Ennio’s Pasta House - Waterloo, Ontario

My husband and I have been coming here for many years, and it has always been a favorite of ours. Hadn't had the chance to go since last year, we read some negative reviews and were debating whether we should celebrate our anniversary here again or not. Based on our ... past experiences, we gave it a try anyway, and it was wonderful. We tried the Shrimp Zafferano and the Arrabiata pasta dish with a side Caesar salad. We were promo'd a vanilla Sunday to share as a token of our anniversary celebration. The food was piping hot, which we appreciated (something that was negative in other reviews). We were very pleased with the portions and have always left with a doggy bag. The server was very friendly and went above and beyond. An unexpected emergency came up, and our server had to leave in a hurry to take care of a missing item for their catering team. She made sure we were happy and content prior to her departure. Atmosphere could use a bit of a face lift, very dark inside. Overall, it was a great experience. We will happily return as this remains as one of our favorites. Read more

When you stumble upon a place that not only welcomes you with open arms past its closing time but also lets you tweak your order to your liking, you know you've found a gem. This restaurant was just that—a pleasant surprise on all fronts. The staff were exceptionally gracious, allowing ... us to order and linger beyond the usual hours without even a hint of rush. I decided to splurge a little and went for the enoki with steak and shrimp, a decision I didn't regret. Yes, it was on the pricier side, but the taste was sublime. The steak was tender and cooked to perfection, the shrimp were succulent, and the gnocchi added a delicate and pillowy touch that tied the whole dish together. The creamy sauce draped over the ingredients was rich and satisfying, with just the right amount of garlic and seasoning, and a sprinkle of cheese that added a lovely finishing touch. The Dad's Old Fashioned Root Beer was another high point—refreshing with a nostalgic twist. It's not often that you find such an authentic taste that complements a meal so well. As for the ambiance, it was as comforting as the meal. The restaurant had an old-world charm with its dark wood furniture and vintage decor, like the large, ornate pot that stood like a silent guardian of the establishment's traditions. It felt like stepping back to a simpler, more relaxed time. Our food arrived promptly, contributing to the overall positive experience. It's definitely a place I'd visit again—100 percent. The combination of the welcoming environment, the ability to personalize your order, and the outstanding flavors makes it a standout. It's a spot you leave with the intention of returning, eager to taste the next delightful dish they have to offer. Read more

I came here a few times most recently on Valentines Day and also ordered takeout. We really enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant and the free bread. There is a great wine selection as well. The snail appetizer is delicious. The pastas were decent but not exceptional. I got ... the spagetti and meatballs takeout once and it was too salty. The other pastas I had were alright but not top notch. I did not like the rustica or carbonara. Hit or miss Read more

We arrived right as the restaurant opened and were seated promptly. I really enjoyed the gnocchi con gamberetti, particularly the lemon flavour. The risotto milanese was also delicious with lots of mushrooms. The portions were enough for lunch with some left over. Unfortunately, there were traces of dried blood on each ... of our napkins. It wasn't the case in the previous times we've been to Ennio's, but it is a sanitary concern. Read more

Its my second visit to Ennio's pasta. Its a really good italian place. The menu has a lot of variety. They are flexible with the dietary restrictions. I got the linguini alfredo pasta with added mushrooms. We also ordered Chicken parmesan with Marinara and pasta on a side, the Fruitti de ... Mare. Overall everything was good. Some of the pastas were a bit dry and the sauce needed to be a bit thicker. Overall experience was good Read more