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Chianti Cafe & Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
14 reviews for Chianti Cafe & Restaurant
14 reviews in English
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Review from Robin B.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 3/6/2012
Just went there tonight. Ok, I'm kinda sleepy right now, so I'm gonna get make this a quick review.
I had a spinach salad. It was AWESOME. Like, isn't spinach supposed to taste bad? This tasted fantastic !!! Wow, what kind of spinach is that? Oh my God, just amazing. I usually don't say that about salad, but this was something special. It had bacon and mushrooms. Amazing, just amazing.
Then I had the veal in mushroom sauce and potatoes and veggies. Absolutely FANTASTIC. You've got to be kidding me with this meal? Like everything was delicious, and I made sure not to stuff myself with bread so that I had enough room for the meal. Believe me, the warm bread with oil and vinear is REALLY nice, and if you have enough room then go for it ! I wanted to save room, so I just indulged in two big warm pieces. Oh well...
I had a chocolate torte for dessert, and it was AMAZING. Fresh, chocolately with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Yum yum yummy !!! Wow, Chianti is just fantastic. This one and the one at Crowfoot are awesome...I haven't been to the other ones, I don't think, but they're probably awesome too.
The staff is awesome too. Sorry to mention you guys at the end...I was just dazzled by the food...you guys made my meal awesome.
You guys at Chianti ROCK. 5 stars all the way baby !!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2012
Hey,
So I went to the NE Chianti's the other night, and it was AWESOME. I had the spaghetti with… Read more »
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Review from A '.
Calgary, AB
2/22/2012
Well I have been here a few times and I have never written a review.
This place rocks, it is not true italine so get off that idea, but the food is yummy. The server is always very nice and so is that manager who is at the front to seat you and take your payment. They are very quick and refilling your order and very quick with your order, they space it outr so perfect that you have your appi and then sit for a few and your main course arrives.
They do although lack on telling you what the specials are, and there attention to customer service is sorta out the window when they are crazy busy, but I do not give them a star less because of that.
MUST GO
it is a great family place for fake italine but extreamly yummy food. -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
1/20/2012
I was in last night with a group of nine. The server was friendly but not overly attentive. Service was a bit slow.
I ordered a pasta combo which consisted of Cheese Ravioli Formaggio (delicious!) and Spinach Fettuccine Fiorentina (some undercooked pasta and overdone chicken). One other in our party voluntarily mentioned that she didn't like her pasta but thought the seafood in it was good.
The doors entering the women's restroom are well worn and the restroom itself looks like it belongs in a well-used and neglected neighborhood pub. I couldn't believe it. This seriously lowers the class of this restaurant as far as I'm concerned. I don't remember it being this way a few years ago.
There certainly are better places in Calgary that serve inexpensive pasta. -
Review from Van B.
1/9/2012
For cheap pasta Chianti is definitely a spot I can hit up when I'm thirsty for some Italian. Regardless of anyone elses opinions on whether or not they think this place is authentic really holds no regards to me as a normal eater of food to me; italian is italian. Inside the restaurant has an ample Chianti inspired interior boasted by intimate lighting and murals on the walls to reflect the awesomeness that is Italy.
The best test for any restaurant is when you have a rather large group coming in, how fast the service is, how attentive the server is and how well the food tastes as well. In our case we found our group and seated ourselves, already with menu in hand due to the fact that they conveniently place menus and glasses of water at each setting for every seat that is at the table.
Looking at the menu I usually order the Penne Giardiniera Con Pollo which is fantastic in my opinion, the regular sized plate has so much food on it I usually will only finish about half. Another great thing about Chianti's is that they offer free bread with a dipping sauce which is delicious and a great appetizer to your entree. However the day that we went i decided to try something new other than what I usually order so I went with the Lasagna Al Forno which basically is layers of pasta, meat sauce and sausages in between.
I ordered the regular size which may feel daunting but the actual piece of lasagna is a lot smaller, what fills up the metal canister that the lasagna comes in is the tomato meat sauce. Wow, the lasagna was satisfying but I could only finish a little over half of it before it was too much, the meat sauce itself became a bit overwhelming -- almost like they had too much of it there.
The service was great our server was attentive when re-filling drinks or asking if we need any new ones, checking to make sure that our meals were good to the taste and quickly taking away any dishes that were empty. I've read some less than great reviews for the other locations but for this location which I frequent I definietly think it's awesome for the price you pay. -
Review from Wanda B.
Calgary, AB
11/27/2011
Chianti Cafe is really just a family friendly restaurant. I've been visiting Chianti Cafe since I lived in Vancouver (11 years ago) and have never had any complaints. We started going to the Chianti on 32nd several years back when we had kids. It's a great place for the kids, the food is decent, not over priced, good value and decent glass of vino to go with dinner. I enjoy their carbonara (creamy) as they make it better than I can and the fact I can order two different variety of pastas (half orders) in one meal. This allows me to try different items. Sometimes I like the new dishes I try and other times they are not to my tastes. We come every couple of months and have never been disappointed.
The only downfall with Chianti on 32nd is the last time we went (a couple days ago) there was a new waitress serving us (she admitted to being new). She clearly overstepped her boundries a few times (with her snotty attitude). All I can say is here's hoping she doesn't do it again with us because next time I will talk to the Manager.
This is not a 5 star restaurant (in my opinion) but a family favourite that never disappoints. So if your looking for something more, than don't come here. We will return and look forward to good, cheap eats (as Alton would say). -
Review from Helene R.
Calgary, AB
11/18/2010
I love this place, let me tell you why...
