My husband and I were driving around, looking for somewhere to eat last night. I went onto my Urbanspoon app and this little gem popped up. Neither of us can say no to Italian food, so we decided to try it. We were a little apprehensive at the exterior, but when we got inside were pleasantly surprised! It was quiet and clean, and we felt very underdressed after seeing the beautiful wine selection behind the bar. We were waited on by the owner's daughter, who was incredibly pleasant and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the chicken and veal Marsala. I am extremely picky about my Marsala. This was excellent! The starter salad with red wine vinaigrette and Gorgonzola was also truly delicious for a simple salad. We had to try dessert once we saw our neighbor's selections. I ordered the cannoli and my husband got the Limoncello cake. Both were amazing! I need to note that everything here is homemade and you can tell! Everything is made with care and love and we will be back! I have never been so happy to have a smartphone!
(5)
Natasha H.
After reading a few stellar 5-star yelp reviews, I decided to make Friday night dinner reservations at Gran Canal Caffe. (I suggest making reservations a few days in advance.) I'm glad that I did and will certainly be returning in the future. Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by the bartender and waited just a few minutes to be seated. The wine list is pretty extensive and surprisingly affordable for such a small restaurant. We ordered the pear and baked Brie for an appetizer and it was oh-my-god yummy. The Brie was gooey and runny and warm, which is just how it should be! Our meals included starter salads, which were pleasant. (Note: Try the limoncello dressing if you have a chance. It's light, yet flavorful.) The main dishes were really good, as well. Hubby had the pasta aioli and I had the shrimp San Marco. The reason that I rate my experience at the Caffe as 4 stars, instead of 5, is two-fold: first, our server was overwhelmed by a large party and several others tables. We waited a pretty long time to ask for refills, etc. Second, the menu, while delicious, is pretty limited to pastas and a few meat dishes. There are only a couple fish and poultry options and most of them are pasta based. Overall, a nice dinner and charming restaurant that I'll recommend to friends and family.
(4)
Danielle K.
Awesome food as well as awesome service! Definitely a nice hidden gem! A great find...
(5)
Terry H.
This is truly an excellent, family run, restaurant. Michael is an accomplished chef and he and his wife Antoinette treat you like family as soon as you walk in the door. The restaurant is divided into two small rooms plus a bar area which is very nice because all the tables are intimate and quiet. Wednesdays in April are pizza and pasta night and the restaurant can get crowded, so a reservation is recommended. The artichoke appetizer was excellent as was the pizza and the pastas. We had the mushroom ravioli with sage butter which was light with lots of mushroom flavor, as well as pasta with peas in a light cream sauce. Both were excellent. I have gone to many restaurants owned by famous chefs where the food was expensive but disappointing. Here the prices are reasonable and everything Michael creates is excellent.
(5)
Christian W.
My girlfriend and I made our second trip to this wonderful restaurant. The owners are unbelievable. The food, the atmosphere, and the people are the reason this is my new favorite restaurant. This is a complete hidden gem.
(5)
Nancy N.
First pizza night! Every Wednesday night in November and December. Awesome pera e brie tonight along with an amazing margherita. Michele is the real deal.
(5)
Lee R.
Gran Canal never disappoints. it has become our go to place where you can have both a wonderful meal and an atmosphere where you can sit with friends to laugh and share just what's new and old in your life. This week I walked in and was greeted by Michael in his perennial denim chef's jacket, big smile, and warm handshake. "What's for dinner Michael." "Comfort food, it's cold out, we need some food to warm the soul," he said. While the standing menu has a wonderful variety, the "comfort food specials" were: a warmed-melted cheese with roasted red pepper spread; a kale soup sweetened by distinguishable carrots, and a lasagne that was the best I've ever had--- and at 65 I've had a lot of lasagne. In fact, I tend not to order lasagne at a restaurant because I can find it well prepared at friends/family's homes. So bring on the comfort food, I'm game. The soup and cheese were delicious! But this lasagne was a sensory experience not to be missed. The blends of cheeses and touch of meat were so delicate that they flowed off of the fork and finished melting in your mouth before you barely chew and swallow. Don't you dare devour this, just let those flavors, textures and aromas linger before they slowly leave the palate. Wow! We had to pass all of our meals around the table, each were so enjoyable. My table mates had Veal Marsala and Ravioli stuffed with three types of mushrooms. The veal was very tender and the vapors and taste of the marsala made each bite a sweet treat. The flavor of the ravioli was earthy and invited you to eat every last bit. As usual the meals were accompanied by the fresh crisp house salad, our favorite dressing is Michael's house made Lemoncella which we top off with gorgonzola. Fresh warm bread and olive oil are more than fillers, they are what makes bread worth eating. The finales left us with smiles on our faces: a cheese cake, made with Marscapone cheese, that New Yorkers would travel to Pittsburgh to eat---topped with warmed black cherries; Apple Tart with a side of Michael's delicately flavored homemade cinnamon gelato; and a flourless chocolate cake---that was definitely not off the back of USA Gourmet or Sysco's trucks. Don't miss Gran Canal, take friends that enjoy talking to and laughing with over good wine, beer, and wonderful foods.
