A small, white house on the corner of Edmonton Trail and 9 Ave, Tavernetta is a staple in our community since it’s opening in 2017. Deemed as an Italian inspired little tavern, this restaurant does everything right.
When you enter the front door, you’re immediately greeted by beautiful smells, friendly smiles, and a centre island style kitchen. You can constantly see the chefs at work, cooking up orders and adding the fine details to each meal. The inside of the restaurant is simple yet cozy, and offers various seating arrangements for both small and large groups. If it’s a warm, summer day choosing to sit on their patio will not disappoint. There are two patio areas you can choose from: an intimate dining one, or their picnic table style side area, where you can also play a game of bocce ball.
Where Tavernetta truly shines however is with their food. Menu items are Italian inspired, some more traditional and some with a flair. Their dishes are served family style and come out as soon as they’re ready. It really is best to share so you can taste more options. To date, I’ll admit that I’ve tried almost every item on their menu. Everything is delicious! But let me highlight a few of my personal go to items. No matter the day, we always start with their meatballs and calamari. The meatballs are presented like the Italian flag, and with no fillers are true meat balls. It’s hard to find calamari that isn’t deep fried, and their version is not only tasty but grilled to perfection. Typically from here, we jump to the pastas. My all time favourite is their gnocchi. I order gnocchi at any Italian place I visit and theirs is hands down the best in town. I’ve never tasted anything so delicious. Ricotta stuffed dumplings served on a traditional tomato sauce. Sometimes simple is best! Another go to for me is their Casonscelli which is a stuffed pillow pasta with a sage and brown butter sauce. Need I say more? If you have a sweet tooth, their lemon torta is a nice balance of being not too sweet. In all honestly though, anything you order will leave you full, satisfied, and wishing you could eat more.
Tavernetta also has an extensive drink menu. They always have a local, rotating beer and even have Negroni on tap. They make delicious cocktails, like their aperol spritz, and of course have a substantial wine list. It was here where I was introduced to Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine. Don’t judge until you try it, but this drink combines the best of the wine worlds; a full-bodied red meets the bubbles of a champagne. A true match made in heaven!
Giving back and engaging with the community is another thing that Tavernetta excels in. They are partnered with Mealshare and so have menu items that provide food to those in needs. They also have numerous events throughout the year, like their annual bocce ball tournament, which offer a fun afternoon of activities, drinks, and good food all while raising funds for a local charity.
Tavernetta is the place to go for any event: a lunch stop on a work day, a date night, a girls night out, a group gathering, or even a wedding. We often get asked by friends why we go here so often and the answer is simple. Great service, tasty drinks, and incredible food!
Out With Erin 