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Published Apr 27, 2025 • Last updated Apr 27, 2025 • 7 minute read
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Frankie’s Italian Kitchen has earned the title of best Italian restaurant in the city. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg SunArticle content
Winnipeggers know good Italian food, and they showed up to prove it. With thousands of votes cast and 21 incredible restaurants nominated, it’s clear this city has a soft spot for pasta and meals made with love.
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Whether you’re craving authentic thin-crust pizza or a lasagna recipe straight from Nonna’s kitchen, these five local favourites earned their spots thanks to loyal regulars, family traditions, and a whole lot of buon gusto. Here are Winnipeg’s top 5 Italian restaurants, voted by you.
1. Frankie’s Italian Kitchen
Just five years after opening their doors in Winnipeg, Frankie’s Italian Kitchen has earned the title of best Italian Restaurant in the city, and they’re celebrating this milestone with immense gratitude.
“Frankie’s Italian just celebrated our 5th anniversary, and now we get to celebrate this amazing recognition!” shared Joe Aiello, one of the restaurant’s partners. “It was an honour to even be nominated alongside so many other great Italian restaurants in our fine city.”
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Named in honour of Joe’s grandfather, Francesco Raffaele Aiello, who immigrated to Canada in 1906, Frankie’s brings the warmth and bold flavours of Southern Italy to Winnipeg— one handmade dish at a time. The menu blends timeless family recipes with fresh, vibrant ingredients in a space that feels both welcoming and elevated.
Signature dishes include fan favourites like Arancini, Beet & Steak Salad, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Nonna Maria’s Lasagna, and the Lamb Shank. They also offer a pizza menu that locals rave about, especially the Joe Aiello pizza, a personal favourite of Joe’s.
“I’m so glad we’re able to bring some of Southern Italy’s famous flavours and family recipes to our hometown,” Joe shared. “On behalf of our Frankie’s Family, thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last five years. And thank you to the Winnipeg Sun and everyone who voted — grazie mille!”
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With its rich heritage, standout dishes, and heartfelt hospitality, it’s no surprise that Winnipeggers chose Frankie’s as their number one Italian restaurant in the city.
Monticchio, located on Osborne Street South, has been serving up authentic, home-style Italian cuisine for nearly 29 years. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg Sun2. Monticchio Ristorante Italiano
Monticchio is more than just a restaurant — it’s a family legacy. Located on Osborne Street South, this proudly family-owned spot has been serving up authentic, home-style Italian cuisine for nearly 29 years.
The story began in 1996, when Mike and Bernie Di Fonte went out for dinner and discovered the original Monticchio’s. As fate would have it, the previous owners were preparing to return to Italy and looking to sell. After some heartfelt consideration, Mike and Bernie saw an opportunity and decided to purchase the business.
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At the time, Monticchio’s was a late-night pizza spot. But the Di Fontes had bigger plans: To transform it into a warm, welcoming restaurant for family dining. Over the years, the menu expanded, the atmosphere evolved, and Monticchio became a neighbourhood staple — known for hearty Italian classics and the kind of service that keeps guests coming back.
Popular menu items among regulars include the rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, crispy Chicken Parmigiana, and the beloved Stromboli. And no visit feels complete without a basket of their house-made bread knots: Warm, garlicky, and perfect for sharing.
“We’re proud to be part of a community that continues to support us after all these years,” the Di Fonte family shared. “Being named the second-best Italian restaurant in the city is a true honour — and a testament to the love, dedication, and tradition that go into every dish we serve.”
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Many of today’s guests grew up eating at Monticchio, brought by their parents years ago — and now, they return with families and friends of their own. It’s this deep-rooted connection to the community that makes Monticchio so special.
Bellissimo, located in the south of Winnipeg, offers a blend of traditional Italian dishes and modern flavours. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg Sun3. Bellissimo Restaurant & Lounge
Bellissimo Restaurant & Lounge has been a trusted destination for homemade Italian cuisine in Winnipeg South for over 20 years. Known for its warm hospitality and comforting classics, the Waverley Street restaurant reopened in February 2024 after a beautiful renovation — bringing fresh energy to this long-standing local favourite.
Open for both lunch and dinner, Bellissimo offers a blend of traditional Italian dishes and modern flavours. The lunch menu features paninis, salads, pizzas, and pastas, while dinner highlights include house-made pastas, pecan-crusted Pollo Ripieno, seared salmon, and Agnello — braised lamb shank served over handmade gnocchi. And we can’t forget their gourmet pizzas and crispy calamari. Every dish reflects their dedication to fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch cooking.
