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Chianti Cafe & Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
10501 82 Avenue NorthwestEdmonton, AB T6E 2A3
(780) 439-9829
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Chianti Cafe & Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"I do give them props on the pasta: perfectly al dente." In 18 reviews -
"They have HALF ORDERS which is truly awesome." In 3 reviews -
"...reasonable price, and Mondays and Tuesdays are Pasta Frenzy..." In 5 reviews
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33 reviews in English
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Review from S J.
Edmonton, AB
3/9/2012
This is the original Edmonton location that over the years, took over the whole first floor of the old Strathcona post office, while keeping some of the architectural details. Also a long time supporter of many neighbourhood events.
Good fresh made pasta and the house salad for two makes a perfect night out. Start with calamari and its even better.
Nice patio out back too.
Only real problems: parking can be hard to find in the area, and on Monday and Tuesday nights when pasta dishes are 40% off, the line-ups get, understandably, long. -
Review from Keegan W.
Edmonton, AB
5/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good food, decent service. Went for a dinner there after my last exam of the semester this year. The staff gave us a decent amount of attention, which was definitely necessary for a table of 17 who had all had a few drinks before dinner.
We all enjoyed our food on a whole, although a couple of orders got messed up and didn't get resolved properly. On the previous occasions that I have been to Chianti it has been good with better service than this time. Hopefully it was just one weaker time.
As far as a pre-party dinner before hitting the clubs, you can't do much better on the Whyte Ave strip. I recommend it! -
Review from Oliver D.
Edmonton, AB
2/26/2012
Moderately sized Cafe & Restaurant suitable for everything from intimate dinner dates to large parties. There are 3-4 separate zones to the restaurant each with a unique feel. I prefer sitting in the back past the wine bar because there is more light from the large windows and the ceiling is much higher giving the space an open feel. Tasteful art (mostly prints and some wall painting -- none of which is for sale) covers the walls. The interior is large enough so that even when busy you rarely feel crowded. Typically patrons are business casual and the staff are always dressed similar although I'm sure you would be fine more casually dressed.
Menu is extensive and dominated by authentic pasta dishes, they also have a broad selection of wines. I haven't tested the servers but I would hope they have some idea about appropriate pairings. I've never ordered a poorly cooked dish. A popular appetizer is the fried zucchini. Prices range from low to high depending on the principal ingredients (vegetarian generally being lowest & seafood the most expensive).
Service is usually excellent, the staff are all professionally dressed and polite. Come to think of it I haven't had the chance to test the serving staff's knowledge of the menu but most have been adept enough to provide at least the correct Italian pronunciation of what I was trying to order. When you get your meal they offer to grind fresh pepper or parmesan for you which is a nice final touch of authenticity to the dish.
Overall a great way to complement any day trip around Whyte Ave, and a good place to introduce visitors to the area. -
Review from Sarah W.
2/25/2012
I have been visiting Chianti for as long as I can remember. It was my "super awesome" dream date location when I was in high school and now it's my "old reliable" pasta place.
I love this place. They have renovated and taken over the whole main floor of the building to accommodate the large amounts of customers they get, which is nice because the wait for a table is considerably lessened. I love to come on Mondays or Tuesdays, because that's half off pasta night, which makes the experience even better.
The pasta is homemade and always cooked perfectly. The service is considerably decent (not always perfect but never terrible) and the servers are always down to earth and friendly. My personal favorites are the Supremo (which is a cream curry sauce - so delicious) and also the Carbonara (not traditional carbonara, but still very good!!). I don't know. This place does italian differently and is definitely a very laid back, casual atmosphere, but I love it. The pastas are portioned huge, delicious, and never let me down. The service is always good (if you aren't happy with your meal - tell them! They do correct things!!!) and I love, love, love the rustic, homemade pasta. So good. -
Review from Peggy L.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've come here before and it's been average, but when my boyfriend and I came recently, our meals were really lacking in seasoning.
We started with the calamari, which came with two side sauce. Both were good (there was a tomato sauce, and a mayo-based dip), but the calamari by itself was really bland. I had the ravioli alla gorgonzola while my boyfriend had the penne alla pollo. The sauce for my ravioli was really delicious but a bit too rich for me. My boyfriend's penne was cooked perfectly, but the pesto itself was disappointing. It looked more like olive oil with some dried herbs floating around, and it was virtually flavourless. Thank goodness for the saltshaker!
The service was really good, and I like the dated-but-funky decor of Chianti's, but I doubt that we'll return. -
Review from Kaylee L.
11/4/2011
I love taking visitors from out of town here. Its situated in the old Post Office, and with that comes a lot of character. The waiters that I've had have all been knowledgable about the menu and the types of wines they offer, and could answer any question we threw at them.
Chianti's has a crazy huge list of different pasta's and the sauces that come with. They also have half-orders for the sissy's that can't finish a whole plate of deliciousness (I'm definitely a sissy). Before your meal, the waiter will bring fresh buns with butter, but I usually save mine to soak up all that extra sauce. If you find that all of the food wasnt enough to fill your gut, be sure to check out the tiramisu ;)
So, while the good food, and great service is definitely an attraction, the price is enough to keep me coming back for more!
ps.
It can get pretty packed around dinner time, so for groups I would recommend a reservation, or for a quieter meal I would suggest mid-afternoons -
Review from Ashley M.
Edmonton, AB
9/14/2011
During the fringe this summer, my friends and I took advantage of a 2 hour gap between shows and decided to enjoy a nice supper at Chianti's.
Now it must be said that it was not my first time going to Chianti's. I actually celebrate my birthday with a large group of friends every year at Chianti's and I've never been disappointed.
Anywho, we lucked out and our timing was perfect. The line behind us grew quite long, but we were seated almost right away.
This is quite possibly the most perfect restaurant to visit while enjoying the fringe. There are "vintage" posters all over the restaurant advertising past fringe festivals.
The prices are so reasonable here. I love that they offer all their pastas in a half portion for only $7! I know!! Only $7!? And I usually still have to ask to have it packed up.
They serve hot, fresh bread with butter minutes after you order. They are so delicious, I find myself asking for another basket.
You can order drinks by the pitcher. Yes I do want a pitcher of bellini! =)
Then you see their pasta. It is made in-house and the noodles are thick and taste nothing like the pasta you boil at home. The sauces are rich and flavorful, I have yet to try one I didn't enjoy. I had ordered the fettuccine supremo. It has salmon and scallops in a creamy curry sauce. The curry was outstanding. I was always nervous to order this dish because I was worried that the curry would be too strong and I wouldn't enjoy it but it was divine! I highly recommend it!
You may find yourself too full from your main course here at Chianti's, but I know better. I always save room for desert! The tiramisu is delicious and I ordered it every time until on my birthday they brought out cake for me. It was their baileys cheesecake. It is literally the reason I go to this restaurant now. It is melt in your mouth, rich, addictive cheesecake. Do not miss out on this!
Now if you are still looking for reasons to stop in and visit this restaurant, I will give you only one more: on mondays and tuesdays, all their pasta creations are $9. Full size servings of authentic italian pastas for $9!?
All I can say is, watch out Olive Garden!
-Ashley Marie -
Review from Aditya R.
9/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've heard some people say that Chianti is over-rated but I think I'm on the other side of the line with this place. I like what they sell! It's as simple as that. Old school pastas with names like "marinara, primavera, puttanesca, alfredo" etc. gives this place a warm and friendly reminder that pastas aren't dead yet.
I've had a couple of the pastas here and I distinctly remember the gnocchi in meat sauce. It was sooo delicious! Trust me - good gnocchi is hard to come by and I think these guys make pretty good gnocchi. I liked the sauce too and found the simplicity of the meal charming. Along with a glass of wine, my bill came to about $17 or basically 20 bucks with tip. It's not at all bad. Most others with whom I went, enjoyed the food too. One of my friends got the curried pasta which was interesting and different. Certainly doesn't sound authentic, but who knows what's going on in Southern Italy! :D
Two really nice tips about them:
They have HALF ORDERS which is truly awesome. Anthony Bourdain has led us to believe that people in Italy usually share pasta, a meat dish, dessert and wine. The half orders facilitate the "family styled" dining which is kinda cool
Secondly, on Monday and Tuesday nights all their pastas are $9 which is a great deal!Listed in: Whyte Ave, Tuesday Night, Raw
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Review from Keith F.
