Pino’s Vino e Cucina

Pino’s Vino e Cucina is a sophisticated take on the neighbourhood Italian restaurant. Named after owner Matteo Margiotta’s father, Pino’s sets out to be as welcoming as a family dinner table while using high-quality ingredients and expert techniques. The space is intimate but not too formal, an atmosphere that’s reflected in the waitstaff’s warm service. Copper pans that belonged to Margiotta’s grandparents adorn the exposed brick walls.

The seasonal menu changes roughly every three months, with three or four weekly specials. Dishes are decidedly traditional, spanning meat, poultry and seafood, and hailing from all over Italy. Pasta is made fresh on the premises, and may be infused with anything from hay ash to squid ink to saffron. It’s part of a push to keep as much of the preparation as possible in-house, including even small elements like bread and olives.

With over 150 wines to choose from, Pino’s Vino e Cucina also lives up to the first part of its name. The vast majority are Italian, but local and French options are available too. The idea is to go beyond the usual suspects and pair each meal with a drop that perfectly matches the ingredients. An even greater selection of spirits is available. There’s also a decent cocktail list which, fittingly, includes a Negroni named after Pino himself.