3 New Calgary Italian Restaurants

Pacini: The Outer Limits
Pacini is the first Western Canadian location of a successful franchise based in Quebec. Located near the airport by the new Acclaim Hotel, it is an Italian eatery with a few unique twists. You’ll find thin-crust pizza (margherita, $12.79; prosciutto and arugula, $15.79), pasta (fettucine Alfredo, $13.99; penne Alfredo with pesto and grilled chicken, $21.99) and entrees such as veal scallopini ($21.99). Pacini also has an all-you-can-eat bread bar and a group-oriented Festa di Gruppo menu that allows eight or more adults to try a wide range of menu items for $34.99 per person.
123 Freeport Blvd. N.E. 403-930-8080 pacini.ca

Calabro Restaurant: Mamma Mia
At Calabro Restaurant, it’s all about authentic southern Italian food, just like Mama makes. At this family-run spot, head chef Rose Mosca cooks up deliciously comforting dishes while her daughter, Louise, attentively serves out front. Once you locate this nondescript restaurant near Burnsland Cemetery, the small black-and-white dining room’s bright and elegant feel is a nice surprise. Sit down for lunch and dinner and you’ll be welcomed with warm buns with balsamic vinegar and oil to dip. The short menu features antipasti (classic tomato bruschetta, $9; mini meatballs with marinara sauce, $10), salads (Caprese, $12), good-sized portions of fresh pastas (lasagna, $15; hand-rolled gnocchi della Nonna in tomato sauce, $14) and meaty entrees with grilled seasonal veggies (beef strip loin with parsley, mozzarella and garlic in tomato sauce, $22.50). And because you can’t help but linger here once you’re done eating, have the house-made tiramisu ($6.50) or a latte ($5) to finish. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.
3605 Manchester Rd. S.E., 403-457-1107, calabrorestaurant.c

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria: Easy as Pie
Famoso churns out authentic Neapolitan pizza from its bell oven at a rate of 90 seconds a pie, but to get your serving you have to know the system. First, seat yourself. Next, order at the counter and pay right away, or keep your tab open. Finally, sit back down and the wait staff will bring your food to you and put in any additional orders that strike your fancy as your meal unfolds. It’s easy as pie, aside from the part where you have to decide what you want on your 11-inch hand-stretched crust. Choose between red sauce made from tomatoes imported from Italy or white sauce with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and oregano. Customize your own toppings, or go with pre-selected combinations like the Pollo with roasted chicken, roasted red pepper and artichoke hearts ($14.50), or the Siciliana with Italian sausage, ham and prosciutto ($14.50). You can also be adventurous with New World pizzas, like the Vittoria with salsa, chorizo sausage, roasted chicken, pineapple and basil ($14.50). Pair your pizza with a glass of wine and finish it off with a scoop of Fiasco Gelato ($3.50), or a plate of sugared dough with mascarpone and berries ($8) to complete your casual night out.
105, 2303 4 St. S.W., 403-455-3839, famoso.ca