As someone who loves Italian food, I always find myself craving a crispy pizza crust or a big bowl of pasta.
Living in Calgary, I thought I’d have to settle for whatever I could find. Maybe a pizza here and there, but nothing could truly scratch that Italian food itch. But then I started looking around. The next thing I knew, I had a whole list of Italian restaurants to check out.
I grabbed a few foodie friends and we went on a food marathon. Some places blew us away, others missed the mark. But, by the end of it, we had a solid list of must-visit spots.
So if you’re like me and constantly craving a good Italian plate, keep reading. I’ve already done the taste testing, so now you know where to go!
Table of Contents
1. Mercato Mission – Restaurant
Media credits: mercato_mission
Website
Address: 2224 4 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-263-5535
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$$
We loved the warm, rustic ambiance of Mercato Mission Restaurant and the soft music that set the mood. Sitting at the bar gave us a front-row seat to the open kitchen. It was really exciting to watch the chefs prepare each dish with precision.
For appetisers, we tried their homemade bread paired with olive oil and balsamic for dipping. The bread was soft inside but had this amazing crisp crust, which we really loved.
For mains, the 25-oz ribeye steak was perfectly grilled. The meat was juicy, and we loved that it came with herb butter drizzled on top. The portion was huge, so we left feeling satisfied.
Pro tip:
Visit their little market before you leave. They sell fresh pasta, sauces, and other Italian goodies that make it easy to recreate their dishes at home.
2. La Luna Rossa Ristorante
Media credits: lalunarossayyc
Website
Address: 2404-C Edmonton Trl
Contact details: +1 403-452-3080
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $$
La Luna Rossa Ristorante has a small space, but dining here felt so intimate that it’s a great spot for date nights.
Their calamari was lightly battered, crispy yet tender, and paired with a spicy red sauce that added just the right kick.
For mains, we couldn’t pass up the rigatoni with braised short ribs after hearing so much about it. The meat was tender, and we could tell the pasta was freshly made from its perfect texture.
Chef Benny coming out to check on us was also a nice touch. He even shared a few cooking tips, which made the experience more personal.
Pro tip:
Save room for a cappuccino. Chef Benny occasionally offers a complimentary cappuccino, which is a lovely way to end your meal.
3. Pacini Calgary Northeast
Media credits: pacinirestaurant
Website
Address: 123 Freeport Blvd NE
Contact details: +1 403-930-8080
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:30 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$
The bread grilling station in Pacini Calgary Northeast is a standout feature. We got to pick our bread, choose a flavored butter, and toast it ourselves. It kept us entertained while waiting for our main dishes.
We ordered the steak with sea salt, and it was one of the best steaks we’ve had in a long time. The steak was thick-cut and perfectly seared with a caramelised crust that locked in the juices. It comes with roasted potatoes and sauteed vegetables too.
Our group also shared a Caesar salad, which the staff thoughtfully split for us without even asking. It came topped with cured prosciutto which added some savory flavor.
Pro tip:
The bread station can get busy, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of their free Wi-Fi while you wait for your dishes.
4. Bonterra Trattoria
Media credits: bonterracalgary
Website
Address: 1016 8 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-262-8480
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
One of the best decisions we made upon visiting Bonterra Trattoria was booking a table on their Tuscan-style patio. The vines climbing the walls, soft lighting, and warmth from nearby heaters made it easy for us to enjoy the chilly evening.
It was a bit dark for food photos but it didn’t really bother us.
Their focaccia toasties were incredible. The combination of warm roasted grape jam, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts had the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
We also loved that their gnocchi. It features lamb ragu that’s bathed in a sauce packed with garlic, rosemary, and a hint of red wine.
Pro tip:
If you’re thinking about hosting a gathering, the wine room upstairs offers a great space for a quieter vibe.
5. Teatro Ristorante
Media credits: teatrorestaurant
Website
Address: 200 8 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403-290-1012
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$$
When we visited Teatro Ristorante, many of the visitors were couples celebrating their anniversary. It’s easy to see why – the location alone sets the stage for a romantic evening, with its high ceilings and marble accents.
Their ribeye was everything we wanted from a high-end steak. It was perfectly seared and served with a sauce that enhanced its taste.
The staff here nailed their wine recommendations. We went with a Brunelli di Montalcino and it paired so well with our meal.
