From The Fairmont Palliser Best Nearby Italian (Restaurants) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Calgary, AB Divino Bistro and Wine Bar (Restaurants - Italian) 113 8th Ave, SW, Calgary  AB  T2P 7N2 • 403-410-5555 Distance: ~143 m User Rating: 8.25 / 10         Description: Simultaneously classy and casual, this bistro tempts Calgarians with its terrific cuisine, intimate charm, and original artwork. The Italian fare is robust and looks to pastas, chicken, and steak for its main courses. Bolstering the menu are items like herb-crusted salmon and grilled lamb. Divino also makes a terrific burger, whether it's crafted of lamb or Alberta beef, and you'll find a selection of soups and sandwiches as well. Given its reputation as a wine bar, Divino carries a host of vintages available by the bottle and glass. Most come from Italy, France, and the States, although you may find a few renegade bottles occasionally. Perfect for dinner, but call for reservations since the place fills up quickly. Teatro (Restaurants - Italian) 200 8th Ave SE, Calgary  AB  T2G 0K7 • 403-290-1012 Distance: ~386 m User Rating: 6.25 / 10         Description: Set on the edge of Olympic Plaza, this fashionable restaurant is the place to see and be seen in town. Its residence in the historic Dominion Bank building grants Teatro elegant period architecture, along with a more clean-lined decor that serves as its foil. The cuisine is Italian in intent, supplemented by seasonal Canadian ingredients. Pastas, seafood, meat dishes, pizzas, and antipasti comprise the menu; among the delicacies you'll find are terrine of duck foie gras, lobster-and-scallop lasagna, apple wood-roasted salmon, rack of lamb, veal cheeks, and dry-aged rib-eye. Everything is sublime, from the service to the wine list and the sinful desserts. Naturally, you'll pay for the experience, but it's one you won't want to miss, and it's absolutely worth it. One of the city's best. Il Giardino Ristorante (Restaurants - Italian) 344 17th Ave SW, Calgary  AB  T2S 0A8 • 403-541-0088 Distance: ~0.788 km         Description: Cozy and inviting, this restaurant is warmed by a fireplace and made homey by the scent of garlic and herbs. Patrons come to bask in the ambience and partake of the authentic cuisine. Practically anything you order is guaranteed to be fabulous, whether it's al dente pasta topped with a rich, flavorful sauce or seafood that's lightly cooked to an ideal tenderness. You'll also enjoy rack of lamb, veal, chicken, and beef. Dishes are well-balanced and feature classic ingredients like parmesan cheese, prosciutto, olive oil, and fresh rosemary. It's a brief but delicious excursion to the southern Mediterranean but one you'll want to return to again and again. Buon Giorno Ristorante Italiano (Restaurants - Italian) 823 17th Ave SW, Calgary  AB  T2T 0A1 • 403-244-5522 Distance: ~1.345 km         Description: Constantly busy and perennially popular, this cozy restaurant is one of Calgary's best for northern Italian cuisine. The interior has a traditional Mediterranean flair and a team of animated servers who enjoy the lively ambience of the restaurant. Pastas are the real treat here, and no matter how you order them, they're satisfying and delicious. The seafood is also delectable, as are the chicken and veal dishes, which are all homemade. If you're indecisive, the chef is happy to pick a three-course meal that affords you a taste of the kitchen's best options. Comfort holds a steady rein throughout the restaurant, and you're sure to walk away sated and content. Chianti Cafe & Restaurant (Restaurants - Italian) 1438 17th Ave SW, Calgary  AB  T2T 0C8 • 403-229-1600 Distance: ~2.198 km         Description: Homemade pastas, light-as-air and cooked to perfection, are the forte at this restaurant. The menu itself breaks them down into categories, helping to lessen the agony of choice. Of course, each category has a multitude of options, so it's still a difficult matter of deciding. But with luscious cream and marinara sauces, how can you go wrong? If you choose to avoid the issue altogether, there's veal, seafood, and chicken, although you still have to pick something from the lists. Even better, the kitchen is happy to tweak a dish to your specifications, and most of the entrees come in half-orders if you'd like. Plus, weekly pasta nights bring the already-reasonable prices even lower. What else could you want? Mange! Earls Restaurant (Restaurants - Italian) 1110 16th Ave NW, Calgary  AB  T2M 0K8 • 403-289-2566 Distance: ~2.950 km         Description: A simple, welcoming decor characterizes this restaurant, which is a great mainstay any time of day. A bistro ambience presides, and the menu takes cues from all over the world. As a result, burgers and steaks appear alongside Hunan kung pao pasta, tandoori chicken satay, and Thai green chicken curry. Ribs, chicken, and pizzas also appear, and there's a nice selection of wines and beers. Earls is particularly good when you want comfort, reliable food, and to hang out in a relaxing environment. Plus, they have regular drink specials and a couple of signature brews. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.