Nora Gray | Bon Appétit

"GO HERE: for Southern Italian fare—and a moment of zen. Once you walk inside Nora Gray, you'll feel a calm wash over you, thanks to a lovely hum of conversation, warm candlelight, and your first glass of wine. ORDER THE: pasta! There are only three selections each night and can range from simple local produce tossed with lemony handmade fusilli to ravioli stuffed with duck heart. But to start, get any of these if you see them on the constantly changing menu: a slab of warm focaccia; pesto-and-tomato topped burrata; fluke crudo garnished with potato chips; whichever perfectly dressed salad catches your eye; and the juicy pork chop with braised cabbage, rabbit sausage, white beans, and a pool of au jus. After that, you should still save room for dessert, like the sugar-tossed doughnuts with rhubarb curd, the intensely chocolaty pot de crème, or a fruity ricotta tart. THE VIBE IS: intimate and welcoming. It feels like home, if your house has sleek black leather booths, a beautiful long wooden bar, romantically dimmed but not-too-dark lights, and handmade pasta readily available. Service is attentive and the staff is all knowledgeable, so make sure to ask them about their favorite dishes. Bonus: Nora Gray is only a seven-minute walk from the Bell Centre, meaning you’ve got a better option than late-night poutine after catching a concert or a Canadiens game. PRACTICAL STUFF: Open Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. —Alyse Whitney" - Condé Nast