Dining here was definitely a splurge, but it’s worth every penny!
Pro tip:
Teatro Ristorante is close to the Jack Singer Concert Hall. If you’re attending a show, let your server know. The staff is great at timing meals to ensure you’re out the door on time without feeling rushed.
6. YYC Pasta Bar 17th Ave
Media credits: yycpastabar
Website
Address: 1322A 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 587-332-5600
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
The highlight of YYC Pasta Bar is its customisable pasta. We had a great time choosing our choice of fresh pasta, sauces, and toppings to create the dishes that we liked.
I personally ended up with fettuccine with creamy pesto, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. It was also a nice touch that the chef himself served our dishes and even explained the ingredients.
They don’t have a huge selection of imported beers, but their wine list makes up for it. Bonus points for being reasonably priced while still delivering a satisfying meal from start to finish.
Pro tip:
If you’ve got kids with you, ask for the kids’ menu. It’s not on the regular menu, but they have one!
7. Villa Firenze
Media credits: villafirenze
Website
Address: 610 1 Ave NE
Contact details: +1 403-264-4297
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
We tried Villa Firenze’s famous Portobello Mushrooms for appetisers. We loved that the mushrooms were thick. They were bathed in a buttery sauce that was very addicting.
For the main, our team decided to try different ones. I had the Filet Mignon, which had a slight crisp on its exterior yet remained tender inside, allowing me to enjoy its rich flavors fully.
Some of the seafood lovers in our group were drawn to Gamberetti al Cognac. The prawns were plump and sauteed in a cognac-cream sauce with just a hint of warmth from the liquor.
The service was also amazing. We appreciate that the staff ensured we never felt rushed even after closing hours.
Pro tip:
For a killer combination, try their tiramisu and espresso martinis.
8. Trullo Trattoria
Media credits: trulloyyc
Website
Address: 2515 90 Ave SW #107
Contact details: +1 403-281-1414
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: $$
Trullo Trattoria is a beautifully designed place. They have mirrors on the walls and potted plants by the windows. The small patio also looks like the perfect summer spot for a meal.
We tried their maltagliati, which was everything we had ever hoped for. It had these irregular pasta sheets with slow-cooked lamb ragu. The additional mushrooms and walnuts gave it depth and a little crunch, which we liked.
Overall, we had a great meal here. If there’s one tiny tweak we’d suggest, it’d be having some fresh bread or crostini at the start of the meal. We saw that they had burratas and spreads and it could’ve been a beautiful pair as we waited for our main dishes.
Pro tip:
The restaurant gets lively by 6:30 PM. If you prefer a quieter meal, aim for an earlier dinner time.
9. My Little Italia
Media credits: mylittleitalia.yyc
Website
Address: 2015 4 St SW #5
Contact details: +1 587-356-1408
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
My Little Italia is just a small space with only about 25 seats. Despite this, it never felt cramped or overwhelming. It actually made our dining feel more intimate.
The staff here were so friendly. Every time we asked them about something, they were quick to help us out with all smiles.
Their arrabiata is packed with a serious punch of spice. After trying arrabiata at so many places, we can finally say someone got it right.
The rigatoni with pesto was also so good that we even found ourselves scooping up every last bit of sauce with the complimentary bread.
For dessert, we had raspberry sorbet. It was bright, refreshing, and a perfect palate cleanser after our pasta.
Pro tip:
Make sure to book a reservation so you don’t miss out. The restaurant only has about 25 seats, and it can fill up very quickly.
10. Cardinale
Media credits: cardinaleyyc
Website
Address: 401 12 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403-264-6046
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Price: $$
Cardinale is tucked inside the Daode Terrace building, with brick-lined rooms and a stunning antique brass-topped bar. We grabbed a spot on the patio, which turned out to be a fantastic choice because of the fresh air.
For the food, we tried their carbonara. The portion was generous but didn’t feel too heavy. The bone marrow and pecorino added a deep flavour but didn’t overpower the taste of the pasta. Speaking of the pasta, it was perfectly chewy and clearly handmade.
We also visited the bar for a bit and tried their Amaro spirits. The bartender recommended a cocktail after asking our preferences, and we really loved what he gave us.
Pro tip:
There is free parking, but restrictions may apply if there is a Saddledome event. It’s best to check ahead or consider other ways to get there.
