Bianco
Bianco is one of the new kids on the block, but already its earning rave reviews, thanks to rustic Italian plates like tagliatelle al ragu Bolognese and sweet potato gnocchi. A good start to the evening begins with house-marinated Sicilian olives, flavourful carpaccio and crispy arancini. An adjacent takeout café serves coffee, pastries, savouries and gelato. 10020 101A Ave
Del Posto
Run by the folks behind Sicilian Pasta Kitchen, an Edmonton institution, Del Posto offers some of the finest Italian classics in this city. Whether you’re ordering spaghetti bolognese, risotto or small plates like arancini and calamari, this spot won’t disappoint. Everything at Del Posto is splendid, but the real star of the menu is the linguine pescatore fully loaded with mussels, scallops, calamari, jumbo tiger prawns and tomato sauce. Bring your stretchy pants and don’t worry about lunch tomorrow. 10056 107 St
Dalla Tavola Zenari
Dalla Tavola Zenari is the kind of restaurant where business folks close deals over a glass of white wine, theatre-goers stop by for pre-show crostinis and antipasti and neighbourhood condo dwellers say hello to the affable owners Elisa Zenari and her husband Ran Huget. It’s hard to suggest one thing to try at Dalla so we won’t. Start with the Pate di Noci, an appetizer made of walnuts and lentils that’s toops on our list of Best Downtown Dishes. If you judge a good Italian restaurant by its Casesar salad, you won’t be disappointed by this one. For mains, it’s going to be tough choosing between risotto or the pan-fried chicken breast.
Amore Pasta
Whether you are in the mood for penne with chicken, sambuca rose and mushrooms, or linguini with baby clams. Amore Pasta has got you covered. For $12, at lunch-time you can get a customized pasta dish, Caesar salad and garlic break until 3pm, perfect for late eaters. Don’t forget to save room for their house-made tiramisu. Conveniently located in the Downtown pedway system. 10235 101 Street. MNP Tower.
Corso 32
Corso 32 serves dishes designed for the culinary-minded seeking food and service that ranks among the finest. Order the melt-in-your mouth fried short rib, spring pea ravioli and pork tenderloin, and ask your server to pair it with something from the all-Italian wine list. There are many Italian restaurants in Edmonton, but Corso 32 is arguably the best. 10345 Jasper Avenue
Bar Bricco
One of three eateries run by Daniel Costa (Corso 32 and Uccellino being the others), Bar Bricco is where you go when you are in the mood for quality vino and superior small plates. The Fonduta Agnolotti served with sage butter and grana is a must-order, along with the egg yolk ravioli. 10347 Jasper Avenue
Uccellino
Submerge your taste-buds to an exquisite Italian experience and allow Uccellino to bring you the most scrumptious pasta dishes. Our favourite picks are the incredibly tender wagyu beef carpaccio, butternut squash ravioli, and spaghetti cacio e pepe. We could go on and on. Be sure to take advantage of the cocktail offerings. 10349 Jasper Avenue
Sorrentino’s
An upscale nod to the pleasures of Italian food, Sorrentino’s will instantly be one of your Downtown Edmonton favourites. The chefs turn out an impressive selection of specialties including antipasta, pasta, and traditional entrees. The ravioli with butter sage sauce, guanciale and caprano cheese, and the linguine with prawns, salmon, mussels and clams, are a reminder of just how seductive Italian food can be. 10162 100 Street
Balla Eats
Street food is the next big deal. The vibrant signs and enticing smells are enough to attract newcomers. Instead of waiting for summer, you can now have Italian street food all year round at Balla Eats. The Humpy Dumpty carbonara aranacini, arancini poutine classico, and crispy prosciutto could be your next guilty pleasure. Even better yet, everything is under $20. 10335 100 Avenue
Buco Pizzeria + Vino Bar
At Buco Pizzeria + Vino Bar, brace yourself for blistered Neapolitan pizzas pulled out of a wood-fired stone oven. We’re big fans of the Peperonata loaded with peppers, olives, onion, sausage and fior di latte. If you’re driving here, Epcor Tower provides free underground parking for Buco customers. 10423 101 Street