First off, you can't go wrong with the $7.99 Pasta Frenzy, this is quite possibly the cheapest price you can pay for a generous plate of carbohydrate goodness and all the delicious herb bread you can stuff down your gullet! Pasta Frenzy only runs from Sun-Tue so if you can make it, it is worth the trip.
Secondly, most of the staff there are great, with exception to two wait staff members who seriously have a bad attitude...If I knew their names, I would say but unfortunately I don't. Service is usually quick and hot!
Third, should you have an issue, the manager is fantastic. He is very accommodating and if you are a regular customer, like me, he kindly chats it up with you without being overbearing, ditto with his long term employees.
And finally, they are kid friendly. Don't get me wrong, I love having a nice meal minus the brats but all things considered, if you are coming here for a $8 plate of pasta, you shouldn't expect the same level of ambiance as you would for say, The Belvedere (which I will be reviewing in a few...). They also offer up a daily special and several other dishes, ie, chicken, veal, seafood, sorry kids, no steak...
All in all, worth a visit in my opinion. -
Review from Chris P.
I DON'T GET IT?!
This is not good Italian food. Why do people love this place so much? Sure it's fast, cheap, and easy but good is far from what I would call the food here. Yes the decor is alright and the staff are very nice but the terrible food just drags the star rating down here.
I'm sure if you looked in the kitchen you would find a line of pasta, sauces, meat, and filler all ready to go. You place your order and bam! They just scoop the slop onto your plate.
This is probably a good place for when you're 16 and on a first date. It's cheap and will probably impress her. Pony up a little extra for desert young man and you might just get to second base. -
Review from Natasha K.
Calgary, AB
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
When you want 7.99 pasta on Sun-Tues, this place is perfectly good for that. Most of their regular prices are 9.99, which is fine for what you get.
This place isn't as good as Crowfoot, but better than 17th. The service is tolerable, the food is okay, and they have cold beer. Once again, cheesy decorations and below-par staff. Grumpy girls pouring olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and the rest of them look like they're mad you walked in at 8pm, being one of the last tables because they just signed up for another hour of work. My pasta was fresh, the calamari in it was WAY overcooked and rubbery. I suggest sticking to the basics.
Don't go if you're looking for some good Italian food, they don't even have a caprese salad? Treat it more like a pasta place.
For a 7.99 pasta, it's okay in my books. -
Review from Sergey S.
3/19/2011
Cheapish Italianish lunch thing.
Slow and sloppy service - they sort of expect you to deal with that, considering such approach to be a part of the style. Mediocre food - only good enough for a lunch, but below average for a dinner.
Portion size is ok, but it was always taking me certain effort to finish my plate - just because I was unable to appreciate the taste as soon as the hungry feeling stepped back.
No drinks to remember. Tips were not appreciated, as waiters were not recognizing me (us) during the next visits.
I am not saying "avoid", I am just saying "try to find something else, if possible"... -
Review from Courtney N.
Okotoks, AB
3/7/2011
I went to this Chianti for the first time with a large group for lunch on a Friday. Our table for ten was set up and ready when we arrived and we were glad we made a reservation; it was pretty busy! I have been to the other locations in Calgary many times but have feel that the quality of the food and service has lessened over the years. This Chianti reminds me of the great experience I was used to ten years ago from the other, closer locations. Our server was courteous and on the ball and the food was hot, fresh and tasty. I wouldn't classify it as fine Italian dining, but it has it's own charm and the service and price point more than make up for that.
I also liked that even though we are a large group, there wasn't an automatic gratuity built into the bill. I appreciate the decision of how much to tip being left to me.
Definitely worth the drive! -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
10/21/2009
When you finally make the commitment to having a 'carb day', you know, a day to indulge, you don't want to regret your decision by going somewhere that has so-so service and so-so food. Unfortunately, this was my recent experience at Chianti's in the N.E..
It was one of those days, and I wanted to overindulge. So I headed over to Chianti's with an acquaintance.
First of all, I'm not a big fan of dipping my bread in olive oil & balsamic vinegar. I know that's the custom, but it's just not my thing. So starting the meal off with that didn't help set the mood. Then I realized that I wasn't feeling any of their pasta selections, so I ordered their minestrone soup, which tasted like someone in the back had cracked a can of Campbells, heated it, and served it to me. WHY am I paying for this in a restaurant?
And all along, our server had some type of chip on his shoulder. He was anti-social, a little abrasive and overall not the type of person that inspired me to keep eating. His demeanor put me off and I ended up rushing through the meal just so I could be freed of his presence.
Overall, not a good experience.
If you're looking to indulge in Italian fare, I wouldn't recommend heading to Chianti's. -
Review from Raj B.
8/10/2011
Went for the pasta special. Tons of food, very well made, and I was very impressed with the closing manager - Sherry. Super attentive, great with the kids and just genuinely an excellent service provider. I would visit just to get her service.
The ambiance is not as good as the 17th avenue or Crowfoot locations. -
Review from Ljubica T.
Calgary, AB
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I ordered the seafood special with linguine. Everything was tasty as expected (Italian food, nom-nom) and the fresh mussels were cooked perfectly. The pasta was a bit chewy but it was not mushy which was alright for me. I ordered a latte after my meal and it was neither amazing nor drab. Service was good. We went here on a Sunday around noon and the place was fairly busy but not too noisy. I would describe this restaurant as average and if I had to eat Italian again I would choose someplace else with a little more personality to it. The decor was cliche Homesense type of "wall pictures/statues" and I did not see any handpainted murals or original paintings on the wall. If I wanted to experience a little piece of Italy this is not the place (nor should one expect it to be).
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Review from Taylor A.
8/26/2009
Wow. Awesome little place. Great food friendly TASTY. You should go