(5)
Colleen W.
Had dinner here last night. Very quaint and cozy. Our server was great , meals were DELISH ! I had a hard time making a choice because it was our first time here. Will definitely be back to try another dish.
(4)
Mark C.
5 Stars hands down. The family owned Italian restaurant is my favorite. I know I am just another soul writing on a cell phone, but words cannot express my sincere appreciation for this family and the food they deliver. The French Onion Soup is to die for. I always go with not just one portion of fettuccine pasta, I get one for the FOLLOWING DAY. It is my favorite Italian cuisine in the world, having traveled over 5 different countries in my life (including Italy) and 29 states so far in the U.S as a 22 year old only Roma in Detroit, MI could keep up but the onion soup cannot be beaten. A must to any who are in the mood for an Italian classic.
(5)
Rita A.
Wow!! Seriously, one of the best meals I have had out in a long time. From the Italian appetizer, mussels, to the cannelloni and phenomenal apple tart with homemade cinnamon gelato!! We could not stop eating!!...ohh and did I mention their bread?? Full bar. The restaurant is cozy!! The service was excellent. Will definitely go back again and again! Soo very glad I took the advice of those who rated this place 4+star. You truly were SPOT ON!!
(5)
Bob H.
Gran Canal is one of the best Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh. This small family run business is a terrific place for a nice quiet dinner. Everything is made from scratch, even the deserts and gelato are made in house. From the moment you walk in the family makes you feel as if you are part of their family. Fall brings cream of tomato asiago soup and pumpkin soup. The cannelloni is to die for and the specials are always amazing. If you are lucky to get the cheesecake or the gelato sampler so you can try all of the flavors. I go any and every chance I get.
(5)
Bennett R.
Fantastic food. Charming service.
(4)
Randy S.
Great place, wonderful food. It was a pleasure to meet the owner and his wife. Michele and Antoinette made my meal very memorable. Hopefully next time I'm in Pittsburgh I can have the pleasure of eating there again.
(5)
Dan M.
NOTE: A duplicate of a review of this place under a different name. Just noticed that this place is listed under two different spellings: Grand Canal Cafe and Gran Canal Caffe... At first glance, it's a charming little "neighborhood" Italian restaurant. Nothing fancy. Simple decor, even a bit cheesy but in a lovable way. It's comfy. It's friendly. You feel quite welcome when you arrive. It's like dining with friends or extended family members. Once inside, though, we were deflated by the decor. There are NO windows, and an odd configuration to the two claustrophobic rooms. The chairs aren't terribly comfortable and there are NO tablecloths. But I didn't let any of that bother me because I had heard the food was terrific. We ordered two appetizers to share: cured beef and scallops. Both were delicious. We ordered the cannelloni and veal piccata. The cannelloni was good, but nothing special. The veal dish was average. The biggest disappointment -- and a clue that attention to detail is NOT a specialty -- was the rotten lettuce in the salad. Not one or two pieces of lettuce, but a good half-dozen in each salad were beyond wilted -- soft and brown. We had gelato for dessert. It was disappointing. The service was reasonably attentive but ineffective. We had to ask for water CONSTANTLY!!!! And, after the first round of drinks before dinner, we were never asked if we'd have liked more. Okay, but hey, it's a neighborhood restaurant, right? Casual, family dining, right? WAIT! $110 for dinner for two at a "neighborhood" place? For THAT kind of tab, I would have liked tablecloths, better service and a more even quality to the food. We might go back, but I'm not sure...
(2)
Doc R.
Superb, family-friendly, authentic Italian in a very cozy ambiance. Michael and Antoinette make you feel like family every time. My family considers this our local favorite and has celebrated many events here. Great for groups, couples or anyone who appreciates a fantastic plate of real Italian home-cooking. Chef Michael taught me how to appreciate and prepare fine Italian food.
(5)
Carmen I.
This small, family-owned Italian restaurant combines warm hospitality with great food. They make a number of dishes from scratch: cannelloni, limoncello, cannoli, and more. For seafood lovers, the scallops and the lobster ravioli are fantastic. Decent vegetarian options, too, including a great ravioli al pesto. My family has celebrated anniversaries and my wedding rehearsal dinner here, because of all the personal touches. The husband and wife owners try to talk to as many guests as they can; and, the husband is the chef, so they seem to be interested to hear reflections on the food and the restaurant. Parking available behind the restaurant and very very limited street parking. Kids menus available. Full bar available. Worth the drive to Sharpsburg!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Nicole F.
