Ciao Apr/May 2026 Issue #153 | Page 36

Pasquale’ s 109 Marion St, 204‐231‐1403. This longstanding destination treats all as family. Classic pastas, red sauces and old-fashioned recipes keep diners raving. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Santa Lucia 4 St Mary’ s Rd, 204-237-4134, plus 7 local locations. Generous portions and affordable dishes secure the popularity of this family destination. Greek and Italian classics are draws.
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Shorty’ s Pizza 53 Maryland St, 204-779-7968. 3116 Roblin Blvd, 204-897-6157, Giant New York-style pies pair with nodini garlic knots at the iconic intersection in Wolseley. Leave room for banana cream pudding. LP, A, IA, M, V Tre Visi Café 926 Grosvenor Ave, 204‐475‐4447. Sophisticated bistro carries the tradition of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. One of the city’ s most sumptuous gnocchi. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Vera Pizzeria 670 Osborne St, 204‐222‐6306. 20-seat South Osborne space with a simple menu of Neapolitan-style pizza. Housemade crust is superb. LP, IA, M, V
ITALIAN /
CONTEMPORARY
Bellissimo 1‐877 Waverley St, 204-489‐0495. This sophisticated suburban spot trades in sublime fare, like spinach agnolotti stuffed with mascarpone and spiced squash. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Café Carlo 243 Lilac St, 204-477‐5544. This cozy, chic and consistent bistro serves dishes spiked with equatorial tastes and textures. Those in the know come for stellar beef tenderloin.
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Cibo Waterfront Café 339 Waterfront Dr, 204‐594‐0339. Renovated heritage space boasts one of the best views in the city. Standouts include arancini balls in a fragrant tomato sauce LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Colleen The Forks Market. Local ingredients shine in classic Italian recipes. Daily made burrata and mozzarella, with premium olive oil and mushrooms is revelatory. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Harth 1-980 St Anne’ s Rd, 204-255-0003. South suburban locale draws with its stunning tapas-style menu designed by chef Brent Genyk. Italian delicacies like house-made pasta are stand-outs. WA, LP, IA, M, V Nicolino’ s 4‐2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-269‐5004. Owner Nick Zifarelli oversees a menu of rustic Italian classics. Housemade pasta, appearing in classic and imaginative recipes keeps diners loyal. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V bestlist
Parcel Pizza 221-A Stradbrook Ave, 204-421-6711. Stylish art-deco inspired restaurant serves gourmet pizza on New York-style crust. Zany flavours add a twist to a classic slice. Also creative salads and shareables. A, IA, M, V Passero 774 Corydon Ave, 204-219-7300. Opens at night with carefully thoughtful offerings such as the roasted pork belly and ricotta gnocchi. WA, LP, IA, M, V Tommy’ s Pizzeria 842 Corydon Ave, 204-219-7499. Sleek old-school, New York diner vibe sets the scene for beloved‘ zas and classic sides. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Vida Cucina Italia 222 Broadway, 204-899-5721. Chef Rosanna Marziale brings pedigree and Michelin starred dishes from Campania to this crowning jewel of the Fort Garry Hotel. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
JAPANESE
Asoyama 1717 Kenaston Blvd, 204‐487‐4222. South suburban spot bursts with options amid bamboo greenery. Creative house rolls and appies engage regulars. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Blüfish 179 Bannatyne Ave, 204-779‐9888. This chic sushi spot in the center of the city draws regulars and visitors alike. Setting balances sophistication with a dose of fun. LP, A, IA, M, V Cho Ichi Ramen 1151 Pembina Hwy, 204-615-8832. Ramen is the mission. Noodles are housemade and pork tonkotsu broth is cooked for 12 hours. LP, A, IA, M, V Edokko Japanese 532 Waterloo St, 204-306-3333 Premium fish and masterful plates are the hallmarks of chef Masa’ s tiny spot. Gourmet imports satiate home cooks. LP, A, IA, M, V GaiJin Izakaya 2-1575 Regent Ave W, 204-615-6868. Japanese small plates, all-day ramen and premium drinks served in a cool open concept space. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Ichiban 189 Carlton St, 204-925‐7400. Teppanyaki-style fresh entrées are cooked with panache by talented chefs. A sushi bar rounds out the offer. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Meal Set Bistro 612 B Academy Rd, 204‐414‐8088. Healthy sushi and tapas served with flair at this Asian-fusion bistro with a genre-bending menu. Rotating happy hour specials.. LP, A, IA, M, V Wasabi 588 Broadway, 204-774-4328; 3-1360 Taylor Ave, 204‐415‐7878. New‐school sushi is taken to creative heights. Stunning rolls use premium ingredients, leaving a lasting impression. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
KOREAN
IGI BBQ & Sushi Bistro 10-1875 Pembina Hwy, 204‐477‐9909. It’ s all about table-top, do-it-yourself barbeque at this all-you-can-eat Japanese- and Korean-focused restaurant. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Kiwa 10-2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-261-3131. Whether venturing into classic dishes like bibimbap, jigaes and chicken wings topped with sweet and spicy sauce, this spot delivers on bold flavours. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Little Korea 519 Ellice Ave, 204-783-5188. Sweet space with a contemporary vibe serves classics from South Korea. Beef bulgogi and sundubu jiigae is outstanding. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
MEXICAN
Carlos & Murphy’ s 129 Osborne St, 204-284‐3510. Serves Mexican cantina food such as taco salads, hot wings, chimichangas and heaping Carlos nachos.
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La Roca 155 Smith St, 204‐615‐9605. The light and fresh flavours of coastal Mexico shine in taco trios, bright ceviche and the city’ s best margaritas. WA, LP, SP, A,
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MIDDLE EASTERN
Ramallah Cafe 1600 Kenaston Blvd, 325 Pembina Hwy, 204-615-5535, 108-1111 Munroe Ave, 204-560-5220. Wildly popular spots for supreme classics. Velvety hummus is sublime. WA, A, IA, M, V Yafa Café 1785 Portage Ave, 204-221-1636. This artistic space serves street food like manakeesh, a flatbread with sweet or savoury toppings. Don’ t miss the honey cardamom latte. WA, A, IA, M, V Zaytoon 203-99 Osborne St, 204-306-1166. A bright space and warm hospitality greets diners seeking stellar shawarma, signature dips and bright flavoured meats. A, IA, M, V
PUB / CANTINA
Amsterdam Tea Room 103-211 Bannatyne Ave, 204-295-7728. Boozy teas and cocktails alongside Euro-style sharing plates contribute to a cool vibe. LP, SP, IA, M, V Bar Accanto 100-300 Tache Ave, 204-505-0761. The luxe bistro setting hints at the artistic and exciting food coming out of the kitchen at this new hot spot.
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Brazen Hall 800 Pembina Hwy, 204‐453‐7980. House-made brews on tap at the stylish spacious pub. The extensive menu includes modern snacks and entrées. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
34 ciao! / apr / may / two thousand twenty-six