Cabotto’s Italian Restaurant stays true to its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine after 45 years.
Anyone familiar with Ottawa’s west end will know the distinctive, stone heritage house that has been home to the Pucci family’s authentic Italian restaurant for 20 years.
Today, owner Perry Pucci continues to bring the same authentic dining experience to The Capital that his father started in 1976 “My father, Vince Pucci, was the man who built it all. Everything we are today and everything we know now is because of him.”
Through two generations, four decades, and two locations, the family’s passion and expertise in authentic Italian cuisine have made them a staple in Ottawa’s west end.
“One thing we continue to stay true to is our food.” Says Perry. “The original goodness of homemade Italian cooking and quality ingredients. That’s what keeps our customers coming back.”
“We don’t follow trends, create fusion dishes or have food gimmicks. We honour timeless authentic Italian cuisine.”
It’s something that Perry and his family learned from long ago: that dining is a way to gather, and that gathering is at the heart of family and friends. “Our Sunday dinners and family meals are so important in our family. Preparing meals is one of the main parts of our day, and that’s how I learned to cook in the traditional ways of previous generations. We have so much pride for our traditions, that if you don’t do it right, it’s a big deal. You have to make it the way nonna made it, otherwise it’s no good (laughs).”
Perry and his family have crafted in Cabotto’s just that: a place to gather and enjoy authentic, good food. They’ve brought the stone 1800s heritage house into the 21st century, preserving its charming aesthetic while adding elegant, modern touches, to make it one of the most sought-after fine dining destinations in Ottawa’s west end.
And while the elegance of the restaurant’s interior is unlike any other in Ottawa, it is still the food that drives the success and popularity of Cabotto’s, something that was underlined during the challenges of 2020 and 2021.
“We have been humbled by the support of our customers and community. Our takeout business has been thriving. COVID has been difficult on our industry and on our clients, too. Cabotto’s was the place where our customers came for birthdays, anniversaries, and company Christmas parties. This year we had to pivot to be a part of these special occasions at home, instead. We were amazed by some of the pictures that were sent to us, to see how our customers tried to recreate our dine-in experience at home. We do miss our patrons and hope to welcome them back into our building soon.”
Cabotto’s remains open for takeout and, as restrictions permit, open their patio and restaurant for dinner with a full menu and wine list, including weekly specials. As for Perry’s favourite dish on the menu?
“My favourite dish and a must-try is our mignonette, veal stuffed with prosciutto cotto and provolone cheese covered in peppercorn mushroom veal jus with a side of fettuccine alfredo or our seasonal grilled vegetables and potatoes. It has been our house special for many years.”
“I love cooking and I love good food, it’s really that simple. When you are passionate about something, you enjoy making it happen. And managing the right staff that help carry your vision. The reward is our happy customers.”
Photography by Sean Sisk
