About Us

  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.