Windsor, Ontario, is known for many things, and great Italian cuisine is definitely on that list.

With a large Italian community and our own Via Italia lined with restaurants, there’s plenty to choose from. So, we’ve compiled a list of 6 dishes that we know pasta lovers are absolutely going to fall head over heels for.


NONNA’S LASAGNA AT THE COOK’S SHOP

Never go against a Nonna when pasta is on the line! These handmade noodles are layered with fresh Bolognese sauce, and Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella cheeses. It’s all piled high for a Nonna to proudly watch you eat every last morsel.


CARBONARA AT MEZZO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

 

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A classic carbonara is one of our all time favourites. Traditionally, the dish should only have 5 simple ingredients: the noodle seasoned with browned guanciale (pork jowl), black pepper, pecorino Romano and beaten eggs.

Mezzo adds their own little twist to it, using pancetta and prosciutto instead of the guanciale and using a little bit of cream in a Parmesan cream sauce. However, it’s delicious and worthy of this list.


GNOCCHI WITH SHRIMP AT SPAGO

 

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I love gnocchi. A lot. So much I call them little pillows of love. At Spago’s, you’re able to customize your gnocchi order, which makes them that much better. You can get their potato dumplings covered in either a tomato, Bolognese, Alfredo, Pesto cream,  blush, or roasted garlic sauce. You can even add on chicken or shrimp if you’re feeling a little bougie.


RICOTTA GNOCCHI AT NICO TAVERNA

 

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Did I mention I love gnocchi? Our neighbour on the west side of Windsor’s Little Italy has made a namee for themselves with attention to detail on all their dishes that stray a bit from thee traditional Italian cuisine most expect in North America.

Each gnocchi is handmade before covered in a wild mushroom and herb blush.


Linguine con Gamberetti AT PICCOLO’S PASTA HOUSE

 

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Be sure to come as hungry as you’ve ever been or wear stretchy pants. Not only are Piccolo’s known for deliciousness, but also their ginormous servings.


PAGLIA E FIENO AT CIAO CUCINA NUOVA

 

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If love your food with a sentimental story behind it, this dish is was the go-to dish of the owners mom and is still made in her honor. The noodle is an egg and spinach fettuce (slightly larger than the more popular fettucine), and is completed with pancetta, peas and a Parmigianino cream.