A Taste of Italy: Calgary's 12 Most Delicious Italian Restaurants

Welcome to Calgary, where the food scene is full of flavor and diversity. In this article, we're on a delicious quest to uncover the city's best Italian dining spots.

Italian cuisine is all about hearty flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting dishes that warm the soul. From mouthwatering pasta creations to authentic wood-fired pizzas and decadent desserts, Calgary's Italian restaurants bring a taste of Italy to our doorstep.

If you're craving a classic carbonara, a creamy risotto, or a tender osso buco, these eateries promise to whisk you away on a culinary journey to Italy with every bite. Join us as we explore cozy trattorias, upscale ristorantes, and charming pizzerias dotted across the city, each offering its twist on traditional Italian fare.

Suppose you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a night out with loved ones. In that case, our handpicked selection of the best Italian restaurants in Calgary will satisfy your cravings and leave you craving for more.

So, grab your appetite, and let's dive into the delicious world of Italian cuisine in Calgary. Buon appetito!

If you’re hunting for an authentic slice of Italy in Calgary, Bonterra Trattoria should be on your list. This gem offers a robust menu featuring contemporary Italian dishes like succulent pasta, creamy risotto, and perfectly cooked meat entrees, all served in a space that echoes the warm, inviting atmosphere of a Tuscan villa.

The terrace adds a charming touch, perfect for Calgary's balmy summer evenings or crisp, clear days.

Visitors often rave about both the food and the atmosphere at Bonterra Trattoria.

The dishes here are crafted with a commitment to authenticity and flavor, making every meal a delightful exploration of Italian culinary traditions. 

Moreover, the service at Bonterra Trattoria matches the high quality of its menu.

Staff members are not only attentive but also passionate about Italian cuisine, ready to recommend the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings or the ideal wine to complement your meal. 

Nestled in the heart of Calgary, Villa Firenze presents a remarkable dining experience that transports guests straight to Italy with its traditional flavors and elegant ambiance.

As a family-owned establishment, it prides itself on delivering not just meals, but a true taste of Italian hospitality.

Diners at Villa Firenze can indulge in a variety of meticulously prepared dishes that highlight the richness of Italian cuisine. The lasagna, a standout on the menu, features tender layers of pasta and just the right blend of cheese and sauce, making each bite a comforting delight.

Another crowd-pleaser is the spinach pasta stuffed with seafood, which has garnered acclaim for its fresh flavors and imaginative presentation.

The upscale setting of Villa Firenze adds to the allure, creating an ideal backdrop for a romantic dinner or a special family gathering.

The attentive yet unobtrusive service ensures that every visit is seamless and enjoyable. Each staff member contributes to a warm atmosphere, where guests can relax and savor their meals without hurry. 

Teatro Ristorante stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence in Calgary, housed in a beautifully restored 1911 bank building.

This venue combines the grandeur of its historic setting with a menu that celebrates the best of Mediterranean flavors, offering a dining experience that is both luxurious and satisfying.

The menu at Teatro is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. Starting with appetizers like the perfectly cooked calamari, guests are treated to a parade of beautifully plated dishes.

The seared ahi tuna, for example, is a standout main course, presented over a bed of subtly flavored refried beans, demonstrating how Teatro masterfully blends traditional ingredients with innovative techniques.

What truly sets Teatro Ristorante apart, however, is its exceptional service.

Guests frequently commend the attentive waitstaff, who ensure that each dining experience is seamless and personalized. 

Osteria Chef's Table offers a refined slice of Italy right in Calgary, providing an upscale dining experience with all the hallmarks of traditional Italian hospitality.

Known for its crisp white tablecloths and an intimate setting, this restaurant serves as a perfect locale for those seeking a sophisticated meal.

At Osteria Chef’s Table, the focus is squarely on classic Italian entrees that boast fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each dish is prepared with meticulous care, ensuring that flavors are both authentic and bold.

The expansive wine list is another highlight, featuring selections that range from robust reds to crisp whites, carefully chosen to complement the flavors of the menu.

Patrons of Osteria often praise the restaurant for its excellent service, noting the staff's keen attention to detail and genuine warmth.

This commitment to service enhances the dining experience, making guests feel truly taken care of from the moment they step inside.

La Brezza Ristorante, a quaint, family-run gem in Calgary, has been serving up homestyle Italian food since 1987.

With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this eatery makes every guest feel like part of the family, especially appreciated by those experiencing it for the first time.

The generous portions and meticulous preparation of dishes like calamari and pasta underline La Brezza's commitment to authenticity and culinary excellence. The calamari is often highlighted by diners for its perfect crispiness and flavor, setting a high standard for the rest of the meal.

Pasta dishes follow suit, with each plate bringing a taste of Italy's rich, culinary traditions to Calgary's food scene, using fresh, quality ingredients that elevate the simple to the sublime.

What truly sets La Brezza apart is its ability to consistently provide a cozy dining experience reminiscent of a true Italian family meal.

This sense of authenticity is not just in the recipes but also in the genuinely caring service and the rustic, charming decor that transports diners straight to Italy.

Cardinale holds its own as a standout Italian restaurant in Calgary, known for its intimate, understated ambiance and a delightful patio perfect for savoring both cocktails and traditional Italian dishes.

This spot strikes a fine balance, offering a cozy setting that encourages diners to relax and enjoy their meals in peace.

A highlight of Cardinale’s menu is undoubtedly the calamari, frequently praised as the best in the city. Prepared to perfection with just the right amount of crispiness and flavor, it sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

Alongside such a star appetizer, the rest of the menu continues to impress with its authentic Italian cooking, showcasing both the simplicity and the depth of traditional recipes.

