Enoteca

A smug waiter undermined an otherwise palatable experience. Things got off on an awkward foot when I requested oil for the introductory bread and was haughtily rejected, admonished that the kitchen is very «particular». I absolutely understand the argument that a kitchen has the right to impose — within reason — a refusal to meet certain patron requests in the interest of imparting its artistic vision. However, this line of thought assumes that the food in question is objectively outstanding. (This same philosophy applied here to very limited opportunities for substitutions, only serving beer, wine and scotch, etc.) In this case, the bread was quite dry (despite being lathered in butter) and could have benefited from some olive oil. In any case, it was the waiter’s delivery of this information that was unacceptable — regardless of the kitchen’s intent, such a refusal should be extended with apology, not pretension. After this incident and his general distance throughout the meal, we were taken aback to discover that an 18% gratuity had been automatically imposed on the bill (including on four bottles of wine). Our foremost issue was that the restaurant policy (automatic gratuity for parties of 6 or more) was not published anywhere on the menu or website. We engaged in pushback with the waiter and were met with such arrogant responses as «are you surprised?» «yeah it’s not published anywhere». There was zero effort to empathize with our displeasure or meet us halfway — just canned responses like «there is no owner here, but you can talk to him tomorrow» and «sorry you feel that way, hope you change your mind». This left us with an extraordinarily poor taste in our mouths that all but erased memories of the delicious lamb sogu, tender Hamachi, the grilled cauliflower, etc., and we somewhat regretted our schlep to this suburban location.

Having been several times, I thought it was time to write a review. The service has always been great, and they have a nice selection of wine and beer. I deducted a star, because we have had really good meals there, but on each visit there has been one menu item that just didn’t work for us. On our last visit we had the green salad (delicious crunch), the ragu (our favourite), the brussels spouts and the cauliflower, and finished with the crème brûlée. We also had the duck, but oddly felt it was undercooked and quite tough. Overall though, this is quickly becoming one of our favourite spots for a great meal, or to bring friends from out of town.

Six of us went in — every dish that hit the table was well executed, balanced and full of flavor! Sometimes tapas style can leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied but not here — all plates were appropriately shareable and filling, with a wide range of flavor profiles to please every person at the table. Kudos on elevating the Winnipeg food scene!

I’ve dined here twice, most recently two weeks ago. On both occasions, we had excellent service; the servers were knowledgeable and friendly with no pretentiousness whatesoever.
The menu changes every so often and there were some new dishes on the July menu as compared to my last visit in May, but I also recognized some repeats or slightly reworked dishes, too. I repeated an order of the roasted crimini mushrooms with truffled aioli because I enjoyed it so much before. It was even better this time, as the first time I had it, the kitchen was a little liberal with the salt (I like salt, so I didn’t mind, but it was just better balanced this time). I also had the beef short rib which I think was one of the best dishes I’ve had this year. It was a little on the salty side (in May, the lamb sugo had the same issue. Again, if you like salt like I do, you won’t mind, but the food is just a little better balanced with less), but the sauce was delicious, and the short rib was fork tender. I would order this every time I dined there, even if it meant getting to try fewer dishes!
I don’t normally order dessert, but Enoteca (and its sister restaurant, Deseo) has fantastic crème brûlée. This version was I think espresso almond. I usually dislike anything with almond extract, but the initial hit of flavour is espresso, and the almond is a very subtle after-​flavour. I really enjoyed it, and would have cleaned the dish if I had a spatula!
I think they can accommodate a few walk ins, but don’t count on it. Make reservations if you really want to eat there (I just called the night before for a mid-​week reservation). They do have a time limit on your table depending on the number in your party, so don’t expect to stay all night. (A party of two will be given about 2 hours).
Enoteca has earned a place in my rotation of restaurants!

Really, really great service and truly terrific food. Had wine pairing with my food as well as a glass of cava before we began eating. Truly a great evening (came for my birthday). I love Deseo, and this place is even more amazing. A must visit for anyone who enjoys good food and great atmosphere.

Just as good as Deseo. Doesn’t disappoint. Many great GF items naturally or with small adaptations. I had been resisting due to location and concerns about ambiance. My concerns were completely unfounded. Great food, wine, and nice interior. Good service. A new regular.

I’ll preface this by saying I think I hit this place on an off night… It’s Easter and I don’t think the top brass was in.
DINNER WAS A TRIUMPH OF FASHION OVER FUNCTION. Beautiful plates with great colors, artistic presentation, but WOW was it plain! To me, gorgeous plating should always come second to delicious food.
The tartare was beautiful to look at, but man did it need salt or seasoning or something. The cauliflower was decent but again, sorely lacking salt… and I’m not talking about the salt you add at the dinner table to taste… the salt that brings out the flavor in your ingredients (Thomas Keller says in his French Laundry Cookbook that the most important aspect of cooking is properly salting your food; I think he’s on to something). The duck was tough and bland and forgettable.
There’s a picture of Martin Picard (of Montréal and Au Pied de Cochon fame) in the bathroom. Tell me Enotecans, what do you think MP would say if he sauntered into your kitchen (in a gluttonous haze wearing a dirty wifebeater)?
All that said, there were a couple of standouts to the meal…
1) The Pork Belly, which was SO good, that if it’s this good on an off night, you’d be crazy not to order it *anytime*. Totally delicious, run don’t walk.
2) The service… totally warm, attentive, and lovely. This carries a lot of weight with me, especially when I feel like I’ve hit a place on the wrong night.
I’d like to try Enoteca again during prime time. I’m sure they’re at least worth three stars, possibly four.

This is another great restaurant in River Heights that recently opened.
We tried this restaurant a few weeks ago and still can’t stop talking about how great it was. The service was attentive, and a great help choosing dishes to share, and recommending wine pairings.
We had the oysters, beets, crab, duck, scallops and beef tartar. The beef tartar and the duck made me want to lick the plate clean. The wine pairings were spot on as well.
We will definitely be back!

Having eaten at Enoteca a little less than a dozen times now I cannot stress enough, if you haven’t been… GO! Sit, indulge, appreciate, savour, and devour! The chef and his team deliver an exceptional experience at all levels throughout your stay. Order your dishes, take guidance from the staff, and let the kitchen amaze your senses. Having just returned from NYC on a foodie tour with other chef’s, all we kept discussing is how fortunate our cuisine scene is here in Winnipeg and that we can’t wait to book our next reservation at Enoteca, keep it up!

Outstanding addition to the Winnipeg food scene. The serving staff are even better than the food if that’s possible. Scott Bagshaw does it again. Be sure to try the short ribs!

I went back recently and while the food was fine — the service was not. The attitude from the staff here was truly unbecoming. This is unfortunate as I did enjoy the restaurant on a previous visit.
The reason they refer to the restaurant business as the hospitality industry is because it’s about service. Great service can elevate mediocre food to a great dining experience but great food and bad service can ruin a night out. I enjoy eating out and I like patroning places that have a good vibe and appreciate their customers. But from what I experienced at Enoteca — I don’t care to dine here or at Deseo.