Photos by Cooper & O’Hara
Vaticano Cucina has taken over the former Koutouki space on Gateway Boulevard, and to say it’s committed to the name is understating it. The ceilings within the space are adorned with colourful Sistine Chapel-inspired frescos, and the pizzas are all given saintly names. There’s a television broadcasting scenic shots of Italy, and the pizza oven has a lion’s head faade. It’s a bit over the top – but, ultimately, charming.
The pizza is where Vaticano truly shines – there are roughly 15 wood-fired creations, and there’s something for everyone. Traditionalists will rejoice over the simple Santa Maria – Vaticano’s version of the classic margherita pizza, topped with pomodoro sauce, fior-di-latte mozzarella, basil and olive oil. For those seeking something a bit outside the box, go for the St. Francis, a white pizza topped with fresh figs, goat cheese, onion jam, arugula and balsamic drizzle. From the sweetness of the figs to the tang of the goat cheese to the peppery arugula, it’s a perfect mix of flavours.
10310 45 Ave., 780-250-1110, vaticanoyeg.com
This article appears in the December 2017 issue of Avenue Edmonton.
