edmontons best hotels

World of Flavours: Taste of Italian Food in Edmonton

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s Italian dining in Edmonton!  You sang that in your head, didn’t you?  Well, why wouldn’t you?? 

Known for bold tastes, colours and family-style meals, Italian food is uniquely comforting and celebratory, whether casual or glamourous, and sure to put you in the singing mood.  Chances are you ordered a pizza in the last month or whipped up a quick spaghetti with meat sauce at home recently because Italian food is truly a staple that we crave.

Here are our top 4 picks for you to indulge in pizza, pasta, vino and dolci, something sweet, to finish off.

Vaticano Cucina

Vaticano has become a cornerstone of the finer dining scene in Edmonton since opening on the southside, but this is a restaurant that easily caters to business lunches or dinner with the girls.  As you pass the crisp black and white “Vaticano Cucina” sign on the way to your table, gaze up at the Vatican-inspired painting on the ceiling.  It’s a little bit of Italy, right in Edmonton.

Neopolitan-style wood fire baked pizza is a must order.  Each named for a saint, they come in various combinations with either San Marzano red sauce or as white pizzas with fior di latte.  Go for the St. Michael (black truffle, porcini cream sauce, fior di latte, crumbled Italian sausage, sauteed mushrooms) to feel as though you’ve died and gone to heaven.  Pizza is not the only amazing option.  

We highly recommend the Lasagna Carne Brasato.  This delicacy is layered with house pasta, rich beef Bolognese, spinach, and creamy ricotta then baked with béchamel and marinara sauce.  Not enough?  It’s also topped with an assortment of melty Italian cheeses. 

Truth is that the entire menu beyond amazing.  You’re going to love everything at Vaticano.

Bianco

Right in the heart of downtown, mere steps from Churchill Square, the Art Gallery of Alberta and The Citadel Theatre, Bianco is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner before taking in some culture.  Owners Dave Manna and Joe Viana had a vision for Bianco that showcased the food, authentic culture and renowned hospitality of Italy in a space that reflected Edmonton.  Décor elements of Italian marble, exposed brick and warm woods make the space cozy but refined.

With Italian classics like wood fired pizza and handmade pasta all crafted from unbleached, wholegrain, non-GMO, organic flour, quality is the priority that makes for delectable dishes.  Veggie lovers can opt for the Funghi Misti Pizza (roasted wild mushrooms, mozzarella fior di latte, Taleggio cheese, roasted garlic, and fresh parsley with white truffle oil) or the Gnocchi di Patate Dolci (sweet potato and Grano Padano parmigiano gnocchi, sautéed with sundried tomatoes, spinach and leek on top of a butternut squash purée).  

Those who enjoy red meat will find the Casarecce al Ragù Bolognese (short noodles with curled edges bathed in Bolognese sauce made with organic beef and San Marzano tomatoes) to their liking.  As well as the Manzo (grilled beef tenderloin, smoked pomme, roasted rutabaga, grilled rapini, crispy onion, red wine jus).

Are you thinking about which day to go for dinner?  Was it the pizza or the Bolognese that put you over the top?

Buco Pizzeria and Vino Bar

A little more casual, at Buco you’ll revel in glass after glass of wine over delightful, shared plates of cured meats, antipasti, sausage and cheese…  all before the main course!  Three locations around Edmonton are light and airy, with white furnishings, light fixtures, blonde wood and cream-coloured tiles and bricks as well as high ceilings.  

The refreshing, contemporary design is juxtaposed by a mostly traditional menu.  Post appetizers, choose Caprese Salad, Housemade Lasagna, or Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. The selection of Neapolitan-style wood fired pizza is impressive at Buco, too.  Go for a Rossa (with tomato sauce) or Bianca (without tomato sauce.  Our fave Rossa is the Carne (short rib, italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, smoked mozzarella, fior di latte) while our fave Bianca is the Nordica (speck prosciutto, friulano cheese, walnuts,

honey, fior di latte).

Leave room for Dolci as the dessert menu is a decadent necessity.  Raspberry Ricotta Cake with fresh berries, ricotta, fresh whipped cream, and raspberry coulis, anyone?

Uccellino

While Uccellino is a self-described “trattoria” or Italian restaurant serving simple food, the food really is anything but.  Coupled with being open just 5 days per week for dinner only, the exclusivity meter is off the charts, as well it should be.  

Uccellino is one of 3 establishments in Edmonton’s famed Corso 32 Group of restaurants, each serving “a local interpretation of authentic Italian cuisine in a modern setting.”.  Their menu is hallmarked by familiar dishes that are often enhanced with a new combination of ingredients that amplify flavours and textures.  