My husband and I were driving around, looking for somewhere to eat last night. I went onto my Urbanspoon app and this little gem popped up. Neither of us can say no to Italian food, so we decided to try it. We were a little apprehensive at the exterior, but when we got inside were pleasantly surprised! It was quiet and clean, and we felt very underdressed after seeing the beautiful wine selection behind the bar. We were waited on by the owner's daughter, who was incredibly pleasant and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the chicken and veal Marsala. I am extremely picky about my Marsala. This was excellent! The starter salad with red wine vinaigrette and Gorgonzola was also truly delicious for a simple salad. We had to try dessert once we saw our neighbor's selections. I ordered the cannoli and my husband got the Limoncello cake. Both were amazing! I need to note that everything here is homemade and you can tell! Everything is made with care and love and we will be back! I have never been so happy to have a smartphone!
(5)Natasha H.
After reading a few stellar 5-star yelp reviews, I decided to make Friday night dinner reservations at Gran Canal Caffe. (I suggest making reservations a few days in advance.) I'm glad that I did and will certainly be returning in the future. Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by the bartender and waited just a few minutes to be seated. The wine list is pretty extensive and surprisingly affordable for such a small restaurant. We ordered the pear and baked Brie for an appetizer and it was oh-my-god yummy. The Brie was gooey and runny and warm, which is just how it should be! Our meals included starter salads, which were pleasant. (Note: Try the limoncello dressing if you have a chance. It's light, yet flavorful.) The main dishes were really good, as well. Hubby had the pasta aioli and I had the shrimp San Marco. The reason that I rate my experience at the Caffe as 4 stars, instead of 5, is two-fold: first, our server was overwhelmed by a large party and several others tables. We waited a pretty long time to ask for refills, etc. Second, the menu, while delicious, is pretty limited to pastas and a few meat dishes. There are only a couple fish and poultry options and most of them are pasta based. Overall, a nice dinner and charming restaurant that I'll recommend to friends and family.
(4)Danielle K.
Awesome food as well as awesome service! Definitely a nice hidden gem! A great find...
(5)Terry H.
This is truly an excellent, family run, restaurant. Michael is an accomplished chef and he and his wife Antoinette treat you like family as soon as you walk in the door. The restaurant is divided into two small rooms plus a bar area which is very nice because all the tables are intimate and quiet. Wednesdays in April are pizza and pasta night and the restaurant can get crowded, so a reservation is recommended. The artichoke appetizer was excellent as was the pizza and the pastas. We had the mushroom ravioli with sage butter which was light with lots of mushroom flavor, as well as pasta with peas in a light cream sauce. Both were excellent. I have gone to many restaurants owned by famous chefs where the food was expensive but disappointing. Here the prices are reasonable and everything Michael creates is excellent.
(5)Christian W.
My girlfriend and I made our second trip to this wonderful restaurant. The owners are unbelievable. The food, the atmosphere, and the people are the reason this is my new favorite restaurant. This is a complete hidden gem.
(5)Nancy N.
First pizza night! Every Wednesday night in November and December. Awesome pera e brie tonight along with an amazing margherita. Michele is the real deal.
(5)Lee R.
Gran Canal never disappoints. it has become our go to place where you can have both a wonderful meal and an atmosphere where you can sit with friends to laugh and share just what's new and old in your life. This week I walked in and was greeted by Michael in his perennial denim chef's jacket, big smile, and warm handshake. "What's for dinner Michael." "Comfort food, it's cold out, we need some food to warm the soul," he said. While the standing menu has a wonderful variety, the "comfort food specials" were: a warmed-melted cheese with roasted red pepper spread; a kale soup sweetened by distinguishable carrots, and a lasagne that was the best I've ever had--- and at 65 I've had a lot of lasagne. In fact, I tend not to order lasagne at a restaurant because I can find it well prepared at friends/family's homes. So bring on the comfort food, I'm game. The soup and cheese were delicious! But this lasagne was a sensory experience not to be missed. The blends of cheeses and touch of meat were so delicate that they flowed off of the fork and finished melting in your mouth before you barely chew and swallow. Don't you dare devour this, just let those flavors, textures and aromas linger before they slowly leave the palate. Wow! We had to pass all of our meals around the table, each were so enjoyable. My table mates had Veal Marsala and Ravioli stuffed with three types of mushrooms. The veal was very tender and the vapors and taste of the marsala made each bite a sweet treat. The flavor of the ravioli was earthy and invited you to eat every last bit. As usual the meals were accompanied by the fresh crisp house salad, our favorite dressing is Michael's house made Lemoncella which we top off with gorgonzola. Fresh warm bread and olive oil are more than fillers, they are what makes bread worth eating. The finales left us with smiles on our faces: a cheese cake, made with Marscapone cheese, that New Yorkers would travel to Pittsburgh to eat---topped with warmed black cherries; Apple Tart with a side of Michael's delicately flavored homemade cinnamon gelato; and a flourless chocolate cake---that was definitely not off the back of USA Gourmet or Sysco's trucks. Don't miss Gran Canal, take friends that enjoy talking to and laughing with over good wine, beer, and wonderful foods.