Edmonton, AB
2/22/2012
oh I really DO like Monday's
This week a small group went out for lunch on a Monday; a friends husband who lives in New York would also be attending -so I couldn't pass up the offer. When we arrived for 1 pm with reservations we were attended to promptly.
Once seated, we looked at the large menu=I have been here many times before-but NOT on a pasta special Monday! How this works is the middle section of their menu=which has all their main pasta dishes= the prices range 8.99-13.99 ALL 8.99-wow and you can also add a side salad for an extra 1.25 and your set!
We all decided a side salad was hard to pass up, so each ordered a caesar salad, and we all selected our main pasta dish from the middle section of the menu. I think all our order choices were either priced at 12.99 or 13.99 Why NOT!!.
The server brought our drinks first, and in no time our salads arrived; very fresh and we each received a generous portion of grated parmesan and fresh ground pepper!! YUMM all were happy and eager for more Monday madness.
The pasta dishes arrived not long after, and each didn't disappoint, the kitchen server brought our freshly prepared pasta dishes still steaming. I had a chicken vegetable, pasta dish, another had a ravioli in cream sauce, and the third guest had some other pasta that the name and description escapes from my memory.
What I do remember was a great selection of discounted pastas-not like other restaurants with a only a few specials to choose from some sheet of paper they hand you-NOT HERE -but 1 full page of choices from their middle page menu-lots to choose from!! We all liked the side salad idea for 1.25 extra and the server was very attentive to all our requests there were not many requests with this Monday special anyway. At this restaurant warm crusty buns are always offered, usually 1 per person, occasionally I have asked for a second bun-and its never a problem.
I will come back and bring a friend, I am not sure if the portion size was the same as a usual non discounted order-but I think it was!! that's a 5.00 per plate discount for great service and fresh tasty food. I have often heard the complaint that their dishes are bland in flavour-not from our table though. It is a matter of personal taste's they do offer grated pepper and parmesan cheese for each dish they serve so say YES to that. This restaurant is known for consistent food quality and service, if you feel like spicy hit a mexican restaurant and pour on the hot sauce, or just order their spicy Italian sausage dish here-why not.
The dishes each have a distinct flavour which comes out nicely, kitchen staff do not use overly salty or spicy seasoning to cover the taste of their dishes-but to help bring them out :). I pick a spicy appetizer, or get them to crank up the fresh ground pepper a couple more notches. BON APPETITE our bill was 51.00 this included 3 main pasta dishes and 3 side salad's with 2 beer on tap-and a coffee with refills plenty of water service such MONDAY MADNESS and thanks Chianti staff:) I am only disappointed I didn't get to try the chef's soup special Gin and something -now that's kicking it up a notch!!!:) -
Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
11/12/2011
Chianti is a cavernous restaurant located inside an old municipal building. To provide a distinctly Edmontonian theme, the restaurant features posters advertising past Fringe Festival performance. The flooring is carpeted for the most part. And while their menu seems to be trapped in the 80s, that's fine - it's inexpensive compared to other dine-in restaurants here in Edmonton.
They serve a basket of hot dinner rolls once you arrive, and side salads cost a mere $4. I found my spinach salad to be a bit salty, possibly due to an abundance of bacon bits.
While my wife loved her vegetarian lasagna, my gnocchi disappointed me. I love gnocchi, but I found mine to be a bit starchy for my tastes, possibly due to overcooking.
i should note that the gigantic restaurant was entirely full when we were there (it was a Friday night) and that service was on the slow and inattentive side. I sensed that it was due to a lack of staffing.
I'd like to give Chianti's another chance on a Monday or Tuesday, when all pasta dishes cost only $8.95. -
Review from Wanda B.
Calgary, AB
4/1/2012
Night 3 of our visit to the Capital City and we decided to have a quick, inexpensive but reliable meal so the kids could get back to GalaxyLand at WEM. Chianti's in Vancouver was always good (when I lived there 13 years ago). Chianti's in Calgary is a great family place (reasonably priced and decent food). So we opted for Chianti's in Edmonton after spotting it earlier today. The menu had less pasta options than Calgary Chianti's but the meal itself was good. They make their own pasta and we all delighted in home made spaghetti. While my carbonara could have had a bit more seasoning (hubby says his chicken parmesan was delish and perfectly seasoned), the service was outstanding and we have no complaints. Again grateful we made a reservation as this place was fully packed with a line up out the door, by the time we left at 6:30pm. A good sign of a friendly, inexpensive neighbourhood restaurant. That is why we keep coming back - the kids love it!
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Review from Kristin K.
Edmonton, AB
6/4/2011
Absolutely phenomenal italian restaurant with great lunch specials! An awesome little secret about this place... Is you can order nearly anything off their dinner menu for a 1/2 portion and they charge you 1/2 price! Not a lot of restaurants will do that!
They have very traditional food... Not the tiramisu you would get at the Olive Garden.
Excellent place for a light lunch or a romantic dinner out! -
Review from Kaelan B.
Edmonton, AB
10/15/2011
Chianti is the first restaurant I went to after arriving in Edmonton at the beginning of September, and it was a great way to get acquanted with the restaurant scene in town. I arrived almost half an hour after the rest of my large (10+) group, and when I asked the waitress if it was worth ordering an entree, she told me she would make sure it didn't arrive too late after the other meals.
I asked her for whatever pasta she recommends off the menu, and she brought be some extraordinary artichoke fettucini, a portion larger than what I could finish! I guess I filled up too much on the complimentary bread. Saved some for later (and forgot about it in the fridge, as usual).
The atmosphere is probably a 3/5. It's a nice old building, but it's gives off the beginning of a chain-type decor (they are catching up on 10 locations, even expanding into Saskatchewan). They could do better with the space they are renting. But the seats were comfortable, it wasn't cramped, the service was great, and the food tasty.
Best of all, it was a Tuesday. Mondays and Tuesdays are cheap pasta days at Chianti, at only $8.99! The menu is reasonably priced the rest of the week. -
Review from Vanessa P.
Edmonton, AB
5/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
After months of begging my boyfriend to take me here, we decided to stop by for a nice lunch. The surroundings are pretty nice. My initial impression was that it has the same vibe of Whyte Ave; trendy, "indie", and underground mixed in with a little bit of Mafia-like Italian hangout.
We had ordered the calamari as an appetizer and although the seasonings weren't anything spectacular, the squid itself was amazing. Each piece felt like it was melting in my mouth.
I had a chicken/pesto pasta dish for my entrée. While it was good, I have had better. I do give them props on the pasta: perfectly al dente.
My boyfriend had ordered the special of the day: lemon grilled salmon, herb-garlic pasta, and a side of veggies. He raved on and on about his dish, so I tried it. It was delicious.
The only reason that I'm giving them 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 is an equally important experience of dining as the food: the service. I often felt like the server ignored us quite a bit. We weren't not checked up on and we had to basically raise our hand to request refills for our beverages. He was an older gentleman who paid much more attention to the table next to us and made us feel like we had to rush through our meal when there were plenty of tables available.
The worst part is that while waiting for my bf to pay, I was standing in the entrance/exit hallway and a man asked me if I was in line waiting for a table. Our same server quickly interrupted my answer. He said I already had my lunch and was just hanging around in a tone that almost sounded demeaning.
I'd like to come back one day and try out their other dishes, but I think I'll just sit this one out and head elsewhere. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
Chianti was never somewhere I'd been dying to go (despite my solid addiction to pasta) but my pals and I were carb-hungry and in the Old Strathcona area so it was off to Chianti's (as it is colloquially known - where did that 's come from?) we went.
It's a big place with a cool atmosphere, and I loved all of the Edmonton Fringe posters all over the place. Definitely a very local vibe to the restaurant.
Our waitress was friendly, although service was pretty slow. To be fair, I guess, the place was very busy for a Tuesday night.
My pasta came and it didn't seem like a ton of food. By the time I finished chowing down, I realized it just wasn't. My dining mates' meals didn't look much bigger, although I didn't hear any complaints from them. Maybe I was just way too hungry? Still, I had to order the strawberry cheesecake just to fill my belly all the way up (poor me!).
The food was delicious but I'll have a snack next time before I dine.Listed in: Meh, Devouring Desserts, Italian Eats, Caaaaaarbs!, Whyte Ave Dining
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Review from Cory P.
