Lina's has always been a pretty special place. For groceries, breakfast, lunch, coffee or a snack, it is the closest thing we have to a European, neighborhood, casual dining experience. The food is made from scratch, made with love and is affordable. We didn't think it could get better but the recent changes have indeed, made Lina's even better. The menu is not too different but the twists are amazing, the grocery selection more vast yet the neighborhood feel of the "old" Lina's remains intact and a special place may be even more special now!
I have driven past Lena’s for years but have never gone in. Tonight my son and I decided to pop in for dessert and coffee. It was more than worth the wait! The desserts were absolutely delicious as was the coffee and everything was so reasonably priced ! I can’t wait to bring my husband here!
What a hidden gem!! It was Sunday after lunch and the place was still packed!!! The panini was so good. It was the in store fresh bread that made the sandwich. The meatballs and gravy were so old school. Love the raisins in the meatballs. Such a lost taste. The boccocini and tomato salad was so fresh. Now to go shopping!!!
Good food. Not expensive. Good atmosphere. Have a coffee. Then do some shopping. Buy a few items for home. This place has been a Calgary staple for many years and will continue for many more.
The sandwiches here are tasty and well priced, and they have a delicious bakery section with lots of sweet options. Recently tried the hot food line: the pasta was mediocre and expensive, although the arancini was delicious. Service can be very friendly or very abrasive depending on who is serving you.
Continuing my tour of Italian grocery--Lina is good but not fantastic. Still a good size but slightly more spartan than others in the city. The prices are on the high side. We tried to make a deal on some prosciutto ends and they wouldn't go for it. My GF is Italian and was a bit disappointed. Selection is good but not outstanding--still more of a specialty store than a true market. You're still going to have to hit Coop.
Love Lina's.
Stick to the stuff behind the glass. I love the hot food section, the desserts are mouth watering and the cheese, all the amazing fresh bread and olive section are what keeps me coming back. (The stuffed peppers are a must!)
I also buy their pizza dough and toppings for about 15$ much cheaper than people pay for the bad pizza that exists in this city. Also a little bit of fun. I will always visit this place but only once every 1-2 months. It is pricy if you shop for normal groceries but who goes here for normal groceries?
Pistachio cannoli, frozen ricotta gnocchi, very good tiramisu, affordable fresh pasta, fresh in store prepared sauces, organic vegetables, nice mushrooms, porchetta. Espresso bar with all sorts of Italian sodas and good selection of Italian staples. What's not to like? Definitely one of the better Italian markets in the city.
I knew Lina and have been going for years. Now Lina is gone and I'll provide an overview of what's good, what's not and also what's changed.
Generally Lina's Italian Market is a bit overpriced but conveniently located. They have fairly good selection of groceries and a larger selection of deli meats, cheeses, salad and antipasto with a small produce section. Their gift wares and kitchenwares have been scaled back dramatically ... not much left. The cafeteria style restaurant offers pizza, hot lunch, sandwiches and desserts. Best bet are the sandwiches followed by the hot lunches then pizza. As for desserts they are relatively good but becoming more common and less traditionally Italian. Coffee/espresso is pretty consistently good. My 3.5 review is down from a 4.0 a year or two ago.
I love Lina's!! The olives, cheese, meat! I have yet to try their sandwiches, pizzas, and bread because every time I go there they're always sold out but they must be deliciousness
First time having a cannoli and I decided to buy two big ones and a tiramisu. The tiramisu was the best dessert I have eaten in a very long time. Very light and smooth served in a delicous chocolate cup. I would go back for 4 more. Yummy.
Wasnt a fan of the cannoli filling. I guess I didn't really know what to expect being the first time I've had one. I did love the crunchy exterior I just didn't like the creamy filling. Everyone has their opinions of the cannoli but this is my first time trying it so I think I'll try another one somewhere else and see if they compare.
Really friendly service from the handsome young fella at the check out. Lots of amazing ingredients in the store, some not so cheap. 2 Cannoli and a Tiramasu cost me $10 and change. I'll be back!! :)
Favourite place in Calgary, not only do I love shopping and buying my food here but the restaurant portion is amazing. The best pizza I have ever had, tastes different from any Italian pizza I've ever tasted. I find that no matter what restaurant I go to the pizza is always the same, first place I've gone where I was totally impressed. Their desserts are to DIE for! Only downside is that there are so many selections for dessert that I can never choose! Tiramisu and chocolate hazelnut cream filled rings are my favourite!
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