THREE RED AWNINGS on a waning white-brick, three-story building hide an offer you can’t refuse in the heart of Winnipeg’s famed Exchange District: the city’s best Italian food, period. So says Jennifer Jones, homegrown skip of the current Canadian and world championship women’s curling team.

Jones discovered Tre Visi almost a decade ago (she works nearby as a lawyer when not sweeping up accolades at the rink), and it’s become both her go-to lunch spot and an essential ingredient to a night out. “I love everything about it. I love the food, the people. I love that you come in here and it’s not about who you are, it’s how you are. They’re kind; they’re considerate; they’re great at their job. What more could you want?”

Perhaps more seats: Tre Visi only has a dozen tables. But if you’re not headed to one of the city’s premiere performance art venues just blocks away, the simple, subdued room—garnished with mosaic-style paintings made with cigarette filters by local artist Joe Medeiros—is fitting for a cozy, post-feast grappa.

DOOR

“You have to have a reservation; it’s always packed. It’s always busy here at lunch and before the theatre. Later in the evenings, they can squeeze you in.”

DÉCOR

“It feels like you’re in your home. You’re not in a big space; you’re in a quiet, quaint, nice restaurant. It reminds me of being in Europe.”

DRESS

Date- and Italian mother-worthy attire is best. “Young professionals are here at lunch, and at night it’s people that are going to the arts.”

DRINK

Jones likes their martinis—“dry, two olives”—or a gin and tonic, then white wine with her meal. “I always drink what they suggest; I never pick.” Afterwards, she’ll indulge in one of their “to-die-for cappuccinos. I don’t drink coffee except when I’m here.”

DISH

“It’s a tie between the rigatoni quattro gusti and the gnocci with pesto. Their pasta’s all homemade, and it’s the best pasta I’ve had around the world—even in Italy. It’s always so fresh and the flavour is so good and… it’s just comfort food to me.”

Tre Visi is open Monday to Wednesday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch.