The 9 Best Pasta Restaurants in Calgary for Date Nights, Family Dinners, and Everything in Between
I’m the kind of person who never says no to new experiences. So whenever my friends invite me to random workshops, I always join in. In the last few months, we’ve tried pottery, archery, and watercolor courses.
Out of all the stuff we’ve done, one of the classes that really stuck with me was pasta making. The instructor made the whole activity look so easy. But by the end of the session, my work station was a mess of flour and egg yolks.
Since then, I’ve developed an obsession with pasta. Luckily, there are a ton of good Italian restaurants in the city where I can satisfy this craving.
In case you’re on the lookout for some, this guide can help. Listed below are the best pasta restaurants in Calgary that my friends and I keep coming back to.
1. Bonterra Trattoria
– Media credit: bonterracalgary
Address: 1016 8 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 262 8480
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Spaghetti Carbonara
Bonterra Trattoria is Calgary’s gateway to modern Italian cooking. They use local ingredients to create unique Italian flavors.
We highly recommend getting their House-made Focaccia as a starter. It only looks simple, but one bite would prove that wrong. It’s soft, fluffy, and actually quite savory.
As for the main course, their Spaghetti Carbonara never disappoints. I’m always impressed that it’s creamy without being too rich. I also often find myself craving the subtle smoky flavor of the pancetta slices on top.
You can further elevate your meal here by requesting a drink recommendation from the bartender. They usually ask what flavors you prefer so that they can craft the perfect drink pairing based on that.
| Pro tip: Dinners at Bonterra Trattoria are best enjoyed on their beautiful patio. The area is surrounded by lovely plants and vines, and there’s a fireplace for when it starts getting colder. |
2. Pacini Calgary (Northeast)
– Media credit: pacinirestaurant
Address: 123 Freeport Blvd NE
Contact details: +1 403 930 8080
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Seafood Linguine
Pacini Calgary is a chain restaurant that shouldn’t be underestimated. They only use quality ingredients, with some even being aged and imported all the way from Italy.
Their Seafood Linguine is the perfect example of a dish that’s been made with premium components. It comes loaded with fresh shrimps, mussels, and scallops.
The sauce itself is very tasty and creamy. We’re honestly so grateful that they give large servings, because we simply can’t get enough.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that the restaurant mainly gained popularity for its unique bread bar. It’s a fun and interactive way to personalize your meal.
Here, you can choose from a variety of breads and grill them the way you want. You can also add different types of flavored butter after. If you ask us, their garlic or pesto butter is the way to go.
| Pro tip: Pacini Calgary is a great restaurant for birthday celebrants. They give a percentage discount equal to the age that you’re turning. So if you decide to dine there on your 50th birthday, half of your dinner is free! |
3. Alforno Bakery & Cafe
– Media credit: alfornoyyc
Address: 222 7 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 454 0308
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Must-order: Bucatini Carbonara
Alforno Bakery & Cafe is a stylish and laid-back spot that’s been around since 2015. Most people go here for a quick breakfast or a nice little brunch date.
However, I can confidently say that these customers are missing out. The cafe doesn’t start serving its pasta dishes until lunch.
My go-to order here is the Bucatini Carbonara. I like that the cream sauce tastes a bit peppery. The pancetta also adds a savory flavor to each bite.
And when you’re done having this as your lunch, don’t forget to get one for their matcha lattes to go. People take the time to travel from far away just for this drink.
| Pro tip: Alforno Bakery & Cafe gets incredibly busy on the weekends. When this happens, it’s better to order your meal to go. Prince’s Island Park is only a short walking distance away, and it has picnic tables that you can use. |
4. Mercato Mission
– Media credit: mercato_mission
Address: 2224 4 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 263 5535
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11:30 to 9:00 PM
- Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Tagliatelle
An Italian couple initially opened Mercato Mission as a grocery store back in 1974. But in the early 2000s, their family decided to share their food and culture in a different way by transforming the place into a restaurant.
Since then, they’ve been an amazing source of hearty and delicious Italian dishes for locals.
One of the things that first-time diners immediately notice about this restaurant is its open-concept kitchen. People love watching the chefs prepare their meals. But once the food arrives, it’s likely that you won’t notice anything else.
If you’re not sure what to get, try their Tagliatelle. The ingredients are quite simple, but their use of fresh noodles and fresh tomatoes results in a flavorful and aromatic dish.
| Pro tip: The best place to eat at in Mercato Mission is on their patio. It’s especially pleasant and refreshing during the summer. |
5. Teatro Ristorante
– Media credit: teatrorestaurant
Address: 200 8 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 290 1012
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Teatro Lasagna
Ever since it opened in 1993, people have been going to Teatro Ristorante for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. This is completely understandable since every detail in this restaurant feels luxurious and meticulously prepared.