4/28/2011
I enjoyed it, the quantity of food looked small, but boy was it filling. I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on Italian food (my experience is too much BP's) but over all I left happy and fulfilled.
I am very curious to try some of the other items on the menu, therefore I will for sure try to return. -
Review from Karlie M.
2/21/2011
To me, Chianti is like an old friend I've known my whole life - friendly, reliable, no surprises, and always there to fall back on. I've gone to Chianti more times than I can count over the years, for endless reasons - birthdays, date night, lunch on the patio, just because.
The restaurant itself is quite large. When you go in, you can either go to the right, which always seems very crowded and busy, with just tables, or to the left. When you go to the left, you go past a few booths and into another room that has booths all along the edge, some tables in the middle, and a fireplace. This is also where you would go through to get to the patio in the summer. I ALWAYS go to the left. It is way cozier and quieter than the other side. The patio is great for lunch in the summer.
The waiters are almost always very friendly and energetic; really helpful and upbeat people. The menu is huge, so there should be something for anyone here. I almost always have pasta. I can't recommend one specifically over another because I've tried so many of them. Their insalata mista is delicious - there's just something about the dressing that is fab. I can't even describe it. Their soup os good, too. If I have room, I love to finish my meal with the chocolate raspberry ganache - drool! Often, if I don't have room, I'll still order one to go and eat it once I get home! Mondays and Tuesdays are cheap pasta days: any pasta on the menu for $8.99. They have a large wine list as well. -
Review from Harry V.
Edmonton, AB
10/6/2011
Every dish I've had has been satisfactory, but nothing special. Worth going for pasta Tuesdays but that's about it.
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Review from Mike L.
Calgary, AB
1/29/2011
Good service, I was staying across the road and thought I would give it a try.
Food unispiring, kinda like Boston pizza, over cooked pasta, salty sauces
I ordered a bottle of wine (only avail by the bottle not by glass)
After I paid the bill and tip, the waitress asks if I am ok, I tell her I am fine and ask why she is concerned and she tells me the manager made her ask.
He gives me a song and dance, I point out after I have eaten drank paid it seems a little CYA
Go to a real Italian restaurant -
Review from Lauren N.
10/20/2008 3 photos
I believe Chianti is one of the classic eating venues in Edmonton, and it's one of my all-time favorites. No matter when I go, they always have a table, even if I'm with a rather large group. The setting here is comfortable and romantic, and you can tell everyone here loves pasta and having a good time.
They have a vast menu full of options to satisfy every appetite, including gluten-free pasta. I usually order the fettucine alfredo, as they have one of the best here in the city. I'll have to get a half order next time, so that I'll have room for dessert, because it's ridiculous how many times I've been there yet never sampled their incredible dessert menu.
The service is always quick and congenial, nothing meets short of standard expectations from a good restaurant. I'm glad we have this restaurant in our city -- I'd be very sad without it! And, seeing as it's Monday, I'm going to suggest Pasta Frenzy tonight. $7.99 for a full order of quality pasta -- you'd be crazy not to go. Chianti, here I come! -
Review from Kelley R.
Vancouver, BC
9/2/2009
A friend recommend this place while I was visiting Edmonton. My group and I went to dine there between a wedding and the reception. We had a limited amount of time and and a large group. Chianti's was very accommodating. Our server was prompt and helpful and we were finished in plenty of time to make it back to the festivities.
The food was plentiful and served quickly, but as i often find with Italian eateries, nothing to be excited about. While the pasta was fresh and obviously house made, the sauces (i tried several different dishes) were overall pretty bland and unexciting.
I would definitely try the place again as the menu is extensive and great for a large group. -
Review from Phuwadet P.
Edmonton, AB
5/5/2011
Please visit my blog for full review with pictures at:
http://eternity-ply.bl...
Today review is Chianti Cafe and Restaurant on Whyte Ave. I have been here a couple of times before and all of my previous visit were quite good, but nothing spectacular. The food were good but not THAT good, to be honest. However the portion were quite big and it is not expensive with most pastas cost around 11-13 dollars. To be honest, the service was slow, but tolerable. We were there on Tuesday night at 5:30pm and the place was packed! What I didn't expect.
