Unique Pizza Shop With Central American Delicacies Opens In Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — A family-run Guatemalan bakery and restaurant which debuted two years ago in Hartford has opened a second location in Enfield, offering a unique blend of specialty pizzas and authentic Central American delicacies.

Aurora's Pizza opened its doors Sunday at 117 Hazard Avenue, a spot best remembered for the long tenure of Guido's Drive-In and which most recently housed Go Fresh Deli. It is owned by Hambler Olmino, his sister Karen Valenzuela, and his wife Maria Aguilar.

Olmino, 23, and Valenzuela, 26, immigrated from Guatemala about 17 years ago. Aguilar, 23, is from El Salvador, and came to America seven years ago. Valenzuela and her mom, Ericka, opened Aurora's on Capitol Avenue in Jan. 2021.

Both whole pies and pizza slices are available at the new restaurant. The Aurora's Supreme includes chicken, ham, pepperoni, onions and green and red peppers, as well as chorizo, a smoked sausage, and serrano, a type of chili pepper. Other specialty pizzas include meat lovers, buffalo chicken, melanzana, Hawaiian, margherita beach chicken and chicken a la vodka.

"It is not your typical pizza place," Olmino said. "I wanted to do something different, and I drove around to do much research. There's not many Hispanic traditional food places here. So I wanted to get pizza and Hispanic."

Ethnic selections include churrasco (a ribeye steak), chicken or steak Milanesa, seared salmon, garlic shrimp, burrito bowls, quesadillas, enchiladas and a variety of salads and sandwiches. Among the "Quick Bites" available are tacos dorados, tostadas, sebas nachos and Guatemalan fries, drizzled with ketchup, mayonnaise and a traditional hot sauce. A regular feature will be Pasta Mondays.

Despite just opening its doors a few days ago, Olmino said the restaurant is already serving repeat customers. Satisfied diners are already raving about it on social media, with comments such as:

• "For a teen who can no longer have dairy or gluten…it’s a dream dinner. Her review is "this is the best pizza I’ve ever had, tastes just like 'real' pizza!" We will definitely be regulars! Excellent addition to town."
• "We checked them out tonight, we definitely recommend them! The workers are very kind and the pizza is so delicious! Very well priced also, definitely coming back."
• "Just ordered from Aurora's Pizza and their mac and cheese is absolutely fabulous! Fast delivery and great customer service! Welcome to Enfield!"
• "I can’t recommend the new Aurora’s Pizza enough! Staff was friendly, and while I was waiting for my pizza, I had a slice of a friend's, and it was delicious. If you want to support small businesses in our town, this one is a good one!"

Aurora's Pizza is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Inside seating is available for about 30 diners. Orders may be placed by calling 860-835-5180, or by visiting them on Facebook or Instagram. Delivery service is also available.