Who doesn’t love Italian food? It’s the ultimate comfort food. Right? Maybe that’s just me. But, what if I told you, you don’t actually need to travel 6900km to Italy to enjoy some of the most delicious authentic Italian meals? The Quinte area is home to so many spectacular and unique restaurants locally owned and operated by Quinte residents. But, today we’re going to focus on some of the greatest; pasta, pizza, and all things tomato sauce.
New to the area or an experienced Quinte foodie, keep reading for exceptional Italian restaurant recommendations and some of my favourite dishes.
Tomasso’s Italian Grill | 35 Front St, Trenton
Starting off in the downtown core of Trenton, ON, we have Tomasso’s Italian Grill. Tomasso’s has been owned and operated in the Quinte area for many years with a rich history rooted in Trenton. In 1970, Jim’s Pizzeria was welcomed to the area, setting up shop at 26 Front St, Trenton. This pizzeria was focused on providing customers with the freshest ingredients and practiced the “homemade” approach as they prepped all ingredients on site. Fresh ingredients are crucial to making a dish stand out, so when Jim’s Pizzeria grew instant popularity and it was to no surprise.
Fast forward to 1978, Jim’s Pizzeria, along with the rest of the block burned down in a tragic fire. The fire forced Jim’s to change locations to across the road where the Jim’s Pizzeria and Dining Lounge was born. With extended room for in-house dining, the restaurant also started increasing menu items. Over the years the menu and business continued to grow. With business booming the only thing Jim’s was missing what the exquisite location on the waterfront they have today.
In 1999 the wheels were put in motion and then Tomasso’s was founded, however, the original Jim’s Pizzeria name would still serve as the name for the takeout division of the restaurant. Today, Tomasso’s lives at 35 Front St, Trenton and overlooks the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway.
Now, if you eat here you will notice the fresh ingredients as soon as the food hits your lips. Tomasso’s makes their fresh pizza dough in-house daily so I highly recommend trying their famous pies when you stop in for a visit. Enjoy a glass of wine, pizza, pasta, Pollo e Vitello, or some seafood while their patio is still open for the season.
Paulo’s Italian Trattoria | 38 Bridge St, Belleville
“A little bit of Tuscany, a touch of Napoli”. Located in downtown Belleville is Paulo’s Italian Trattoria in a beautiful century old building on Bridge St, just a couple doors down from the Belleville Club. Perfect walking distance from other local fab finds. Paired with the beautiful location, Paulo’s dining area takes you right to Italy. From the table cloths to décor, you will feel like you’re dining in the the real Italy.
Paulo’s menu features many amazing dishes with outstanding wood-fired pizza that includes over 60 different fresh ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, herbs, spices, meats and cheeses you can choose from for toppings on your pipping hot pie. Not only does Paulo’s have delicious pizza, you can also order a variety of pasta dishes and grill items. If you’re looking for the perfect seafood dish I highly recommend the Seafood linguine. Pasta with a combination of creamed muscles, scallops, shrimp sauteed in a white wine. Pair with your favourite wine from their large selection and thank me later.
Linguine’s | 257 N Front St, Belleville
Lastly, taking a trip up North Front Steet in Belleville you will find Linguine’s Italian restaurant. Belleville locally owned and operatwd for over 20 years, this restaurant is perfect for date night, a get together with friends and family or they also host in their banquet hall which has a fully licensed bar, podium, dance floor, perfect for weddings, rehearsals, birthdays, or even corporate events.
The menu will not disappoint either. Lingunies offers a large variety of authentic Italian dishes like pasta, chicken and veal, seafood, and soups and salads.