Chianti Cafe & Restaurant

At Chianti Cafe and Restaurant in Willow Park, diners are treated to a relaxed dining experience, professional service and great food. “We want people to experience traditional Italian food,” says owner Barb Masterson. Everything at the restaurant is made from scratch, including the fresh tomatoes that are crushed by hand to make the much-loved sauces. "We prepare food traditionally because it’s more flavourful. To get those rich flavours, we have to make it the old-fashioned way,” Barb says. “If it comes out of a box, tin or bottle, then it’s not traditional," she says. This approach also allows the chefs the opportunity to adjust the recipes and add their own touches.

Enjoying real food made from scratch is a more personal experience. Once, when one of the sauce makers on staff was on holiday, regular diners were quick to notice the new flavours his replacement brought to the table. “That’s what you’re going to get with homemade food," she says. "It’s not a formula, it’s real and homemade.” There may not be a formula, but one thing remains consistent: each dish will always be of the highest quality.