Choose the Beef Carpaccio, made with smooth, highly-marbled Wagyu beef and served with marrow aioli, fried capers, celery heart, parsley, black pepper and Parmigiano Reggiano; Or the Tagliatelle prepared with the finest ingredients (L’Ancetre organic pasture butter, sage & Parmigiano Reggiano) that allow the flavours to shine. 

Not sure what to order?  Make a reservation for the tasting menu which is available each night until 8:30pm.  

Your taste of Italy in Edmonton is closer than you think.  Edmonton’s Best Hotels makes your budget go further with our amazing 1, 2, 3 Pick Your Rewards Deal!!  Prepaid Mastercards, gas cards, and dining cards valued at up to $225 are yours when you book.  Now those are some incredible ingredients!

edmontons best hotels
Sign up For Hotel Deals & Edmonton's Best Travel Insider Tips

Terms and Conditions

The “1,2, 3 Pick Your Rewards”, Terms and Conditions and Blackout Dates 

Rewards Program campaign dates

Reward package available to book from January 5, 2022 for stays to December 31, 2024 for rewards except for possible blackout dates. At present there are no blackout dates scheduled.

Rewards are subject to while supplies last.  Substitutions of equivalent kind, value may be made as necessary.  Rewards are non-transferable, no cash value, no cash back.

  • Rewards are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, have no cash value, no cash back.
  • Rewards cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
  • Reward deal is net non-commissionable.

Blackout dates

At present there are no blackout dates scheduled. 

In the event blackout dates are scheduled, any guest who makes a booking for a hotel stay during the blackout period prior to the blackout period being named will receive the rewards they are booked for. 

Rewards Program offerings

Book one night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of three $50 rewards excluding blackout dates:

  • $50 Gas Card or
  • $50 Prepaid Mastercard, or
  • $50 Ultimate Dining Card

Book two night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of five reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • $150 prepaid MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 Ultimate Dining Card, or

Book three night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of four reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard
  • Three Night Reward 3: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

One choice of reward per stay. 

Guest must be 18 years of age or older at time of redemption. 

Prepaid Mastercard’s can be used for online purchases only. In Canada, prepaid Mastercard’s cannot be used at any retail outlet (including your hotel) with point-of-sale systems.

Rewards distribution

Rewards will be emailed directly to guests within 48 hours of Edmonton’s Best Hotels confirming their check-in.  Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk.   All rewards are sent electronically. 

Reservations

Guest must reserve a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival.

Rewards are NOT available for reservations made less than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Reservations made directly with hotels and not through Edmonton’s Best Hotels are not eligible for rewards. No exceptions. Rewards are only provided to guests who book through Edmonton’s Best Hotels online booking platform.  Booking reservation confirmations will have Edmonton’s Best Hotels branding on them. Rewards not provided for hotel reservations during specified blackout dates.

Reservations cannot be extended by hotels for additional rewards.

Guests may add a night to an existing one-night deal reservation and receive additional rewards if the request is made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Booking terms and conditions

Rewards provided for more than one night, must be for consecutive nights under one registration under one name at one property. In addition, no more than up to three consecutive nights will be honoured. If a guest checks in for three days and then checks out and re-checks in for the next day, this is considered a consecutive night booking even if the second booking is made at different hotel.  

There must be a minimum of three days between bookings.

Multiple reservations for the same person for the same night(s) is considered a double booking and only one of those bookings will be eligible for rewards. For example, if a guest books two nights on x and y date and then makes another two-night booking for the same dates at the same hotel or another hotel, EBH considers this a double booking and will honour rewards for only one of those bookings. 

Is there a limit on the number of bookings I make on different dates?  Edmonton Best Hotels welcomes repeat business.  Some of our guests visit Edmonton every month.  Please note as stated earlier there must be a minimum of three days between bookings. Please also note stated blackout dates.

Cancelling and date changes to reservations

If a guest wants to cancel or change the dates of their booking.

What if I want to cancel my booking?  Edmonton Best Hotels must cancel your booking (not the hotel).  If you want to cancel, contact info@edmh.ca and let us know.  We will cancel your booking and send you a cancellation number for your records.  Please do not cancel directly with the hotel.

What if I want to change the dates of my booking?  You must contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca and let us know you want to make a date change.  Your original booking must be cancelled first.  You will receive a cancellation number for your records.  Then, you must rebook for your new dates.  The hotel nor Edmonton’s Best Hotels cannot make date changes to the original booking.  Please note this does not guarantee you will receive the same hotel rate when you rebook for different dates.

Any questions, please contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca 

REWARD YOURSELF with Exclusive INSIDER-ONLY Bonuses
When you become an EBH Travel Insider you receive:
  • Early, private access to limited availability deals.
  • Additional offers every month that aren't open to the public.
  • Opportunities to have your voice heard - tell us what deals you want to see! That’s what becoming an EBH Travel Insider does for you.
Become a Travel Insider
edmontons best hotels travel insider rewards subscribe