Construction began in 2003 for the opening of
the newest location just off Riverside Drive in the south end of the city where
the community was in need of dining options.
In 1991, the first restaurant, Vittoria Veal and
Delicatessen, on Bank Street in the heart of the Glebe was opened. Being their
first foray into the business, the Santaguidas knew they would need some help,
so they went right to their source of inspiration: their Nonna Rachele. She had
given them their love of cooking and furthermore had all the best recipes in
her head. As the word spread about her famous “Rice and Potato Rolls”,
customers would come in not just to eat, but to see Nonna as well. It truly is
a family affair. Once things began to take off, it was decided in order to keep
up with customers’ demand a bigger space was needed.
Construction on the second location on William Street in the
Byward Market began in 1995. March of 1996, Vittoria Trattoria opened their
doors. In the new restaurant, food and ambiance took a more traditional and
formal approach. White linens and candlelit tables provided a warm and inviting
atmosphere. The passion for wine and more traditional Italian food helped to
make the second location a success. In April 2019 this location was hit with a
devastating fire, and to this day is still closed.
Recognizing the customers’ diverse tastes in wine, the wine
list from a mere 13 labels in 1992 (back in the original Glebe location) grew
to the current 800 labels in their now award-wining cellar. Domenic is a
graduate of the Algonquin College Sommelier Program with honours. The wine list
has also received acclaim from the prestigious, Wine spectator magazine. Wine
Makers dinners are hosted regularly, where wineries come in to educate novices
and connoisseurs alike about the latest arrivals and trends. Many of their
staff are graduates of the Sommelier Program enabling them to better assist
customers in selecting the perfect wine to match their meals.
Construction began in 2003 for the opening of the newest
location just off Riverside Drive in the south end of the city where the
community was in need of dining options. Doors opened in mid-March and have
become a main stay in the community. The Riverside location has an open concept
dining room with a view of the open kitchen from any seat in the house. The
main focal point is the floor to ceiling glass wine cellar, which is
spectacular. Again, the wine selection is amazing housing over 600 labels and
many staff are sommeliers for assistance in choosing the perfect wine for your
visit. This location can entertain a couple or a party as large as 140 people.
With a separate bar area with high top seating you can always pop in for a quick
bite and drink. This location is also wheelchair accessible.
1n 1999, Domenic was honoured with the “Restauranteur of the
Year” award by his peers in the restaurant industry in Ottawa. In 2006 he was
again honoured with the prestigious award of “Forty under Forty” that
represents his passion for the restaurant industry and his involvement with the
community.
In 2011, Vittoria Trattoria was awarded the Corporate
Sponsor of the Year from Reach Canada for the two decades of involvement with
the Run for Reach, Reach Canada Annual Auction Gala, and many other donations
for this phenomenal organization. Vittoria Trattoria donates their time and
food for all of these events.