The atmosphere at Cardinale adds to the allure, creating a perfect backdrop for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Buon Giorno Ristorante Italiano has been a cherished fixture in Calgary since 1987, enchanting diners with its quaint, family-owned charm and classic Italian dishes.

The restaurant's homey feel, enhanced by its outdoor seating, makes it an inviting place for both locals and tourists seeking a genuine taste of Italy in the heart of the city.

The atmosphere at Buon Giorno is vibrant, a lively backdrop that complements the excellent service provided by the staff.

It’s the kind of place where the waitstaff remembers your name and your favorite dish, adding a personal touch that makes each visit special. This warmth and attention to detail are part of what keeps guests coming back.

As for the food, Buon Giorno excels in traditional Italian cuisine, offering a range of dishes that are both comforting and delightfully executed. The pasta is always al dente, the sauces rich and flavorful, and the ingredients fresh.

The wine selection is equally impressive, with options carefully chosen to pair well with the menu, ensuring that each meal is both delicious and harmonious.

Sauce Italian Kitchen & Market is a vibrant hub in Calgary where lovers of Italian cuisine can indulge in classic fare served in a contemporary and spacious setting.

This expansive eatery not only offers a delightful dining experience but also doubles as a market, where patrons can pick up premium Italian ingredients to take home.

One of the highlights at Sauce is the value it offers. Diners frequently mention that the pricing is incredibly reasonable, considering the quality and portion sizes of the dishes.

From pasta to entrees, each plate is carefully crafted to ensure that guests leave both satisfied and eager to return.

The pork chop at Sauce has gained somewhat of a legendary status among regulars and newcomers alike. Known for its tenderness and the depth of flavor it delivers, this dish exemplifies the kitchen's commitment to excellence and has been described as a must-try item.

It's dishes like these, bursting with authentic Italian flavors, that make Sauce a hidden gem in Calgary's culinary scene.

D.O.P. in Calgary is a true hidden gem for those in search of an intimate dining experience with a romantic ambiance. The space, though modest in size, is beautifully arranged to create a cozy yet elegant setting that enhances each culinary encounter.

This spot is ideal for special occasions or quiet, romantic dinners where the setting plays as crucial a role as the meal.

The food at D.O.P. stands out for its incredible quality and the meticulous attention to detail evident in every dish. Patrons frequently commend the restaurant for its flavorful, well-executed Italian cuisine that feels both authentic and innovative.

The menu, though rooted in traditional Italian cooking techniques, also embraces local and seasonal ingredients, making each meal a fresh and unique experience.

What sets D.O.P. apart is not just the quality of its food but the overall dining experience it offers.

The ambiance, service, and culinary excellence combine to create a memorable meal, where every element is thoughtfully considered to ensure guest satisfaction.

Mercato Mission offers a unique blend of market and eatery in Calgary, providing a casual yet vibrant setting perfect for enjoying Italian cuisine.

This spot beautifully combines the charm of an airy Italian market with the comfort of a dining space, making it a go-to for both quick bites and leisurely meals.

The dual nature of Mercato Mission allows diners to savor freshly prepared Italian favorites like salads, pasta, and seafood, while also having the opportunity to browse an assortment of goods and ingredients that echo the authenticity of Italian markets.

This setup not only enhances the dining experience but also invites patrons to take a piece of Italy home with them.

What makes Mercato Mission stand out is its commitment to freshness and quality. The pasta is always al dente, the salads are bursting with the flavors of freshly picked ingredients, and the seafood is prepared to highlight its natural taste.

Complemented by a well-curated selection of wines, each meal here becomes a celebration of Italian culinary traditions.

Chianti Café in Calgary has carved out a niche for itself by offering a delightful array of Italian dishes that consistently surpass expectations.

Known for its excellent value and generous portions, this restaurant appeals to those who appreciate both quality and quantity in their dining experiences.

The service at Chianti Café is frequently highlighted by patrons as exceptional; attentive and friendly waitstaff contribute significantly to the enjoyable atmosphere.

It's the kind of place where the service alone can turn a good dining experience into a great one, with team members who make sure every detail is just right.

A standout feature of Chianti Café is its extensive selection of pasta dishes, which caters to all tastes and preferences.

From rich and creamy to light and zesty, each pasta dish is crafted to offer a satisfying and delicious meal. For those with hearty appetites, the restaurant offers a "sport size" option, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

UNA Pizza + Wine has quickly become a must-visit destination in Calgary for those seeking a trendy and intimate dining atmosphere.

This popular spot is renowned for its creatively topped gourmet pizzas and an impressive selection of wines, which together create a harmonious dining experience that captivates both regulars and newcomers alike.

The Margarita Deluxe pizza, a favorite among patrons, features a delightful blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients that elevate this classic dish to new heights. Complementing the pizza, UNA's house sparkling wine is carefully selected to enhance the flavors of your meal, ensuring a perfect pairing that dazzles the palate.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Budino dessert offers a decadent finish, rich and satisfying in every spoonful.

Service at UNA Pizza + Wine is nothing short of stellar. Staff members like Julian and Kaitlyn go above and beyond to make diners feel genuinely welcomed, providing personalized recommendations and sharing insights that enrich the dining experience.

Their attentiveness and expertise ensure that every visit is as enjoyable as it is memorable.

There you have it—Calgary is truly a treasure trove of Italian culinary delights, each restaurant offering its unique twist on traditional flavors.

Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy pasta dinner at Buon Giorno Ristorante Italiano, eager to explore the trendy and creative menu at UNA Pizza + Wine, or ready to indulge in the luxury of a meal at Teatro Ristorante, there's something in Calgary for every palate.

Remember, it’s not just about the food but also the whole experience. From the attentive service at Chianti Café to the dual charm of Mercato Mission's market and eatery, these spots ensure a memorable dining experience.