Wood Tavern 112 Marion St , 204-235-6003 . Cozy and cool restaurant inside the Norwood Hotel features a huge wood-fired grill that scents the sprawling space . WA , LP , SP , IA , M , V
ITALIAN / CLASSIC
Alena Rustic Italian 3670 Roblin Blvd ., 204‐944‐8748 . Chef Michael Dacquisto brings homestyle Italian cooking to Charleswood with rustic flair . Woodfired pizzas are a must .
WA , SP , LP , IA , M , V
Colosseo Ristorante 670 Corydon Ave , 204‐284‐4977 . House-made classic Italian fare makes this the place for Italian cravings . A friendly environment makes it a favourite for family outings . WA , SP , LP , IA , M , V Frankie ’ s Italian Kitchen 505 Sterling Lyon Pkwy , 204-410- 4980 . Hailing from the west , this stylish outpost serves the kind of food that brings big Italian families together . Sicilian breaded arancini is divine . WA , LP , SP , IA , M , V bestlist
Little Nana ’ s Italian Kitchen 818 Notre Dame Ave , 204-219-2615 . Calabrian flavours and modern presentations are served with old-fashioned , Nonna-style over the top generosity and lots of heart .
WA , LP , SP , A , IA , M , V
Mona Lisa 1697 Corydon Ave , 204-488‐3687 . The cuisine of the Grande family ’ s southern Italy home has been offered for more than 30 years at this loved neighbourhood restaurant .
WA , LP , SP , A , IA , M , V , ATM
Monticchio 684 Osborne St , 204-477‐4773 . South Osborne mainstay serves traditional recipes in a contemporary space . Try signature breaded veal topped with kalamata olives and provolone cheese for a decadent dining experience . WA , LP , A , IA , M , V Pasquale ’ s 109 Marion St , 204‐231‐1403 . Everyone is treated as family . Classic pastas , red sauces and old-fashioned recipes keep diners raving . The rooftop patio is a summer hotspot . WA , LP , SP , A , IA , M , V
Shorty ’ s Pizza 53 Maryland St , 204-779-7968 . Giant New York-style pies pair with Italian wine , beer , and nodini garlic knots at the iconic intersection of Wolseley and Maryland . New stylish interior refreshes the space . LP , A , IA , M , V re Tre Visi Café 926 Grosvenor Ave , 204‐475‐4447 . Sophisticated bistro with Italian- Mediterranean cuisine includes 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 outstanding Neapolitan-style pizza .. House-made crust is superb . WA , LP , IA , M , V
ITALIAN / CONTEMPORARY
Bellissimo 1‐877 Waverley St , 204-489‐0495 . This surprisingly sophisticated neighbourhood spot offers sublime fare , like the spinach agnolotti stuffed with mascarpone and spiced squash . WA , LP , SP , A , IA , M , V
Stylish Spaces
Half the fun of eating out comes from being in a space designed to the nines and enjoying the aesthetics of someone else ’ s décor . Resto Gare ’ s setting within a historic train station in St . Boniface sets the scene for a contemporary dining space clad in luxurious textiles and playful patterns . Tuck into a transcendent beef bourguignon from a window side plush velvet seat in the train car lounge and you ’ ll also be transported in time . A simple collection of displayed kitchen curios nods to nostalgia at Parcel Pizza . Hand-painted murals accent cozy booths giving the two-level space artsy appeal . Ingenious pizza and seasonal sides presentations are evident too . Buttery judion beans soaking in herby olive oil are an unctuous side dish . Once the water pumping station for the city ’ s fire-fighting efforts , is now home to industrial chic resto bar , James Avenue Pumphouse ( pictured ). The historic machinery and equipment are in full view behind floor to high ceiling windows spanning the entire interior space . Try decidedly modern crispy fried cauliflower bites coated in a combo of sweet and spicy barbeque sauce and a “ snow ” of dehydrated cheese . Even before entering , outdoor ambient lights twinkling overhead welcome guests to Bonnie Day , nestled among character homes . Dark rich wood and leafy William Morris wallpaper grace the walls of a cozy soft lit den-like space . Not so low-key cheese and crackers show off the kitchen ’ s mastery . Luxurious melted brie may be mistaken for a posh crème brûlée . Shades of rose and sumptuous fabrics envelop beverage seekers entering luxe lounge Rosé Coffee and Wine . By day , frothy cups of espresso drinks satisfy but come mid-afternoon , the beverages shift to wines for accompanying trendy tartines and tapas .
James Avenue Pumphouse
28 TASTE Winnipeg ’ s Culinary Guide 2023