Pizarro's in Vanier
366 Marguerite Ave, Vanier, ON K1L 6S5, Canada
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Overpriced for crappy Italian food. Service was terrible & felt like a local dinner, not fine dining. Like the price would suggest.
I feel bad writing this review because we always want to support local. But the portions have gotten embarrassingly small despite the price hikes. The chicken alfredo plate was so small with just a few thinly sliced chicken (extra $7 to add), that it looks like an appetizer, and it was $34 before tax and tip. It felt greedy to be honest. Very unfortunate.
Staff are friendly and food is delicious. Approximately $30/plate is a bit steep for my budget. The gluten free pasta was very good. Ok for a fancy night out once and a while.
Just slightly off a main road, easy to miss, yet fantastic restaurant that I’m sure has been here for a while, I found it through random restaurant searching in my area. It can easily get lost among all the other “Italian” restaurants if you search that. This place however, should not be overlooked. Every single one of the pasta dishes are homemade pasta. They also had a great variety of pastas on the menu. They additionally had specials, usually 2 on the menu as well. They also brought fresh bread that looked homemade as well, cannot say if in house but still homemade, and this is what they ended up doing their garlic bread on as well. They had manicotti, rigatoni, fettuccine, lasagna, penne, tortellini, ravioli, cannolis, and of course spaghetti. Those are all the pastas I remember and there is even more, and again all homemade pasta. I got the sample plate while my S.O got the special of the night which was a ravioli stuffed with spinach and something else, covered in a sauce. I got the sample plate with chicken parm, lasagna, and manacotti and one other tube pasta dish. We also had the tiramisu for dessert and yes it seemed to be made traditionally with lady fingers and espresso. Overall if anyone is looking for a pasta meal in Ottawa, this would be my number one recommendation.
Wonderful Italian restaurant! This was such a great find for our Italian family. We ate authentic Italian food that tasted better than homemade. The atmosphere was relaxed and the service was excellent. Felt like we were sitting down to a five star family dinner. Would highly recommend.
I had been to Pizarro's about 15 years ago, and it was great! This time was a major disappointment. When we arrived for a 7PM reservation, the place was packed! The restaurant is crowded to fit the most possible tables in. The noise levels were deafening. There was no possible way of carrying on a pleasant dinner conversation. Our food took over an hour and ten minutes to come. Luckily the elderly crowd thinned out by then, and the noise level became acceptable. Another major disappointment was that although homemade pizza was on the menu, they hadn't fired up the pizza oven that day. The staff were too busy to notice that we waited over an hour. When the food came, it was a major disappointment. I ordered the combo plate with chicken parmigiana, lasagna, cannelloni and manicotti. When the plate first came it looked okay, but the sauce covered up the miniscule portions of pasta. The lasagna was ordinary. Both the cannelloni and manicotti were miniscule tubes. The parmigiana was less than the size of a playing card. All this for over $30 for the plate. The pasta was homemade but there was no flavour zing to the sauce. The entire bill came to slightly over $100 for small portions. The homemade pasta is the only reason that I am giving it two stars instead of one. The food on the plate is not worthy of the price for it, and when it comes to the food, it is pretty pedestrian. The sauces do not burst with flavour.
Been wanting to try this place for a while as it’s known for its chicken parmigiana. So a couple of things - the food was fantastic! Absolutely wonderful (see picts). The downside is the restaurant itself. For the price you’re paying you would expect a better atmosphere. The tables were wobbly, the chairs were uncomfortable and it has a bit of a diner type of vibe. I can see why this place has been open for many years (the food!) but I think it’s definitely time they renovate and give their dining room a face lift. For this reason I wouldn’t come back; takeout sure! Dining in - not so much.
One of the best italian restaurants in Ottawa. A must for you to go and try.
-The two plates we tried are really tasty, However, portions we small for the price. - I actually went to try their Pizza but because of the vacations, they have no pizzas! -No dedicated parking. - staff were very friendly and welcoming
Great old-school restaurant. Simple but perfectly cooked cordon bleu and pasta.
