Winner
D.O.P.
D.O.P. serves classic Italian antipasti, pastas and other dishes rooted in owner Tony Migliarese’s family recipes. This cozy Italian joint, squeezed into a tiny space in the Beltline, keeps it simple and delicious with recipes like pickled green tomatoes (one of the recipes handed down from Migliarese’s grandmother), anchovies with pickled onions and some of the best olive oil you’ve ever had, and pillowy-soft grilled bread best enjoyed alongside whipped ricotta. Must-try dishes here are the giant egg yolk- and ricotta-filled raviolo and the plate-sized veal chop parm.
1005A 1 St. S.W., 587-349-2656, dopyyc.com, @dopyyc
Runners-up
Mercato
This family-owned restaurant and market in Calgary’s Mission neighbourhood has been operating for more than 15 years. The restaurant’s menu is presented in the traditional format of antipasti (appetizers), primi (pastas and risottos), secondi (heavier meat dishes) and contorni (vegetables). The menu includes standout pasta dishes like linguine alla pescatora and the restaurant’s famous Fiorentina-style rib-eye steak that’s big enough for the whole table. Mercato started as an Italian market in 1974, and still sells pasta, breads, sauces and other items you need for an Italian feast at home.
2224 4 St. S.W., 403-263-5535, mercatogourmet.com, @mercato_mission
Rea’s Italian Cucina
This family-owned-and-operated restaurant in Highland Park serves all the classic Italian dishes. Rea’s originally opened as a pizzeria in 1996, so of course the pizzas are a great option, but there’s also a huge variety of pastas, soups, starters and larger-format veal and chicken dishes.
431 41 Ave. N.E., 403-230-7754, reasitaliancucina.com
Bonterra Trattoria
Located in the Beltline, this restaurant has been serving Calgary classic yet contemporary Italian fare like spaghetti alla carbonara and gnocchi di agnello for more than 20 years. Be sure to try any of the excellent pasta dishes (made with locally sourced ingredients), or opt for something a little more modern like the lamb shank paired with carrot, pistachio and mint.
1016 8 St. S.W., 403-262-8480, bonterra.ca, @bonterracalgary
Niko’s Bistro
This Italian joint has been operating on Kensington Road for 17 years, serving up delicious Italian favourites in an intimate, family-run atmosphere. At Niko’s, you’ll find classic Italian bistro dishes like frutti de mare, braised lamb shank, veal parmigiana and more. If you’re dining with a few people, consider the family-style dining platters.
1241 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-270-0082, nikosbistro.ca, @nikosbistro
Teatro
A staple of Calgary’s fine-dining scene, Teatro is beloved for its local and seasonal Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant’s contemporary preparations of Italian classics are complemented by an extensive wine menu — the restaurant’s massive wine cellar holds more than 10,000 bottles.
200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1012, teatro.ca, @teatrorestaurant
Luca Restaurant
This swanky restaurant is a newer addition to Calgary’s Italian restaurant scene, and brings a modern take to Italian dining. Featuring a menu of hand-made pastas, large family-style dishes like the lobster risotto or whole grilled sea bass and a huge wine selection, Luca is a great spot for an impressive night out. If you’re in the mood for something extra special, you can even order the restaurant’s seafood tower.
524 10 Ave. S.W., 403-261-1777, lucayyc.com, @lucayyc
Cardinale
Sitting in the heart of Victoria Park, Cardinale is an intimate and cozy joint serving traditional fresh pastas, antipasti and other Italian dishes. An impressive wine and specialty cocktail list and its central location make Cardinale a great spot to dine whether you’re heading to the Scotiabank Saddledome afterwards or just looking for a tasty night out.
401 12 Ave. S.E., 403-264-6046, cardinale.ca, @cardinaleyyc
Villa Firenze
Family-operated since 1991, this Bridgeland restaurant still uses recipes passed down through generations. Try traditional dishes like minestrone, lasagna, pastas or the rack of lamb on your next night out with family or friends.
610 1 Ave. N.E., 403-264-4297, villafirenze.ca, @villafirenze
Vero Bistro
Vero Bistro puts a modern twist on many classic Italian dishes, all while using the best local and imported ingredients. By bringing French and Spanish influences into the mix, Vero Bistro creates a unique dining experience. Try dishes like black truffle arancini, a seafood platter for two or the signature sweet potato gnocchi with wild boar bacon.
209 10 St. N.W., 403-283-8988, verobistro.ca, @verobistro
