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Published Jun 28, 2025 • Last updated 38 minutes ago • 6 minute read
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Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante has been a beloved part of Winnipeg’s dining scene since 1977. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg SunArticle content
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Located in the heart of St. Boniface on Marion Street, Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante has been a beloved part of Winnipeg’s dining scene since 1977. And while the city has changed over the years, Pasquale’s has always stayed true to what matters: great food, heartfelt hospitality, and family tradition.
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Joe Loschiavo fell in love with cooking at a young age. Growing up in Winnipeg in a big Italian family with eight siblings, he spent countless hours in the kitchen with his mom, aunts, and grandmother—learning the rhythm of those big Sunday dinners where everyone gathered around the table. It was there—among the laughter, simmering sauces, and endless bowls of pasta—that Joe’s passion for Italian cooking began.
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At just 19 years old, Joe purchased Pasquale’s in 1990, guided by the love and wisdom of his parents, Francesco and Serafina, who immigrated from the small Calabrian town of Amato, Italy, in 1954. With no formal kitchen experience at the time, Joe turned to his mom and asked, “Mom, how am I going to do this restaurant thing?” Her answer was simple, honest, and ended up becoming the foundation of everything Pasquale’s is today: “You’re going to cook really good, classic Italian food with the very best ingredients. People are going to see that and taste the difference—and they’re going to keep coming.” She was right.
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Joe went on to attend cooking school in Italy, but it’s the recipes passed down from his mom, aunts, and grandmother that remain at the heart of the restaurant. They’re kept in what the family calls the Pasquale’s Bible—a treasured collection of authentic Italian dishes made with care, quality, and consistency. This is a kitchen that doesn’t cut corners. All sauces, soups, and pizza doughs—everything—is made fresh every single morning.
From the moment you walk into Pasquale’s, you can feel the family warmth. As you walk inside, there’s a glass-covered display case of housemade Italian cakes and cannoli ready to go, shelves of wine you can take home, and Pasquale’s merch—including T-shirts printed with their signature slogan: “It’s gonna be gooood!” Right away, it’s clear this is a place built on tradition, personality, and pride.
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Pasquale’s cozy and inviting rooftop patio. Photo by Handout
Then, you step onto the rooftop patio—and that’s when it really hits you. You can smell the fresh basil growing along the patio, brought straight to your table to tear over your food. Blooming flowers surround the space, with a beautiful view of historic St. Boniface. The patio feels cozy and inviting—like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s backyard, only with Aperol Spritzes flowing and some of the best Italian food in the city. It’s the perfect place to unwind, laugh, and settle into the kind of meal you don’t want to rush.
We started our dinner with pillowy soft housemade focaccia and their signature in-house infused oils—the chili and basil were incredible. Then came Joe’s mom’s iconic Suppli—deep-fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and served with meat sauce. This dish has been on the menu for over 20 years, and it’s everything you want in comfort food.
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Penne vodka alla burrata. Photo by Handout
Next up: the Bruschetta Con Burrata. Made with homemade bread, marinated onion, tomato, arugula, balsamic, and a generous layer of burrata cheese—it might just be the best bruschetta I’ve ever had. Seriously, a must-try. Joe, this is hard for me to say… but you may have just one-upped mine!
We shared two pastas: The Penne Vodka Alla Burrata, with rosé vodka cream, sundried tomatoes, scallions, chili oil, and burrata—highly recommend trying this one! I’m still thinking about it and already planning to go back next week for a glass of wine and this pasta again. And the Fettuccine Pistachio Florentia, tossed in a lemon pistachio pesto cream sauce with roasted chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and pistachio crumble—perfection.
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And then there was the pizza. Pasquale’s thin crust is hand-tossed daily and topped with Mama’s secret sauce. I’m usually a thick crust girl, but this thin crust totally surprised me—it was addicting. We planned to take some home—but there wasn’t a crumb left. Pasquale’s pizza is famous for a reason. Their Margherita, with roma tomato, bocconcini, basil, and extra mozzarella, was light, crispy, and so flavourful—and it’s no surprise they’ve won countless awards during La Pizza Weeks over the years, including Best Pizza in Manitoba. Personally, I think it’s Mama’s secret sauce that’s the real magic.
Pasquale’s was one of the first restaurants in the city to introduce take-and-bake meals—long before it became a pandemic staple. Their ready-to-cook Italian dinners and sauces are tax- and GST-exempt and helped inspire other restaurants across Winnipeg to do the same. Joe also sits on the board of the Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservices Association and dedicates much of his time to supporting fellow local restaurant owners, helping them grow and thrive in a constantly changing industry.
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There’s also a full vegan menu available, so everyone can enjoy great Italian food, no matter their dietary needs. And if you haven’t been yet, their rooftop patio features live music every Thursday night in July and August. There’s happy hour daily from 2 to 5 p.m., and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile.
Joe (left) and his daughter Alexa sit in front of a photo of Joe’s mother Serafina Loschiavo. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg Sun
Joe’s daughter Alexa, who served us during our visit, was so kind and gracious. She now works alongside her dad, carrying on the same traditions that started almost 50 years ago. Alexa shared that she plans to spend a year in Italy to explore the food scene, learn more, and come back with new inspiration—while always staying true to the heart of the restaurant. “One day my plan is to continue the family legacy here at Pasquale’s,” she shared with me. “But I’ll always honour the Bible—nothing beats my Grandma’s recipes.” It’s a beautiful full-circle moment that makes Pasquale’s feel like more than a restaurant. It feels like home.
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We had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe during our visit, and hearing his story first hand was such a highlight. His passion for food, family, and the community he serves is felt in every detail of the restaurant. Joe put it best: “If you’ve got great ingredients and put it together with some passion and love, you’ve got magic on a plate.”
Pasquale’s is a casual, lively eatery that takes its food seriously—but never takes itself too seriously. Joe’s goal is to create a place where people can enjoy incredible food in a relaxed, fun environment. They’re currently working on a major renovation set to begin later this year, and it’s clear this local gem is entering an exciting new chapter.
Oh—and don’t forget to snap a photo with Big Pasquale, the restaurant’s life-sized mascot. Joe and his mom found him at Costco during the early days of Pasquale’s, and he’s been their beloved mascot ever since. He even got stolen once and ended up being returned after a city-wide search and reward was put out for his safe return. Thankfully, Big Pasquale was found abandoned on Lagimodiere. He’s back now—right where he belongs.
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Between the family recipes, the rooftop patio, generous portions, and heartfelt hospitality that turns first-time guests into regulars—you can taste the love in every bite. Just like Joe’s mom said all those years ago: cook really good food with the best ingredients, and people will keep coming back. Whether you’re gathering for a cozy family dinner, enjoying lunch on the patio with their wide selection of paninis, soups, and salads, or hosting a private event (yes, you can rent out the entire restaurant on Sundays, Mondays, and Saturday afternoons from 12:30 to 4!), Pasquale’s makes every meal feel special. They also offer customizable group menus to suit any occasion. Voted one of Winnipeg’s Top 5 Best Italian Restaurants, this is classic Italian done right—and a local favourite for a reason.
Buon Appetito!
— Cassandra Morris, food blogger and recipe developer at cookingwithcassandra.com, and food columnist 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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