Caprese Ristorante Italiano. 100% Gluten Free.

 Featured Review by Giovanni. Originally Published in the Epoch TimesWhen visionary owner-chef Luigi Paravan made the decision to open Ottawa’s first and only 100 percent gluten-free restaurant two years ago, he trusted more than just his gut feeling when committing to this style of cooking.Paravan saw a need, and wasted no time in creating Ottawa’s newest, most avant-garde Italian dining experience, the Caprese Ristorante Italiano.Visiting the restaurant for the first time, it was easy to see what the hype was all about. With patrons filling up the small, cozy restaurant, we were happy that we had made reservations, and were promptly seated at our table. With soft classical Italian music in the background, I anticipated a relaxing dining experience.That evening’s table d’hôte consisted of a cream of roasted red pepper soup, Caesar salad, and a choice of three mouth-watering dishes: pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and shrimp; chicken scaloppini with fresh artichokes in a lemon white wine sauce; or pork loin roast served in a red wine reduction with mushrooms.My guest and I decided to order calamari and four cheese gnocchi from the regular menu. The cream of roasted red pepper soup was deliciously rich and creamy. In fact, I couldn’t remember the last time I had tasted such a flavourful soup.One of the highlights of the evening, however, was the warm and moist gluten-free bread, which was served with our appetizers. A mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs had been lightly drizzled over top of the loaf, and every tasty bite was as good as the first. My friend still raves about the bread. Our server informed us that you can buy the bread to take home if you order at least 24 hours in advance.When the main courses arrived, they didn’t disappoint. The pasta dish was light and tasty, the shrimp were served in good proportion, and the presentation was pleasing to the eye. The four cheese gnocchi was rich and creamy, authentic, and unmistakably Italian. The flavours melted in your mouth and enticed the palate until the very last bite.We saved just enough room to choose from a variety of tasty desserts, eventually settling on a flourless, dairy-free, chocolate torte and the chocolate cappuccino cheesecake. My friend and I agreed that the desserts were so delicious that we would go back just for a coffee and dessert.Even though we are not wheat or gluten intolerant, we enjoyed our dining experience at Caprese Ristorante Italiano. Our server was diligently attentive and careful to check in without harassing or disturbing us. The Caprese offers top-notch cuisine and an enjoyable dining experience.The restaurant is at 696 Bronson Avenue (near Carling), and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 613-231-3885 for reservations (recommended).