Overall I think Chianti is a good place to go for casual italian dinner. It is not too expensive, big portion and good/ok service. The decor is very fitting for a casual Italian restaurant.
I would give this place around 7/10 (from my past experience as well) -
Review from Paula K.
9/29/2008
Located on Whyte Avenue, Chianti's is one of Edmonton's Italian mainstays and a must-visit for pasta lovers. At last count, there are almost 40 different kinds of spaghetti, linguine, tortellini, fettuccine, and other pastas of assorted shapes prepared with a variety of sauces, meats, and vegetables.
Pastas are available in half orders for a very reasonable price, and Mondays and Tuesdays are Pasta Frenzy, which means you can get a full order for the price of a half.
The menu also features about a dozen entrees each for veal, seafood, and chicken. They are served with vegetables and potatoes, but any pasta can be substituted in place of the vegetables for an additional fee.
Service is friendly, and meals are served relatively quickly. It can get very busy around meal times, so you might want to consider reservations. -
Review from Marc W.
11/1/2008
This place was recommended, I was tired, it was near my hotel so I went for it.
My waiter was well meaning but was over his head. When I saw the menu I was dismayed. They had tons of different dishes. That smacks of a place that does tons of things and none of them all that well.
I had the meat lasagna and I was surprised in that it wasnt bad at all. The pasta had a good toothiness to it. The tomato sauce had some cream it in. But the over all quality was just ok or perhaps a little above. At least it was pretty cheap.
The wine selection was rather lousy, but perhaps in Edmonton, there is not a great demand for good wines. -
Review from Jessica G.
4/19/2011
While visiting Edmonton from TX, this place became my haven. The proximity to my hotel and the wifi peaked my interest. However, I soon discovered the cozy atmosphere, attentive wait staff, and reasonably - priced tasty cuisine. The half - portions for most dishes are an added plus for single lunchers like myself. Definitely worth a visit.
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Review from Adam S.
11/22/2010
What an awful restaurant. The staff were slow and unhelpful. The pasta noodles were thick and chewy while the sauce was way too peppery for Italian food.
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Review from P T.
Edmonton, AB
1/19/2011
Ordered the Spaghetti Bolognese, which was a bit on the bland side. A better option than say Domino's pasta.
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Review from Jason L.
Edmonton, AB
5/26/2010
There are a lot of people who swear by Chianti's and it's really a popular place. I'm just not one of them. I will eat there when the crowd wants to go, but it's not a place that I'd suggest going to, which is too bad as I live in walking distance.
The problem with French, Italian and Chinese food is that their popularity can really breed mediocrity. I mean how many people have really traveled to France, Italy and China to really experience authentic quality cuisine? However, even if we never get to go there, we all want to eat French, Italian and Chinese, right? Sometimes, because we don't really know, we get sold a bill of goods.
Now, Chianti's is not bad. It's not a mistake to eat there, but it's not the best pasta in town nor is it the best Italian in town. The pasta is well done, al dente and it's made in house with some toothiness to it, but, the sauces are all too heavy, too salty (not herby) and really just mediocre. Now, that describes a lot of so called Italian restaurants in town.
First, there is just too much on the menu (which does not change to reflect seasonality). Restaurants that take a shot gun approach to their clients aren't the best at anything. If this was the best pasta ever, they could have one pasta dish and everyone would still come eat there. I really suspect that if they had a smaller menu that rotated with what was fresh and in season, their food would be so much better. Second, they could present real Italian cooking, not what North Americans expect Italian cooking to be: heavy cream sauces, salt or drowned in marinara. Often the best pasta sauces are nothing more than chopped tomatos, herbs and olive oil or wine reductions: something that accents the pasta and the freshness that's a part of the best of Italian cuisine. Pasta is rarely "drowned" in sauce. The different shapes are designed for different sauces as the sauce is supposed to coat the pasta not cover it.
There are some really good, really authentic Italiain restaurants in Edmonton. I suggest seeking them out. I'm not saying don't eat at Chianti's. I'm saying don't let Chianti's stop you from discovering how good Italian can be. -
Review from Nandan F.
