Mamma Grazzi’s

• 25 George St.
• 613-241-8656
• Reservations: Yes
• Client negotiations: Yes
• Price range: $$
• Rating: 4.5 out of 5   

For the best meal to reveal itself, you need the right restaurant, the right menu item, the right ambiance and the right dining partner. I had all of that the other day at Mamma Grazzi’s in the market.

We were outside, sitting at a table precariously perched on the cobblestones surrounded by heritage stone walls, trees and animated diners. The sun was warm and the breeze gentle. Wine was served in traditional Italian style, using small tumblers instead of stemmed goblets.

At this well established and quiet eatery, the right menu item is Brado, which is ravioli stuffed with cheese, garlic and chili peppers. It leaves your mouth a touch on fire and full of marvelous garlic.

The ravioli was cooked perfectly with a loveable chew and lusciously stuffed with chunks of sun-dried tomatoes.

Using a leftover piece of rosemary and garlic-buttered bread, I gathered up any wayward sauce and shamelessly cleaned my plate.

A good meal begins with hunger, and the best one ends with a smile.