Just had a "date night" dinner here with my husband.... I was just a little disappointed by the decor, but the rest of the evening (food, service, beverages, dessert) all more than made up for it. First of all, I'm originally from California. I've been in Hamilton for 3 months. This is the FIRST place that has actually served wine at temperatures it was meant to be served at (i.e. not a room temperature). There was a nice selection of Italian wines (not overly extensive, but things you'd recognize if you've been in Italy). My husband, the "lasagna man," got the lasagna (beef, though they had a seafood lasagna on special) and I had the gnocchi bolognese. The gnocchi was so soft, fluffy and melted in between my tongue and the roof of my mouth; no chewing needed. Truly, like little pillows. The bolognese sauce was *real* bolognese (if you've ever made this yourself, you know several hours go into making it). We finished with house-made gelato (insanely delicious - we had vanilla, tiramisu and chili chocolate). I was also happy to see (but didn't have this time), vin santo with biscotti as a dessert option.
Echoing an earlier review, this food is very much in line with what our experience was while traveling in Italy (even better than some places we ate at in Italy).
Our server, Alessandro, is actually from Rome, and we were able to reminisce with him about our travels in Italy, Italian soccer, Italian cooking and he even gave us a little "on the house" limoncello at the end of the meal. My taste buds are so happy right now... I don't want to eat for a while because I want to keep the flavors swirling around in my mouth.
This restaurant is off Victoria Street, across from Novotel. It would be a great place to go to for any number of occasions, e.g. "date night," a group night out with friends or a place to stumble into from your hotel because you can't be bothered to walk any further :) The prices are more than reasonable for your portion and the quality of your meal. read more