This is such a wonderful restaurant in Manotick, Ontario (just on the outskirts of Ottawa). The restaurant is situated just off a lovely courtyard when you first drive into Manotick Main Street. The owner has tried to recreate his Italian upbringing in a charming restaurant. There are wonderful pictures of Italy on several flat screens situated throughout the restaurant which lend a lovely ambience to the space.

The really special part of the restaurant is the food, it's absolutely incredible. They have fresh homemade pastas, the gnocchi is made from scratch and is silky and wonderful, the spicy rose sauce that it's served with is delicious. Their appetizers are amazing, especially the antipasto platter and the mussels and smelts - all wonderful.

We've been going here for a number of years and the place just keeps getting better. Worth a try if you're in the area, I'd make reservations though if you're thinking about going on a weekend, Friday's and Saturday's are very busy.