Italy’s DOP AND IGP label is your guarantee that the Italian food products you love are of the highest quality as well as the most delicious.
Italy’s longstanding role as a global leader in the culinary world remains fiercely intact. Centuries-old cultivating and processing traditions are still followed there, making Italy’s native food products the most coveted of international exports. The country boasts over 800 protected foods—the highest in the EU. It is also Canada’s top European supplier of foods and beverages.
In recognition of this, the Italian government labels the highest-quality Italian foods with two different certifications: DOP and IGP. Producers must adhere to very strict guidelines to receive the prestigious label. DOP or Denominazione di Origine Protetta translates as “Protected Designation of Origin,” guaranteeing that the food was made by local farmers and artisans using traditional methods. Only DOP products are permitted to label their product as “traditional” – so make sure you double check that can of San Marzano’s to make sure they are the tasty real deal!
Although IGP or Indicazione Geografica Protetta translates as “Indication of Geographic Protection,” it isn’t as rigid a certification as DOP. It’s guarantee: that one phase of production can be traced back to the geographical origin.
Settimana della Cucina Italiana (or Italian Cusine Week here in Canada) is a celebration of these premium products. Our Canada’s 100 Best’s International Italian Cuisine Week dinner series in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver showcases the following restaurants using the best, most authentic Italian food products to produce bespoke menus. Why not join in?
MONTREAL:
Since opening in 2011, Nora Gray’s cozy interior of dark wood and brick continues to serve as the perfect setting for an evening of modern Italian cuisine. Chef Emma Cardarelli’s home-style Southern Italian cooking has raised the profile of this go-to spot in the trendy Griffintown neighbourhood.
1391 St. Jacques St. West
T. 514-419-6672
Graziella’s namesake, Chef and Owner Graziella Battista, is known for her chic presentation of Italian cuisine. Inspired by the communal family meals of her youth, she continues to infuse her dishes with seasonal ingredients prepared authentically.
116 Rue McGill
T. 514- 876-0116
An industrial-style open space, Fiorellino is a casual dining bistro that boasts a particularly well-chosen wine list. The latest venture from the four friends behind the revered Buonanotte group, Fiorellino’s Chef Erik Mandracchia elevates the menu beyond what its pizza oven can produce, with dishes like the porchetta tonnata and his delicate tomato gnocchi.
470 Rue de la Gauchetière West
T. 514-878-3666
VANCOUVER:
Cibo Trattoria’s food philosophy is simple: seasonal, local, and organic in its rustic Italian fare. Cibo’s trendy yet cosy dining room, located in restored heritage hotel Moda, is the ultimate in Italian comfort food.
900 Seymour Street
T. 604.602.9570
Yaletown’s acclaimed Cioppino’s offers luxurious Mediterranean dining in a relaxing atmosphere, prepared by Chef Pino Posteraro, since opening its doors in 1999. Born in Lago, Italy, Pino brings Italian tradition to his delicate dishes.
1133 & 1129 Hamilton St.
T. 604-688-7466
OTTAWA:
Drawing on the parallels between the climates of Eastern Ontario and Northeast Italy, North & Navy delivers an authentic menu of Northern Italian cuisine with uniquely modern accents. Chef Adam Vettorel’s small plates are a nod to “chicheti” – the Italian version of tapas – a tradition popular at Venetian wine bars.
226 Nepean St.
T. 613- 232-6289
Edison bulbs cast a warm glow on the wood and leather-laden interiors of town. Family-owned and operated, Chef and Owner Marc Doiron’s artisanal dishes have won him endless accolades. Try the local lamb Bolognese with house-made saffron cavatelli pasta, toasted pistachios and double smoked bacon
296 Elgin
T. 613-695-3696
TORONTO:
The pasta made in-house at Enoteca Sociale is revered for its delicate taste. Chef James Stanton found his footing here as a line cook before moving up the ranks to become adept at the complexities of fresh, simplified Roman cuisine.
1288 Dundas Street West, T. 416.534.1200
Cibo Wine Bar is King West’s answer to luxurious Italian dining in a sophisticated yet rustic space. Chef Saverio Macri charms guests with a classic Italian menu of epic proportion paired with a robust and unapologetically Italian wine list.
522 King St. W.
T: 416.504.3939
This Midtown fixture has been in operation since 1997. Zucca Trattoria’s seasonal menus reflect Chef Andrew Milne-Allan’s dedication to the regional flavours of Italy.
2150 Yonge Street
T. 416-488-5774
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