Pasta, aperitivo and the Italian classics, from Calgary's newest dining rooms to family restaurants that have been at it for decades. For pizza, see the Pizza page.
The Beltline's best hidden gem. Warm, inviting and dimly lit, this little Italian restaurant and cocktail bar is perfect for a late date night, with fresh pasta made in house every day. A short walk to the Saddledome.
Must try: House Focaccia, the Meatballs, the Spaghetti, Beef Cheek Lasagna.
Pro tip: On event nights, book ahead and leave extra time to park.
401 12 Ave SE · Map for Cardinale
Upscale Italian at the base of The Oliver, with handmade pasta and ingredients imported from Italy alongside Alberta ones. It's a room to dress up for: green suede chairs, a wall of vintage blue books and a marble bar facing the open kitchen.
Erin's tip: The light-up menus are a vibe.
Pro tip: Gatsby's, the tasting-menu restaurant, is tucked inside Luca, and the same group runs Pazzi Pizzeria and Fleetwood Lounge in the building for a casual night or a nightcap.
524 10 Ave SW · Map for Luca · Website for Luca
Hand-stretched pizza made with imported Italian flour, fresh pasta every day and a proper weekend brunch, in an elegant but easygoing room on 10th Avenue.
Must try: The Carbonara, Gnocchi with wild mushrooms and gorgonzola, and Eggs in Purgatory at brunch.
Pro tip: Pizza starts at 5 pm. Gluten-free crust and vegan cheese are on hand, and there's a second location by the airport at the Riviera Plaza Hotel.
645 10 Ave SW · Map for Scarpetta Cucina Italiana · Website for Scarpetta Cucina Italiana
New this year in the old Franca's space, where Calgarians celebrated birthdays and holidays for more than 20 years. Petalo, Italian for petal, keeps the homey feel with vintage china and cut-glass tableware, and serves a seasonal Italian menu made for sharing.
Must try: The house-made Cappelletti with coconut corn lobster sauce, the Caesar with focaccia croutons, Cacio e Pepe, a teacup Tiramisu.
Pro tip: Lunch Tuesday to Friday, dinner only on Saturday, and closed Sundays and Mondays.
100-3811 Edmonton Trail NE · Map for Petalo · Website for Petalo
On the scene since 1987, this family-run spot has always been about good food, family and love. Every classic Italian dish you want, and a menu that makes choosing hard.
Must try: Bruschetta, Lasagna Bolognese, and save room for Mama Angela's tiramisu.
990 1 Ave NE · Map for La Brezza
A family-owned, traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of Bridgeland, with a wide range of classic pastas and a wine list straight from Italy.
Must try: The Mushroom special, Sea Bass, Veal Tortellini, Lasagna, Mussels with house focaccia.
Pro tip: Ask about the specials. The mushroom and sea bass are the ones regulars come back for.
610 1 Ave NE · Map for Villa Firenze
It takes staying power to last two decades in Calgary's dining scene, and Centini has it. A favourite of the business-lunch crowd and pre-theatre diners alike. Classic steak or a big plate of pasta.
Pro tip: Ask your server for a wine pairing.
Is anything better than a great local hole-in-the-wall? This little Italian spot by Chinook has all the classics, from giant plates of pasta to margherita pizzas. When only mountains of hot carbs and cheese will do, this is the call.
Must try: Any of the pizzas, and don't skip the homemade limoncello.
6036 3 St SW · Map for Il Centro
A 17th Avenue institution for nearly 40 years, now in a new home at 12th Street. Old-school Italian with more than 20 pastas, warm bread rolls to start and servers who've been doing this a long time.
Must try: The Arancini, Cannelloni Fiorentina, Tortellini alla Panna, the Lemon Veal.
Erin's tip: An old classic in a new location.
Pro tip: Grab a patio table for the 17th Avenue view, or sit inside for a quieter dinner.
1201 17 Ave SW · Map for Buon Giorno
Calgary's original aperitivo bar, run by siblings Domenic and Francesca Spadafora. Come for a Venetian Spritz, a Negroni or a Bellini with something to share, and stay for Calabrese-style cooking with a modern twist.
Must try: The meatballs, gnocchi and the eggplant panino.
824D Edmonton Tr NE · Map for SS106 Aperitivo Bar
A family-run institution tucked just off Edmonton Trail, serving big plates of Italian home cooking since 1996. Expect fresh pasta, warm rolls, garlic bread and a dining room full of regulars.
Must try: Spaghetti Carbonara, the Caesar salad, and The Dom pizza.
Pro tip: It fills up fast after 6, so book ahead.
431 41 Ave NE · Map for Rea's Italian Cucina