but it’ s the pasta program that continues to earn near-mythical status. Daily-made varieties— from al dente fettuccine and spaghetti to tender lasagna sheets and pillowy gnocchi— form the backbone of the menu.
One standout pairs spaghetti with a glossy Marsala cream sauce studded with caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, and supple slices of chicken breast. Lasagna Emiliana stays true to its northern Italian roots, layering rich Bolognese with tangy béchamel and molten cheese for a deeply comforting result.
Seafood gets thoughtful treatment as well. A simply composed medley of buttery white beans supports a perfectly seared tuna steak, cooked divinely rare in the Calabrian tradition. Grilled zucchini adds texture and freshness.
Salads provide balance amid the
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carb-forward indulgence, without sacrificing cheese. A chèvre salad contrasts tangy goat cheese with sweet strawberries, candied pecans, crunchy quinoa, and mixed greens, all lightly dressed in honey mustard vinaigrette. The Sorrento salad, a fixture since the restaurant’ s earliest days, remains a nostalgic favourite: salami and ham, ripe tomatoes, a scattering of mozzarella, and a restrained oil-and-vinegar dressing.
Dessert leans classic and comforting. End the meal Provençal-style with espresso alongside tiramisu or a crisp-edged cannoli or opt for the airy carrot cake finished with generous swoops of sweet mascarpone icing.
Nicolino’ s earns longevity by refining what it does best, through consistency, care, and respect for tradition.
Nicolino’ s is open Tue – Sat 11:30am – 10pm, Sun-Mon Closed
PAULINE BISTRO
Neighbourhood..... St Boniface Address............. 112 Marion St Phone............. 204-235-6001 Entrées.................... $ 10- $ 28
The Parisian-style café in Winnipeg’ s historic French quarter hits its mark, blending European flair with French Canadian and Métis influences. Pauline is a sun-drenched daytime bistro named for celebrated St. Boniface painter Pauline Boutal, known for her early 20th-century fashion illustrations, and it remains a beloved neighbourhood fixture.
Inside, honeycomb-tiled floors pair beautifully with a soft nude palette. Clay-coloured booths are cozied up with plush pillows, while taupe walls 26 ciao! / feb / mar / two thousand twenty-six