The food was great, for such a great Italian restaurant the wine selection was very poor. $48.00 for a wine that is only $16.00 in the LCBO.
We love it here!
Beautiful experience, thank you.
My experience at Pizzaros Restaurant was delightful. From the moment my friend and I walked in, we felt welcomed and well taken care of. The foods(Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Ferrari ) were delicious and beautifully presented, the service was impeccable, and the ambiance was inviting and cheerful. It was a perfect spot for a midday meal, whether for a casual lunch with friends or a business meeting. I would highly recommend Pizzaros Restaurant for anyone looking for a high-quality lunch in the city :)
Wow wow absolutely good good food great service
What a nice family owned place!! Everything is perfect, from the friendly service to the great food, prepared with love and all home made... and all at a very reasonable price!! And make sure to order the fried Zucchini... the best I have ever tasted!! This place is a must!
First time at Pizzarros and I had an underwhelming experience. The food was just ok. We had several pasta options from the menu and the day specials; however, none of them made it higher than 6/10 rating. Disappointing to say the least. The service though was very good! And the bread was delicious. I dont think I will be back. I found it very overpriced for the quality of the food. There are other excelent Italian restaurants in the city for the same value.
Wow!!! If I could give more stars I would. Amazing service and the food was exactly what we were looking for. Traditional homemade cooking that you can tell they put the effort into. We asked for items that weren t even on the menu and it was delicious. Will definitely be returning.
Its not my favorite but still good
I have been going there for years before I recently rediscovered this gem. However, just got a Lazagna to go and it was cold, barely warm. I asked for utensils twice to make sure there were some, and guess what? There were none. I did not have a choice today, we have no electricity at home, making a lunch this morning would have been complicated. Not a $ 27 well spent.
Home made fresh from scratch kitchen! Real Italians making classic comfort food. I absolutely love this restaurant Vegetarian options: The kitchen is very flexible Parking: Street parking.
Amazing staff. Amazing food! An intimate dining experience worth having!
We are from Sudbury visiting family. We had a lovely meal, except a small problem with my Granddaughters meal. Staff replaced her meal and didnt charge us for it. Wheelchair accessibility: None
While its a cute family restaurant, the food does not match the prices. Meals lack love and details. All dishes should come with a small salad, not just a select few of them. Veal and chicken dishes should also come with vegetables. Plates where just the basic meat and pasta, plain and without thoughts. My pasta dish (carbonara) was OK, if overly creamy. Why, at its price, the dish did not include a small basic salad and a piece of garlic bread? Also, the decor of white and black tiles suggests a bathroom... Time for a makeover! Anyway. Ill never go back. Thanks.
Love coming to this family-owned restaurant. The food is always delicious and the service is amazing!! Make sure to book a reservation, and you wont regret it.
One of the best (and most underrated) Italians spots in Ottawa. Great and attentive staff. Food is always on point; a prime spot to join the weekly regulars. Very family friendly but lovely for date night too. The manager Brandon in particular ensures a great experience. Would definitely recommend.
Its the best Italian restaurant in Ottawa. Should be 6 stars.
My fav restaurant in Ottawa by far. Consistently excellent.
Super underrated restaurant. Every course was great, service, outstanding. Love this place
Amazing food and great service! Best in Town!
5 Stars, they hit every category folks, food is homemade, service is good and value is amazing!
Great food and service. Reasonably priced.
Best Italian food in Ottawa. You must go eat at this restaurant, highly recommended
Really nice little place! Delicious pasta, very cozy restaurant.
Delicious zucchini sticks, surely the best in the world! Excellent spaghetti and lasagna.
