome is always warm.
The respected food critic and writer, the late Paolo Tullio, stated that this restaurant serves the real taste of Italy. Tullio admired Paolo Fresilli’s determination to “produce authentic Italian dishes” – you definitely will not find cream in their carbonara! Other critics from Ireland and abroad have also been impressed, with “the comfortable ambience and family vibes” attracting special praise. Authenticity is key and Via Vento's ASACERT ‘Italian Taste Certification’, which certifies the restaurant’s use of 100% Italian ingredients, is a real point of pride.
As you’d expect, the menu is divided into antipasti, pasta, main dishes, pizza and side dishes - all written in Italian, with accurate descriptions in English; you’ll find dishes here that rarely feature on Irish/Italian menus, and top-quality Italian cheese, salami, cured hams and other speciality foods feature.
The ample seating is broken up into three areas by a central bar, semi-open kitchen and function area, where Diana and Vincenzo are happy to serve you. This is a hive of good-humoured activity and the chefs cook everything to order.
The team, composed of Executive Chef Paolo Fresilli, Head Chef Roman Peter and Pizza Chef Filippo Perez, prepare and serve dishes in an Italian style without fussy presentation: the emphasis is on good cooking and real flavour. Pasta dishes include ‘Tagliatelle con Pollo Affumicato’ (tagliatelle with smoked chicken), while mains offer ‘Saltimbocca alla Romana’ (the literal translation is ‘jump in the mouth’; thinly-sliced veal with sage and Parma ham is cooked in a rich white wine and e.v.o. oil sauce, and served with mashed potatoes – wonderful!) and ‘Tagliata di Filetto’ (Irish beef fillet grilled as you like, cut into strips and served on a bed of rocket, shaved Grana Padano, with a side of roast potatoes).
The dessert menu offers home-made traditional delights like ice creams, tiramisu, crème brulée, panna cotta and tartufo. An all-Italian wine list offers over 120 wines, including some special bottles and many more affordable wines.
The locals have taken this place (which is very family friendly) to heart, so it’s wise to make a reservation - especially if you want to dine after 7.00 or 7.30pm.