(5)Colleen W.
Had dinner here last night. Very quaint and cozy. Our server was great , meals were DELISH ! I had a hard time making a choice because it was our first time here. Will definitely be back to try another dish.
(4)Mark C.
5 Stars hands down. The family owned Italian restaurant is my favorite. I know I am just another soul writing on a cell phone, but words cannot express my sincere appreciation for this family and the food they deliver. The French Onion Soup is to die for. I always go with not just one portion of fettuccine pasta, I get one for the FOLLOWING DAY. It is my favorite Italian cuisine in the world, having traveled over 5 different countries in my life (including Italy) and 29 states so far in the U.S as a 22 year old only Roma in Detroit, MI could keep up but the onion soup cannot be beaten. A must to any who are in the mood for an Italian classic.
(5)Rita A.
Wow!! Seriously, one of the best meals I have had out in a long time. From the Italian appetizer, mussels, to the cannelloni and phenomenal apple tart with homemade cinnamon gelato!! We could not stop eating!!...ohh and did I mention their bread?? Full bar. The restaurant is cozy!! The service was excellent. Will definitely go back again and again! Soo very glad I took the advice of those who rated this place 4+star. You truly were SPOT ON!!
(5)Bob H.
Gran Canal is one of the best Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh. This small family run business is a terrific place for a nice quiet dinner. Everything is made from scratch, even the deserts and gelato are made in house. From the moment you walk in the family makes you feel as if you are part of their family. Fall brings cream of tomato asiago soup and pumpkin soup. The cannelloni is to die for and the specials are always amazing. If you are lucky to get the cheesecake or the gelato sampler so you can try all of the flavors. I go any and every chance I get.
(5)Bennett R.
Fantastic food. Charming service.
(4)Randy S.
Great place, wonderful food. It was a pleasure to meet the owner and his wife. Michele and Antoinette made my meal very memorable. Hopefully next time I'm in Pittsburgh I can have the pleasure of eating there again.
(5)Dan M.
NOTE: A duplicate of a review of this place under a different name. Just noticed that this place is listed under two different spellings: Grand Canal Cafe and Gran Canal Caffe... At first glance, it's a charming little "neighborhood" Italian restaurant. Nothing fancy. Simple decor, even a bit cheesy but in a lovable way. It's comfy. It's friendly. You feel quite welcome when you arrive. It's like dining with friends or extended family members. Once inside, though, we were deflated by the decor. There are NO windows, and an odd configuration to the two claustrophobic rooms. The chairs aren't terribly comfortable and there are NO tablecloths. But I didn't let any of that bother me because I had heard the food was terrific. We ordered two appetizers to share: cured beef and scallops. Both were delicious. We ordered the cannelloni and veal piccata. The cannelloni was good, but nothing special. The veal dish was average. The biggest disappointment -- and a clue that attention to detail is NOT a specialty -- was the rotten lettuce in the salad. Not one or two pieces of lettuce, but a good half-dozen in each salad were beyond wilted -- soft and brown. We had gelato for dessert. It was disappointing. The service was reasonably attentive but ineffective. We had to ask for water CONSTANTLY!!!! And, after the first round of drinks before dinner, we were never asked if we'd have liked more. Okay, but hey, it's a neighborhood restaurant, right? Casual, family dining, right? WAIT! $110 for dinner for two at a "neighborhood" place? For THAT kind of tab, I would have liked tablecloths, better service and a more even quality to the food. We might go back, but I'm not sure...
(2)Doc R.
Superb, family-friendly, authentic Italian in a very cozy ambiance. Michael and Antoinette make you feel like family every time. My family considers this our local favorite and has celebrated many events here. Great for groups, couples or anyone who appreciates a fantastic plate of real Italian home-cooking. Chef Michael taught me how to appreciate and prepare fine Italian food.
(5)Carmen I.
This small, family-owned Italian restaurant combines warm hospitality with great food. They make a number of dishes from scratch: cannelloni, limoncello, cannoli, and more. For seafood lovers, the scallops and the lobster ravioli are fantastic. Decent vegetarian options, too, including a great ravioli al pesto. My family has celebrated anniversaries and my wedding rehearsal dinner here, because of all the personal touches. The husband and wife owners try to talk to as many guests as they can; and, the husband is the chef, so they seem to be interested to hear reflections on the food and the restaurant. Parking available behind the restaurant and very very limited street parking. Kids menus available. Full bar available. Worth the drive to Sharpsburg!
(5)