Came back yet again on March 25, 2022. for veal parmigiana & lasagna al forno, with a starter Caesar salad and garlic bread and a half-litre of red wine. Thanks so much to Rachel and Brandon for the stellar 5-star service. _____________________________________________________________ Came back on March 24, 2019, for another scrumptious meal. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just had a phenomenal meal here at 6:00 PM. We had the veal parmigiana and lasagna forno. We began with garlic bread and a 1/2 litre of Valpolicella. Service was fantastic, and the food even more so. Best lasagna I have ever had. My wifes dessert was a wonderful treat as well. Special coffee was ordered (weak), and I was not disappointed. All in all, a 5-star plus rating. Will definitely go back and spread the word as well. Been here today in 17, 18 and now 19. Server is the best in the business. Get yourself down here fir a fine Italian meal!!!!!
Home made pizza, thin crust, fresh ingredients, delicious! Service was great, waiter was very attentive. Great, cozy little restaurant.
Wonderful dinner in remembrance of mom and dad. Great service as always food was beyond 5 stars.so glad you made it through Covid.we will be back on our next visit to Ottawa
Nice little place to eat. Very consistent with quality. Save room for Tiramisu.
This restaurant is the best, great service, the food was fantastic, the portions were great. Can t wait to go back, they deserve a 10 stars.
Really impressed
Fresh pasta Wonderful sauce Top notch service Well be back
Excellent
Good food and service. A little expensive. Worth trying to see if it is for you.
Food was delicious and the service was on point. I will gladly go back on my next trip to Ottawa.
Great food and service
Closed until July 6th for summer vacation.
High quality food and great service.
Weve been enjoying Pizarros for decades. The staff is attentive, friendly and the food is DELICIOUS.!! We always order the same thing because it is so darn GOOD. Manicotti pour moi and Pasta combo for my hubby plus chef salads. BTW we buy a bottle of their salad dressing to take home because it is that tasty. BUON APPETITO :)
Very enjoyable meal. Great wait staff.
Nice patio and good daily pasta specials. Great to have found this small, out of the way, Italian restaurant.
So delicious, generous portions, so many options, friendly staff.
The food and the staff are outstanding; the store has a strong connection with their customer; they are like friends but with respect. There are three words I would use to describe the store atmosphere relaxable, comfortable, and enjoyable. Strongly Recommend
Parking: On street or across at Frisby tire when closed Wheelchair accessibility: None Recommended dishes Manicotti Al Forno, Lasagna, Spaghetti Bolognese with Meat Sauce
Best fried zuchinni around !
Best meal weve had in a long time! Not the fanciest restaurant but the food was delicious and service excellent!
The food was o..k It was no Vittoria Trattoria. When the chicken parm is as thin as paper, not impressive. Food taste exactly like it came from a Chef Boyardee s can.
Went there for the first time on Friday. Wonderful, tasty food!!!! I cannot wait to go again!
This is a great, small place that is very accommodating to dietary preferences. The food here bursts with flavour and takeout is akin to dining-in. The food is warm, cooked well, and is accommodated nicely with the nice staff.
Great Food
Great hidden gem
Very cozy little Italian restaurant with delicious food and great service!
We had the Lasanga, Veal Parmegian and Gnocchi. Very tasty, wonderful service! Sauce and pasta were perfect!
One of our friends introduced us to this restaurant! Super cozy, great service, and pre-covid we would go there for all our birthdays! Thank you to the staff for accommodating my no-alcohol restriction in your Penne Arabiatta. That dish plus the amazing service is what keeps bringing me back!
An Overbrook gem! This was the date night place for me and my wife when we lived around the corner, and it never disappoints. I love that it s been a family-run place for so long. Best dish: the pasta combination, because you don t have to choose between your favourite dishes, you can have a little bit of each!
Amazing food, amazing service and amazing people definitely recommend 10/10
Great food, atmosphere
Wife and i love it here its our special place and always the best service and most delicious food cant wait to return for more
This was my first time trying Pizarros and it certainly did not disappoint. I ordered for pickup and my food was ready on time. Decided to try the Fettuccine Alfredo and it was excellent. Great portion, everyone at the restaurant was friendly and I will certainly order from them again.
