Ennio's Restaurant

The story

Ennio's Restaurant Southampton: Italian Dining in a Historic Warehouse on the Waterfront

History and the Italian Kitchen

Ennio's occupies the ground floor of Geddes Warehouse on Southampton's Town Quay, a Grade II listed brick building dating to 1866 where a medieval city wall still runs through the south side. The kitchen operates with an unapologetic focus on Italian cooking, preparing hand-rolled pasta each morning and relying on ingredients like Sicilian Nocellara olives and field-fresh olive oil. This commitment to traditional techniques has earned the venue one AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence. General manager Krystoff oversees a service that keeps the spirit of the Famiglia Ennios alive since 1866, bridging the gap between the site's maritime past and its current role as a hub for the Italian kitchen.

Seasonal Flavours and Signatures

The menu rotates daily based on the catch and seasonal availability, offering a range of starters and mains that highlight the Italian approach. Guests often begin with Capesante Gratinate baked in shell with creamed leeks and an 'nduja crumb, or the slow-cooked Guancia di Maiale Brasata served with parsnip truffle purée and green apple. The fish selection features Merluzzo con Gnocchi, described as the chef's signature dish with handmade gnocchi and mussels, while the Brodetto di Pesce stands out as Ennio's own classic spicy chilli stew. For dessert, the kitchen finishes with a chocolate cheesecake paired with raspberry sorbet or a lemon tart filled with vanilla cream.

The Warehouse and Waterfront Setting

The restaurant sits directly opposite the Red Funnel terminal, with large windows framing views across Southampton Water. Inside, thick brick walls and high ceilings define the dining space, while a cellar bar constructed within the medieval fortifications offers a quieter corner for drinks. Above the ristorante, ten boutique bedrooms provide accommodation in rooms ranging from Superior to Deluxe Twin styles. The atmosphere shifts slightly during the last weekend of every month when live entertainment fills the room. The setting retains its industrial character from its days as a baggage warehouse for liners like the Titanic, now repurposed for modern dining.