Calgary’s dining scene just gained a new Italian gem that promises to transport guests straight to the heart of Italy — without leaving the city. Enoteca Monza Pizzeria Moderna has officially opened its doors in Calgary’s northwest, marking the restaurant’s debut in Alberta and its tenth location in Canada. Known for its blend of traditional Italian dishes and contemporary flair, Enoteca Monza introduces a new dining experience category it calls upscale casual — a balance of sophistication and comfort that defines the brand’s culinary identity.
“The timing of this opening and the fit with this location could not be more perfect,” said Chad Huff, Partner at Pacific Rose Hospitality Group, during the restaurant’s grand opening. “Calgary is a growing city with a growing appetite, and Enoteca Monza is ripe for expansion. We first ate at an Enoteca Monza in Montreal in fall 2023 and fell head over heels for the ambiance, the food, and the overall concept. I’m convinced patrons will love it — in Calgary and beyond.”
A Menu Rooted in Tradition and Elevated with Modern Flair
Enoteca Monza’s culinary philosophy is centered on simplicity, authenticity, and passion — all essential pillars of Italian cuisine. The Calgary location offers a thoughtfully curated menu featuring beloved classics and inventive new dishes designed to appeal to a wide range of palates.
Guests can start their dining experience with a selection of antipasti that showcase the restaurant’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. Highlights include hand-crafted arancini (crispy risotto balls), slow-cooked meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, creamy burrata with fresh tomatoes and basil, and an assortment of carpaccio — including beef, salmon, and beet variations that showcase fresh ingredients and artistic presentation.
One of the standout features of the restaurant is its apple wood-fired pizzas, which embody the essence of Neapolitan-style craftsmanship while incorporating bold Canadian and Italian influences. Prices start at $18 for the signature Margherita pizza, made with San Marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, and fresh basil. Other popular pizzas highlight premium ingredients such as prosciutto, truffle oil, and arugula.
The menu also features fresh pastas, succulent seafood, and perfectly grilled steaks, appealing to those seeking hearty, comforting meals. For Calgary, Enoteca Monza has introduced several exclusive dishes that differentiate it from its Eastern Canadian counterparts — including pistachio-crusted cod, prosciutto-wrapped filet mignon, and a rotating selection of regional carpaccio creations that bring a touch of innovation to every plate.
Every meal can be paired with a finely curated wine list, a hallmark of the Enoteca experience. True to its name — “Enoteca” meaning wine shop or wine repository in Italian — the restaurant offers an impressive selection of Italian and international wines designed to complement the flavors of its dishes. To complete the experience, guests can indulge in a decadent dessert menu, featuring Italian staples like tiramisu, panna cotta, and Nutella pizza, ensuring a memorable finish to any meal.
A Milestone Expansion into Western Canada
For Enoteca Monza, the opening of its first Alberta location represents more than just another restaurant launch — it’s a defining step in the brand’s national expansion strategy.
“Opening our first Monza in Calgary is a major milestone for us,” said Peter Mammas, President and CEO of Foodtastic, the parent company of Enoteca Monza. “It marks our official entry into Western Canada and reflects our long-term vision to grow the brand coast to coast. Monza is built on bold flavors, vibrant energy, and a love for Italian hospitality. We’re proud to bring that spirit to Calgary and look forward to becoming part of the city’s dynamic culinary scene.”
Founded in 2010, Enoteca Monza has quickly grown into one of Canada’s most recognizable Italian dining brands. The concept became a hit in Quebec, where nine successful locations are now operating, each known for its chic ambiance, modern Italian menu, and warm service that captures the essence of la dolce vita.
In 2018, Foodtastic — one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing restaurant groups — acquired Enoteca Monza, adding it to a diverse portfolio of well-known brands. Foodtastic operates hundreds of restaurants across Canada under banners such as Milestones, Pita Pit, Shoeless Joe’s, and Second Cup Café. The company’s acquisition of Monza was driven by a desire to elevate the Italian dining experience in Canada through a concept that blends authenticity with approachability.
A Collaboration Between Two Canadian Hospitality Leaders
To expand Enoteca Monza into Western Canada, Foodtastic has teamed up with Pacific Rose Hospitality Group, a Vancouver-based company known for bringing innovative and premium dining concepts to the region. The two groups first partnered in 2022 with the successful opening of their first Milestones restaurant in Calgary. Since then, the partnership has flourished, and together they now operate ten restaurant locations across Alberta and British Columbia.
This collaboration combines Foodtastic’s extensive national infrastructure with Pacific Rose Hospitality’s local expertise and deep understanding of Western Canadian dining trends. The result is a brand expansion that maintains Enoteca Monza’s established reputation for quality while embracing the unique tastes and expectations of Calgary diners.
“Calgary’s restaurant scene is one of the most exciting in the country right now,” Huff added. “People here appreciate great food and memorable dining experiences. Enoteca Monza brings that — it’s refined yet relaxed, upscale yet welcoming. Whether you’re sharing a pizza with friends or enjoying a glass of wine after work, it’s all about creating connections over great food.”
A New Chapter for Calgary’s Italian Dining Scene
Located at 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Unit J012, Enoteca Monza Pizzeria Moderna offers a stylish and inviting space that reflects its upscale casual concept. The restaurant’s design combines rustic Italian warmth with contemporary sophistication — featuring open kitchens, a lively bar area, and elegant touches such as wood accents, soft lighting, and marble finishes.
This attention to ambiance is part of what has made Enoteca Monza so beloved in other Canadian cities. Its Calgary location continues this tradition, serving as both a neighborhood gathering place and a destination for special occasions.
For food lovers in Calgary, the arrival of Enoteca Monza means access to a new standard of Italian dining — one that blends traditional recipes with modern creativity, all within a relaxed yet refined setting.
As Calgary continues to emerge as a culinary hotspot, Enoteca Monza Pizzeria Moderna stands poised to become a cornerstone of the city’s restaurant landscape. With its rich flavors, commitment to hospitality, and passion for Italian culture, the restaurant offers locals and visitors alike an authentic taste of Italy — no passport required.
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