Very good food and service. Very cozy.
While the service could be improved (fresh (pepper promised but never provided for my appetizer, we had to refill our own wine glasses) , the food was very good: simple, tasty, traditional. It is a small place and can be noisy when full (all hard surfaces) , but quite cosy and colourful. We think it has the best Italian food in the city.
First time at the restaurant little known Gem .Fantastic food and service
Love this restaurant!
Went with a friend for a drink, escargot, and a soup. Was all good. Next time, will have a proper meal and there will be a next time.
The food, service, decor and atmosphere are perfect for intimacy !
Excellent as allways. Never never fails.
Its a great place, the food is fantastic
Good food.
Food was food place was busy they had 2 servers they did a good job considering the amount of patrons they had.
Me and my families favorite Italian Restaurant! Been going for years and it is always a satisfying meal.
Nice simple family-owned restaurant.
A hidden gem. Homemade pasta and authentic Italian food. Their fried zucchini is something that I crave regularly. It s a lovely, small, mom and pop establishment, so I suggest making a reservation just in case. They also have a gorgeous patio surrounded by real grape bearing vines. An unexpected find in Vanier, for sure. We go regularly.
In a time where social distancing and confinement are the norm during this pandemic, knowing that great food and service from a local restaurant is available has its rewards. From the Caesar salad to the melt in your mouth Gnocchi, it was a pure treat! Looking forward to more soon!
Excellent meal!
Best place in town for authentic Italian cuisine.
Amazing service and the food was great! Also a very cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Would highly recommend for a nice lunch or dinner!
Excellent Italian food, homemade pasta and sauces.
Great service and tasty food. Recommended.
What a great dinner we enjoyed there! Staff is super friendly, food is fabulous and the setup of the tables made us perfectly comfortable in regard of C-19. Highly recommended, thank you guys!
Our new favorite Italian food in Ottawa. Authentic, homemade Italian for a reasonable price. Great for take-out.
Beautiful wonderful spot to spend a evening
Always great food and good service
Really overpriced for the quality of the food. Little food for the price. Little knowledge for the price. No vegetables or few vegetables. $18 for a meal worth $9-10... I dont recommend it.
Delicious meals all the. Friendly staff. May want to make reservations due to cozy limited seating
We didnt have good service. Empty plates remained on the table, but the food was very good
Ate some pasta. Wasn t bad but it wasn t great. I enjoyed the evening though. Pizza looked good.
Great ambiance, better food
Great little gem in the heart of Vanier,Ottawa. Good food. Nice little quaint restaurant. We have our staff party here for 2 years in a row.
Very good but expensive! Very little parking. Good service!
Great little place. The food is really good. Not very much seating and usually relatively busy. Prices are good, and the portions are big as well. Lots of variety. Great place for a date, or for the whole family. - MAKE A RESERVATION - Not very much parking in their lot - There is parking on the street
Pizza was delicious. But the pepperoni and olives made it a bit too salty, I think.
Not really impressed, this place condones abuse to women. Read all for details 1. Took a while for the server to join us. And took everyones drink order except mine. 2. Food took fairly long to arrive. Fettuccine Alfredo was missing alot of seasoning. (The fried zucchini was delicious though) Now this is what im really not happy about. While we were eating there was an older gentleman and his wife sitting next to us. You can here them very clearly that hes treating her terribly and being very abusive. No one was acknowledging her and the situation. So we did. It got very heated fast and the abusive husband tried to fight my sister and my aunt after they stood up for the woman. As they were leaving and calming down he pushed her! HE PUSHED HER! In front of everyone. We do not tolerate violence nor abuse on woman so we took actions to let him know it was not alright. As the older man was going to fight with my aunt i stepped in telling him he would not lay a finger on her. As we were stepping outside to escalate the situation the servers stopped me and told me hes just an old man hes just used of the old ways. I couldnt believe it. They knew that this man was being abusive and they were letting it happen. Im not returning there, and im not letting anyone I care about going to this place because that. I give chances to restaurants but I draw the line at abuse to women, and not helping someone in a situation like that.
