This was a fortuitous event, albeit the discovery occurred on foot. Having skipped what could be called a decent breakfast, I was ready for lunch. However, near the train station of Senigallia, a town that was surprisingly scenic and historic, I didn't know where to eat. There were some near misses - I went in and didn't like what a locale was offering - or I wasn't finding anything, even by searching on my phone. On a small piazza, I came across Mancinelli. I went in. They had pizza and pasta, among other things they were making or what seemed like specialty groceries one could buy. In my estimation, Mancinelli would be akin to a "tavola calda." There were definitely things behind the glass case I could eat. However, above and beyond that, I really liked the informal and hospitable demeanor of those working behind the counter. I like pasta more than I like pizza. The problem was that there were 2 types of pasta that caught my eye. One was a more typical "red sauce" pasta al forno or lasagna. The other was a similar pasta, albeit featuring a bechamel sauce ("white sauce"). I explained that I couldn't decide and asked if it would be tacky to get a piece of both. (I had to ask because, in most Italian eateries, you dare not ask for a doggy bag and, to me, this issue could have been in that same "cafone zone.") The employee assured me not to give it a second thought. That said, I had two small slabs of baked pasta for lunch, along with a soft drink. Both were very good, so it was the right thing to have ordered both. The prices were respectable. But, most of all, the employees were very welcoming, as is typical where the Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche regions meet the Adriatic. As such, I would go back and would recommend Mancinelli to others for a quick and casual unpretentious meal. Mancinelli is near the train station and the historic center. I couldn't tell you how to get there, since you zig and zag around these small streets and end up in small piazzas. Once there, you may have to work your way past an outdoor seating zone to eat inside, especially on a cool or cold day. Also, take the opportunity to look around this quaint town on the Ancona-Bologna rail trunk line. Senigallia's name isn't related to Senegal, and I didn't Wiki up on the complex history of how the city was named. read more

See all