Just Like in the Old Country
Walking into Trattoria Caffe Italia is like walking into a movie about an Italian restaurant. The walls are deep burgundy, with cherry wood panelling, and the tablecloths are checked bright red and white. Faux grapes and vines hang from the walls and ceilings, and wine bottles are artfully arranged in corner nooks. Low lighting from glass pendant lamps ensures a romantic atmosphere. There’s an enormous wood bar in the front of the room, as well as three high tables with barstools in the front window, the ideal spot to sip a cappuccino.

Pass the Pasta
All your Italian favourites are well represented on this menu. Begin with artichokes or asparagus vinaigrette, or one of a number of seafood dishes. House-made pasta dishes range from the classics (alfredo, arrabiatta, manicotti, cannelloni) to specialties like rigatoni Giuliana, featuring mushrooms, onion, garlic and chicken in a rose sauce. Main dishes include veal pizzaiola—scaloppini with black olives and oregano in white wine tomato sauce—and chicken Pavese, adorned with sun-dried tomatoes and asparagus in a cream sauce. Fear not, traditionalists: veal marsala and chicken parmigiana are listed as well.

Oenophiles, Unite!
The restaurant’s robust wine list won a 2004 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine. A full page of wines is available by the glass, another by the half-bottle; the remainder of the list is organized by regions of Italy, followed by selections from other countries. In addition, the food menu offers suggestions for wine pairings next to every dish.