Always happy with my experience. The rose sauce is amazing. I recommend this place to all my friends!! The homemade pasta is TO DIE FOR :)
Very good pizza and good service
Very good meal! Excellent service. We need to go there more often.
The food is good but it is a bit on the expensive side.
Excellent
My friend and I were visiting Ottawa from Toronto, and saw good reviews of Pizarros so we decided to try it out. It lived up to the hype. Its a quaint, classic Italian style joint with friendly staff, but the food is the star here. We split a large pepperoni and bacon pizza, and it didnt disappoint. The large is 8 slices, but the slices are massive. The pepperoni had a nice spice to it (something that a lot of pizza places dont have) and theyre one of the few places that use bacon strips instead of the crumble, which has much more flavour and really complimented the pie. One of the better pizzas Ive had not only in Ottawa, or Ontario, but Canada in general. Ill be sure to make a stop here whenever I return.
Ive been to this restaurant many many times since it first opened. Have never been disappointed with the food, staff or treatment I received each and every time Ive dined there. One thing is certain, they never forget your face and always greet you upon arrival, regardless if you havent been there in a while. Throughout the years, Ive entertained many guests by treating them to Pizarros and all they could say was Thanks, I really enjoyed the experience So if youve never been there and want to enjoy a great Italian restaurant, visit Pizarros, youll find yourself going back over and over. Like I have since they opened
The quality was ok, but not reasonable with the price. They charged us $5 for a two table spoon Parmesan cheese that added to our meal! Also, we ordered pasta with chicken instead of pork and they charged us $6 more! By the way, The online menu price is not updated!
Tables are too close....seems your having a meal with the strangers at the next rable
Fantastic Italian food and service ...highly recommended
Pizarros Restaurant has been serving home made Italian food to the Ottawa/Vanier region for 28 years. This small restaurant has a cozy feel and the staff are very friendly. The linguini with the rose sauce was lovely and just right for lunch. The facilities were clean and well tended and the patio is a fun place to eat lunch. I will definitely be back to try some other dishes and I hope that the menu will be expanded to include some vegan options. Al W. September 2019
Excellent pasta dishes. They care for quality And presentation. Reservations a must.
The food was excellent. The service was great. My only complaint would be that it was a little cramped....
This place is quaint and authentic! Its a cozy and romantic restaurant with a pretty diverse menu. The waiters are knowledgeable and the food is AMAZING. I always go with one of the specials, there are typically 2-3. The only reason its 4-stars instead of 5 is because of how crowded it can get. For delicious home made Italian dishes, come here!
My favourite little Italian restaurant.
The best Ottawa Gatineau always constant always
Hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in Ottawa!!! Always a great service and extremely tasty!
Lunch special with hot homemade rolls and salad... Mmmmmm
Went for my first.time last week for lunch and had the chicken parmesan. It was fabulous. Also started with some frechncut deep-fried zucchini sticks. Amazing.
Amazing food great staff, have been going there for about 2 years now. We make a girls night out of it every month and they know our order and have always treated us very well and service with a smile
I almost dont want to let this gem become public, but a great place for a plate of homemade pasta. Reasonably priced and nicely presented hot and tasty.
Excellent food! Excellent service! Perfect example of family run establishment! I highly recommend. Was there for the first time tonight.
Amazing place amazing staff amazing food! Plus its local! 10/10 recommend. Authentic Italian cuisine, its awesome
Real Italian cuisine
Pizarros is the first place I send friends for great Italian food in the city. Their simple approach to authentic Italian cuisine make them the best option in the city. Affordable, family-run and friendly - youll wonder why you havent been eating there for years. It is a popular place - I advise you to make a reservation. Youll be pleased that you found this little gem.