Ottawa, ON
10/6/2010
I walked into this restuarant by chance as the one I was planning to go to was closed. And I am so glad I did. The restaurant is located in an old building with cool architecture. It used to be a post office at some point. The place was packed for dinner on a weekday. That may be the reason why the service was a bit slow. But the food was absolutely delicious. The house red wine is actually pretty good. I ordered baked onion with cheese soup which was rich and with just the right amount of cheese. my chicken fettucini alfredo was perfectly cooked. The portions were huge. The fudge brownie for desert was a perfect finish. I am going there again next time I am in town!
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Review from Foodie K.
Edmonton, AB
7/3/2011
Went here on Pasta Tuesday for their half price pasta, food was mediocre. This place has run down over the years, service wasn't that great either. Our server was extremely friendly but had no idea about items on the menu! Its too bad, this place used to be pretty nice.
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Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
10/13/2009 1 photo
Chianti's the place to go for pasta. It is, by far, the best you will in all of Edmonton. Chianti's makes their pasta in house, from scratch (noodles and all) and is always the freshest food you could possibly hope for. My favorite meal at Chianti's is the Fettuccine Du Chef ($12.99) which consists of spinach noodles, smoked salmon, mushrooms, in an amazing cream and pesto sauce. The portions are big and I can never finish it, but I always look forward to my lunch the next day (it is just as good heated up a day later). I'm drooling at the thought of it. Another great benefit of having all the food made to order is Chianti's is very happy to accommodate dietary concerns. And with cheap pasta on Mondays and Tuesdays, there really is no reason NOT to go to Chianti's!
They have plenty of room inside (and a great patio in the summer) but the line up can get significant on busy nights (weekends and cheap pasta nights). In my opinion, the line up is always worth the wait. I've never had to wait more than more fifteen minutes and I always get freshly baked buns within minutes of being seated.
Another great thing about Chianti's is their support of the community. They allow advertising for local shows and events in the area and the arts community is incredibly grateful.
If you haven't been, GO! -
Review from Isabella M.
Edmonton, AB
6/6/2009
Some unfortunate soul has described himself as "dismayed" by this awesome restaurant. I'm afraid I'm not so grudging with my compliments to delicious food with great portions at a fun venue.
This restaurant is a diamond in the rough in a city with so few cool historic buildings. I love their patio; it's so choice. The interior, too.
I'm in love with the Italian salad - and you can buy the dressing to go. Their soups are all from scratch and once I had a cool cream of veg one with sambuca and it rocked.
Fresh pastas - say no more, say no more. They have an awesome cream of curry sauce, too - not terribly traditional, but who can blame a restaurant for what was clearly an unfortunate oversight in history by Italian merchants and sailors in the 17th century.
Hooray for ganache and chocolate mousse, and cappuccinos with adorable foam towers and cinnamon on top. These are a few of my favorite things.
There's a reason everyone's heard of this restaurant if they've heard of Whyte Ave. And there's a reason why it's well over 10 years old (maybe 20?) when so many perish early. Staying power, my friends!
Kudos for good value, good portions and friendly staff. I've had dates here, family here, a wedding dinner and times with kids and have always been accommodated with (traditional?) Italian hospitality. -
Review from Maria F.
11/18/2009 2 photos
I am always skeptical when it comes to ordering pasta at restaurants. I can prepare any kind of delicious pasta in the comfort of my own kitchen, and spend half as much as a restaurant would charge me. However, I occasionally give into peer pressure and go to places recommended by my pasta loving friends. Chianti is one of such places. They offer an amazing selection of fetuccine, linguini, tortellini, and such. For anybody who is allergic to gluten or watches their waistline, there are gluten-free and whole wheat pasta options available for a couple extra dollars. Whichever type of pasta you choose to order, you will be amazed at the portion size. Basically you get what you pay for and $12 or so will buy you meal big enough to make you feel full all day. Some of my personal favorites from Chianti's menu are Supremo Fettuccine (with salmon, scallops and curry) and Gnocchi Pomodoro. The wine list, as is expected from any self-respecting Italian restaurant, is amazing. There are Chilean and Australian wines, but the majority is Italian. Most Italian red and white wines are priced at $20 and up, and if you want to go all out, you have a choice of ordering a bottle of reserve wine which will cost you $100 or more. On the final note, I really like the quality of customer service at Chianti. The servers are friendly and do their best to make your stay memorable and to make sure that you become a returning customer.
