Winnipeg might not be Rome, but you don’t need a passport for authentic Italian flavors. While some spots here serve white-tablecloth elegance (perfect for that symphony night), we’re focusing on where you’d actually go when craving handmade pasta or wood-fired pizza—whether you’re dressed up or in jeans.
Colosseo Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (204) 284-4977 | WEBSITE
There are a few different ways to experience Colosseo Ristorante Italiano in Winnipeg, but no matter what path you choose, you’ll have a genuinely satisfying meal. You can start with the spiced mussels or Colosseo garlic, order traditional dishes like Pollo Mediteranne or Pollo Cacciatore, or simply trust the staff who remember regulars’ favorites. Just don’t come here expecting a sleek, modern dining experience.
It’s a warm, family-style space where you’ll feel like part of the neighborhood, so you’ll have the most fun if you embrace the generous portions and get just as comfortable.
Harth Mozza & Wine Bar
$$$ | (204) 255-0003 | WEBSITE
Most of Winnipeg’s best Italian spots are tucked away in cozy, dimly lit spaces designed to make you feel like you’re in a rustic trattoria, but Harth Mozza & Wine Bar turns that trope on its head. Here, you enjoy your pasta and pizza in a comfortable, airy space that feels both modern and inviting. The spicy honey pizza is one of the standout items on the menu at around $24, but it’s crafted with care and comes with exceptional service from knowledgeable staff like Emanuel and Alandra.
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Winnipeg)
$$ | (204) 957-1391 | WEBSITE
This spot near The Forks might be in a location where parking can be tricky, but it’s one of our favorite places for hearty Italian comfort food. The space offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere perfect for family dinners, complete with warm lighting and comfortable seating that makes you want to linger.
Start with the complimentary sourdough bread with garlic butter, get one of their signature dishes like the cheese-filled manicotti with creamy Alfredo sauce, and finish with the free ice cream and coffee included with every meal. The hand-made pasta has that wonderfully chewy texture, and the big portions at affordable prices make this a great value spot where many memories are made.
Pizza Hut
$$ | (204) 953-4129 | WEBSITE
A lot of the best Italian spots in Winnipeg can be pretty busy and pricey, but if you’re just looking for a reliable, affordable meal in the area, head to Pizza Hut. It’s a straightforward takeout spot in Northgate shopping center that’s generally convenient without being too fancy. Grab a friend or family member here to share a veggie lovers pizza or homestyle crust, with daily specials under $17. There’s a variety of pizzas like the new melt, and you can get your order portioned for one.
Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante
$$ | (204) 231-1403 | WEBSITE
This Italian spot in the heart of Winnipeg serves a lot of delicious things from the kitchen in a lot of formats. There are Cannelloni di Ricotta, Fettuccine Pistachio Florentina, spaghetti frutti di mare, Pasquale’s pizza, and a variety of vegan options like eggplant parmesan, just to name a few. Pasquale’s is run by the team behind the tidy and homey dining area, and it’s a smooth operation that’s a bit more affordable than other Italian spots in the city.
That’s not to say it’s especially fancy here, but it’s plenty nice if you’re looking for something before going to a family gathering and can’t get into somewhere more formal.
Mona Lisa Ristorante Italiano and Catering
$$$ | (204) 488-3687 | WEBSITE
You have friends visiting from out of town, and they want something ‘authentic.’ But they also want to keep it convenient, so bring them to Mona Lisa Ristorante. It’s almost like a Winnipeg version of a classic Italian trattoria, which sounds like it could be too simple, but it actually works quite beautifully. And though the generous chicken parmesan with linguine gets a lot of the praise, you can also enjoy a nice, simple plate of veal or fettuccine here too.
Monticchio Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (204) 477-4773 | WEBSITE
When Monticchio opened, the Italian restaurant filled a gaping hole in the Winnipeg dining scene as somewhere you could go in jeans after a stroll in the Exchange District to eat a veal Parmesan with rich tomato sauce.
But you also wouldn’t be out of place coming with a group of friends, getting a few glasses of wine, and ordering more classic Italian stuff, like an eggplant and ricotta Parmesan that sounds like a cozy fireplace crackle when you’re cutting through it, and shrimp Diablo that sit in a spicy tomato broth.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (204) 774-9725 | WEBSITE
Mixed reviews aside, the service at this Italian chain is actually quite friendly, and the food is worth returning for. All the pasta dishes are loaded with ingredients, so even a modest portion is relatively filling. Every meal comes with unlimited salad and breadsticks, so you can get a substantial dinner here for the cost of a mid-range steakhouse entrée. Parking continues to be a concern during busy times, so plan to arrive early or use the nearby lot just two blocks away.
Cibo Waterfront Cafe
$$ | (204) 594-0339 | WEBSITE
Cibo Waterfront Cafe is the best Italian restaurant in Winnipeg, and it comes from the waterfront. You might know of it from its beautiful design or its amazing view, but it’s also the place that single-handedly makes dining by the water cool again. Cibo, located right on the waterfront feels like a memorable experience and serves food that blends Italian flavors with incredible quality. Think: Chicken Marsala and Beef Skewers, and chicken and chorizo pasta—a must order.
Boston Pizza
$$ | (204) 925-4114 | WEBSITE
Visit Boston Pizza, and you’ll be torn between feeling satisfied because of the accommodating service or because the pizza here is genuinely impressive. This family-friendly spot in Winnipeg is one of our go-to places for Italian food because instead of the standard pepperoni, you get carbonara pizza and adventurous options like salami with pesto and goat cheese. The rest of the menu has plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian choices, but we suggest trying a few pizzas.
Even though this is a lively restaurant where you’ll hear lots of family chatter, it’s a welcoming atmosphere that never feels too formal.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (204) 987-5557 | WEBSITE
Domino’s Pizza has expanded its reach so far and wide, it’s basically become our own reliable pizza chain. Somehow, these folks manage to keep quality consistent wherever you go, which is how they pull off these gluten-free options that actually taste good. Anywhere we can eat both safe and delicious pizza gets points in our book. This place stays efficient but friendly, and it’s one of the better spots for a satisfying meal around here.
Frankie’s Italian Winnipeg
$$ | (204) 410-4980 | WEBSITE
Winnipeg is rich with excellent Italian restaurants, and here’s another one. This popular spot has a mind-boggling selection of pizza, mussels, and salads, and you’ll genuinely have a hard time narrowing down what to order. Definitely go for the really good meatballs as an app as well as the steak/beet salad (filling, not complaining) and tiramisu (our favorite among the desserts).
This place is quaint with a satisfying atmosphere that’s good for casual dining, but come with one or two other people to try more things from their very commendable cocktail selection.