Family
They provide the best Italian food in the city. The food is delicious.The Italian cuisine they provide is authentic. The place is delightful. The service is good there.
Intimate local Italian Bistro. Great food, excellent service. Well worth a visit.
Just had lunch - take out. Food was fantastic. However...I CANNOT justify ever returning here unless they adjust the price for the food portion. 16.50 plus tax for lunch is already a lot. This was for a pasta combo. What I had was definitely appetizer size. I was still ready for a meal afterward. So yes..pleasant people and good food..but if you are hungry and on a budget..move on.
Love love them, good food, good service, good people
Family owned fresh pasta superb
Excellent home cooking!
Good food and service. Owners seem out of touch with ESA standards though. If someone would ever call ESA they would go brown bottom pretty fast. I imagine they will anger one employee who would take them to school. Seems like a very unsafe work environment. I have seen this many times in Ontario and its time for employers to Man-up and pay more attention to the new laws. However, the food is great. The service was very alert to the customers needs. I would return here for sure.
Nothing to look at from the outside. Food is authentic and ridiculously good. Service is great. You feel like Italian, this is the place to go. So deeeelish. You cant go wrong.
Food is decent but could make the same quality of food at home easily. Staff are very friendly.
Great Italian food here. I recommend the Caesar salad and fettuccine with grilled chicken strips. Great food and service!
Me being Italian and growing up with a renowned International Chef as father (who has since passed away), when I walk into Pizarros, I get a feeling like Im walking into one of my fathers restaurants. I have nothing but great things to say about the front staff with their excellent service. The food is beyond my expectations like my fathers was. The Chef and kitchen staff create beautiful dishes from old recipes with the freshest foods. Having high standards in food is never an easy thing when dining out but Pizarros has never disappointed me or my family... I truly love this restaurant. Mario P.
Excellent food and service. Homemade pasta!!
One of our favorite Italian restaurant.
Everything was wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed everything put in front of us from the lightly breaded fried zucchini appetizer to the tasty pasta done from scratch to the creme caramel.
So good we came back again. Perfectly prepared food from scratch and wonderful attentive service. Highly recommended.
Best Lasagna in town and the owner Pat is just a super nice guy. I order Lasagnas to go and cook them at home. They are perfect every time.
I live nowhere near Pizarros, but crave the lasagne and drive across town for it. The staff and so friendly and the food is incredible. You really can taste the difference when food is freshly made.
You need to try the zucchini sticks!
Great homemade pasta!!
One of the best Italian restaurants we have been to.
Family owed authentic dishes. Very simple, dated interior. The best italien around. Best to make reservations.
Good food
Amazing service. Delicious home cooked dishes. Best value is daily specials.
Good quality home cooking in a family setting. No flashiness, just a simple menu and tasty food.
Authentic and delicious Italian.
Love the food and people
A real hidden jem, old school spot, not much to look at but the food is out of this world. The veal Pasquale is pretty much my favorite dish of all time.
Omg hands down great no nonsense Italian food. Zuchinni was amazing and my veal was out of bounds
Excellent. Even the calamari is prepared in house, which seems to be a prerequisite for good results but is missed by most places that serve it. Nice patio. Knowledgeable staff.
It is okay place to get some lunch if you really hungry.
Pleasant staff, greatest Italian dishes in Ottawa. Never disappointed
This is not a lunch restaurant
The best veal in town by far, the way pat and Frank cook its to die for .....
i have a sneaking suspicion that this place is just a big meta joke that friends play on each other, kind of like Rick Rolling (which i started at the Ale House in Halifax Nova Scotia in 2003, btw). hahaha...i totally pizarrod him i have no idea how its garnered so many great reviews on other sites because it is so, incredibly, indescribably AVERAGE. Do you want to go eat some decent chow with your buds? This is the place. Want to impress a date or celebrate one of your lifes milestones? Maybe not...
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