Starting with the ingredients, they don’t settle for anything subpar. If it’s not sourced from local artisans, it’s imported all the way from Italy (like their olive oil and cheeses).
You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to wines. Their award-winning cellar has over 10,000 bottles to choose from.
And of course, the food is to die for. Their seafood dishes are especially memorable.
I always gravitate towards the Teatro Lasagna whenever I want to indulge. Just thinking about all the lobster, scallops, and prawns stuffed between freshly made pasta is already making my mouth water.
| Pro tip: Diners should try the Chef’s Tasting Menu at Teatro Ristorante at least once. You can just warn the staff about any dietary restrictions, since they’re known for making special menus (like vegetarian ones) for customers. |
6. YYC Pasta Bar (17th Ave)
– Media credit: yycpastabar
Address: 11322A 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 587 332 5600
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Monday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Must-order: Fettuccine Lemon Capers Salmon
YYC Pasta Bar is the restaurant for people who are either adventurous or know exactly what they want.
They’re best known for their Build-Your-Own-Pasta offering, which allows customers to craft the perfect dish according to their preferences. You get to choose every ingredient, including the noodles, the sauce, the protein, and the vegetables.
However, they also have a menu with an extensive selection of pre-made pasta dishes.
The best one is hands down their Fettuccine Lemon Capers Salmon. The noodles have this ribbon-like texture that makes them satisfying to eat.
As for the flavor, the capers and lemon zest are tangy, but they’re balanced out by the creaminess of the rosé sauce. The Atlantic salmon is also always fresh.
| Pro tip: YYC Pasta Bar doesn’t just have great pasta, they also have the best chocolate cake in the city. If you celebrate your birthday here, just let the staff know and they’ll give you a slice. |
7. Vero Bistro Moderne
– Media credit: verobistro
Address: 209 10 St NW
Contact details: +1 403 283 8988
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Must-order: Signature Sweet Potato Gnocchi
There’s a huge chance that you’re already familiar with Vero Bistro Moderne. Every year, this place is listed as one of the top 5 restaurants in Calgary, according to TripAdvisor.
It’s not all just online hype, though. They actually do have regulars who have been loyal for decades. And if you ask them, they’ll say that the restaurant’s quality has remained consistently excellent.
Upon entering, you’ll notice that the place has a dark and intimate atmosphere that makes it popular for date nights. However, it’s also great if you’re dining alone since it’ll help you focus and savor the unique flavor profiles of their food.
One dish that’s guaranteed to capture your attention is their Signature Sweet Potato Gnocchi. The gnocchi is light and chewy, and it’s topped with candied bacon that offers a savory burst of flavor when bitten into.
| Pro tip: You should try Vero Bistro Moderne’s tasting menu if you have the chance. The usual amuse-bouche (foie gras topped with cotton candy) is one of the most unique dishes we’ve tried in this city. |
8. Cardinale
– Media credit: cardinaleyyc
Address: 401 12 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 264 6046
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 4:30 PM to 9:45 PM
Must-order: Casarecce Nero
Cardinale is located 5 minutes away from Scotiabank Saddledome, commonly known as the home of our beloved Calgary Flames. So many people accidentally stumble upon this place on their way to a game and leave with a new favorite restaurant.
Indecisive diners would love this restaurant’s menu because it only has 5 pasta dishes listed. It’s quite easy to decide which one to go with since they all have very different sauces.
My friends and I have tried all of them, and (despite it being a close race) we agree that the Casarecce Nero is the winner. Most diners simply refer to this dish as the squid ink pasta, thanks to its eye-catching black noodles.
However, it’s not just visually striking but very flavorful as well. It has this unique, earthy, and subtle umami flavor that you really can’t find anywhere else.
| Pro tip: Expect Cardinale to be busy whenever the Calgary Flames are playing. If you want to eat here on a game night, make sure to book a table at least a week in advance. |
9. Carino
– Media credit: eatcarino
Address: 2210 4 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 454 7668
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Must-order: Spicy “Wagyu Bolognese” Miso Ramen
I doubt Japan is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pasta, but Carino might just change that.
This Japanese/Italian fusion restaurant has innovative dishes that blend two of the most popular cuisines worldwide. It definitely makes sense, though, with both having lots of noodle-based dishes.
Their creativity shines the most through their bestselling Spicy “Wagyu Bolognese” Miso Ramen. I’m not exactly sure if it falls under pasta or ramen, but all I know is that it’s divine.
It’s topped with these tender Wagyu slices that melt in your mouth. Underneath, it’s got this thick, savory, and spicy tomato-based broth that’s perfect for those cold Calgary days.
| Pro tip: Although Carino has a great wine selection, we highly recommend ordering their tea instead. They have a tea sommelier who can tell you all about their special teas and suggest which ones would pair well with your meal. |