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“Our food gets people talking!” shares chef and co-owner Anthony Gagliardi. “We make almost everything in-house, from our dressings and sauces to our cakes and bread.”
At the front of house, co-owner Greg Gagliardi ensures every guest feels welcomed and cared for, adding that they take pride in offering an extensive wine list to complement every dish.
“The secret to our success? Great tasting cuisine and exceptional service. We’re grateful to our dedicated staff and to all the regulars and new guests who continue to support us.”
With more than two decades of heartfelt service and a refreshed space, Bellissimo remains one of Winnipeg’s most-loved Italian restaurants.
La Cantina di Mona Lisa has been offering authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients for over 40 years. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg Sun4. La Cantina di Mona Lisa
Nestled in the heart of Winnipeg, La Cantina di Mona Lisa has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over 40 years. Known for its warm atmosphere and time-honoured recipes, this beloved spot offers a menu full of classic dishes made from fresh ingredients. With decades of experience and a passion for quality, it remains a go-to destination for a genuine taste of Italy.
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Owned by Joe and Alfina Grande, who will soon retire and pass the torch to their daughter Elena Grande and son-in-law David Snidal, Mona Lisa continues to reflect the family’s deep love for Italian cooking. “Food is art,” says Joe Grande — a philosophy that shines through in every plate.
Favourites include Rigatoni Calabrese with spicy homemade sausage, Pollo Parmiggiano, and Gnocchi al Tartufo with mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil. Their namesake Mona Lisa pizza is another standout, piled with pepperoni, mushrooms, back bacon, tomato, green peppers, and onions.
Guests can enjoy the extensive wine list, a beautiful summer patio, and their bocce league, played outdoors on the restaurant’s licensed courts during the summer months. Mona Lisa also offers catering for special events, with both drop-off and full-service options available.
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From romantic dinners to milestone celebrations, La Cantina di Mona Lisa continues to serve up timeless tradition and fresh flavours — just as it has for over four decades.
Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante, located on Marion Street, is known for a treasured collection of authentic Italian recipes passed down from Joe’s mother and grandmother. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg Sun5. Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante
Located on Marion Street, Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante has been a beloved part of Winnipeg’s dining scene since 1977. At just 19 years old, owner Joe Loschiavo took over the restaurant in 1990, guided by the wisdom of his mom and dad. In 1996, the restaurant moved to its current location in St. Boniface, where it continues to serve up the same Italian classics that Winnipeggers have loved for decades.
What truly sets Pasquale’s apart is the “Pasquale’s Bible,” a treasured collection of authentic Italian recipes passed down from Joe’s mother and grandmother. The menu stays true to those roots, with comforting Italian staples alongside a rotation of new, chef-inspired features.
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Known for their award-winning thin crust pizza, Pasquale’s hand-tosses homemade dough daily and tops it with Mama’s secret pizza sauce. The restaurant has previously taken home the title of Best Pizza in Manitoba during Manitoba Pizza Week. Pasquale’s is also a pioneer in the city’s take-and-bake movement — offering ready-to-cook meals well before it became a trend during COVID. These meals are tax-free and GST-exempt as uncooked products, and they’ve helped inspire other restaurants across the city to do the same.
Pasquale’s also offers a full vegan menu, ensuring everyone can enjoy Italian food done right. And with warmer months approaching, it’s worth mentioning their famous rooftop patio, a favourite summer dining spot in the city.
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“We’re so blessed to have the support of Winnipeggers and to be part of such a great city,” Joe shared in our interview.
Later this year, the restaurant will be undergoing a major renovation, signalling the start of a fresh chapter for this long-standing Winnipeg gem.
Buon appetito, Winnipeg
Winnipeg should be proud. Congratulations to all 21 restaurants that were part of this year’s vote — you’re what makes this city so special. Restaurants like these — family-run, passion-filled, and rooted in tradition — aren’t something every city gets to enjoy. We’re lucky to have so many right here in our own backyard.
So let’s celebrate them. Book the reservation, order the glass of wine, and don’t forget to save room for dessert. Whether you’re a loyal regular or planning your first visit, one thing’s certain — these restaurants have earned their place at the table.
A big thank you to all the Winnipeggers who voted and helped shine a light on the city’s best Italian restaurants. So next time you’re in the mood for authentic Italian food, you’ll know exactly where to go. Mangia bene, Winnipeg!
— Cassandra Morris, food blogger and recipe developer at cookingwithcassandra.com, and a guest writer for the Winnipeg Sun. She shares the best recipes, essential kitchen tips, and spotlights locally owned restaurants and specialty food must-tries.
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