I always loving eating at Avanti. It's one of my favourite Italian restaurants to dine at. I've had almost everything on the pasta section and a couple of the pizzas. I have sincerely enjoyed every single dish I've had.
Last night I had the agnolotti di gamberi and although the shrimp taste was a little strong for me the cream sauce it comes in was so delicious and more than enough to smother... more

Staff was friendly and food was good. Mashed potatoes could have been better but the veal parmigiana was quite well done.

Parents have been quite a few times and always enjoyed it as well.

I've been wanting to try Avanti for quite a while now. Finally had a chance to check it out. The restaurant itself is very nice. Has a somewhat small and cramped outdoor patio, but at least they have a patio. Was not impressed with the service. The waitress was obviously not happy to be there and it showed.

But let's get to the food. Overall the food was pretty good. They start you out with... more

Pasta is good but not fantastico

This restaurant is a good choice if you are in Downtown Oshawa and you like Italian food. The food is always good (not great)! It is reasonably priced and they have a good selection of wine . The service has always been good.

Destination choice - Patio in the summer

If you're looking for real authentic Italian food experience and great service, Avanti's is it! The menu is varied, and if you want to change up of your choice, not a problem. The Ginseng espresso - a must try! We will always come back.

Service was good but the pizza was a big disappointment

We went with a group of friends for dinner. We were going to the theatre which is just across the road, so we thought we'd try Avanti's. Being an italian restaurant, a couple of us thought we'd enjoy a nice italian pizza. What a big disappointment. The cacciatore pizza was so dry, bland and lacking in toppings. Not what we... more

A very good place to enjoy True Italian food

Pizza made as authentic as the ones you get in Italy. Actually,better than many pizza places I had been to in Rome.
Service is excellent, food is very good.
Will be back for sure.

amazing food, amazing service, amazing price

Prior to attending the Il Divo concert at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, my friend and I decided to go to the Avanti Trattoria for dinner (on the advice of my neighbour). When we arrived at the door of the restaurant, the lineup was long, filled with people who were also attending the concert. We waited no more than... more

Avanti best pizza ever

I have had pizza but stone oven pizza can't be beat. The atmosphere and food are great and the pizza very very good. I have been to Avanti a few times and have not been dissappointed a little gem in the heart of downtown Oshawa. What can i say great food great times.

Always a pleasure

We've been going to Avanti since it opened and have always had a great experience. Good service, delicious food and great value. We would recommend to anyone looking for a casual fun evening with family and friends.

Great for a quick, quality lunch

I've had a number of very tasty lunches here. Service is prompt, food is very good. Good variety of specials and who doesn't love the stone pizza oven.

Great Italian restaurant

Although it's not the best Italian food I've ever had, it is much better than Il Fornello. We did have to wait a long time to be seated, but that's to be expected for a busy Saturday night. The service was very good and quick, and the food was great. Will return again!

Excellent

Food and service were excellent at a reasonable cost. atmosphere was warm and inviting. definitely make reservations if you plan to eat here at peak times... more

Nice Italian

Good food, nice patio, good service and close to downtown. Second year that I've eaten there while in town on Business.

Another Great Dining Experience

I love going to Avanti's.  You consistently get friendly service,  food with flare and flavor, and an owner/host who make you feel like you are dining with family.  Thank you.

Always a great meal

Always a great meal! Tasty & delicious! Warm & inviting atmosphere! lots of parking in the area. close to General Motors Centre - an easy walk!

Avanti our top stop when in area

For lover's of Italian food, Avanti is a place without any pretense and a wide range of Italian dishes at reasonable prices. We haven;t delved beyond the house red wine, which is quite adequate. Summer evenings on the patio can be very pleasant. Planty of larger groups dine here.

My fav. place to eat

I love going to Avanti's, the food and the place are great. I always order the gluten free pasta, because it is really good, try it you'll love it.

Good food, good ambience

This is my go-to place in Downtown Oshawa. Unlike the big chain spots, the music isn't so loud you have to shout. A really good place to enjoy conversation with a good meal. i always leave satisfied. The pasta menu is where I always go as the selection is wide and all excellent.

Casual Italian at a great price

This place just does not get old. I love the wood oven pizzas, the pastas, and the specials are always great. This is not your three hour dining location. The service is quick, the food is perfect and the price is even better.

Oshawa's Go-To Place

Always a great meal.....Pasta Arrabiatta and the vegetarian pizza are our favourites. Service is friendly; surroundings a bit on the loud side (but manageable). Have been here at least 10 tiems - never disappointed!

Overpriced, mediocre food and servers to treat you like you're inconveniencing them

This restaurant was recommended to me by a local so I thought I would check it out.
When I got there, I walked in the door and the staff- all sitting at the bar looked irritated when I wanted a table.
The place was quiet even though it was dinner time.
They got me a table and the middle aged... more

Always a great meal

Avanti is an open-concept restaurant. It can be noisy but I love the atmosphere. The food and service has always been awesome. This is our go to restaurant in Oshawa and we have never been disappointed.

Delicious Pasta

I've never ordered the pizza so I can not comment on that...I can never get past the Pasta! I like to go with someone who likes to order two meals and share both...if you do this, order the Cheese Ravoli and the Rigatoni Calabrese..the ravioli has a rich sweet, creamy sauce and the rigatoni has a hearty, savory meat sauce... more

Love this place

I've gone to Avanti the past 2 years for Valentine's Day with my girlfriend, and it's fantastic.
I have also been there several other times with family for various occasions.
The food is stellar, and the menu has many choices - all Italian fare.
The pizza is cooked in a large dome-shaped pizza oven that can be seen from the... more

Hit & Miss

I have been with family a few times, This is a good addition to Oshawa downtown,
Food generally good,to very good, but not over the moon , fantabulous.
Atmosphere very good , service very good. Home made bread excellent, the very thick spaghetti noodle, skip it. Don't remember what they call it.
Had good, had medium, On the whole more... more

Love the food here, and they have gluten free

I have only ever had a great meal here. We have been here many times with others too, and I have never heard complaints. My children have celiac and can get safe gluten free food here. I am allergic to nuts and seeds and they are also very careful with my meals. I always feel we are safe eating here.... more

Great value for your money

Yes there are other Italian places around but I really do like the atmosphere of Avanti and the quality of food at a great price.

East Side Marios for 3 times the price

Nice atmosphere, very average or less than average Italian food. This is basic food pretending to be fine dining. Don't waste your time.

Great Experience

My partner and I eat here at least once a week --- its worth the drive from Ajax and we really enjoy it every time. We have been for both lunch & dinner and have held some family functions there as well. Avanti is family owned and we generally see one or more of the owners there while we are.... more

The great ambiance and super service were a real plus. However we go to restaurants for the food.
Here is where Avanti really excels.
Prices were very reasonable and this food was truly Italian comfort.

Very pleasant ambiance, excellent service, good food

A large group of us came here for a Xmas family dinner after the 25th on a Saturday night. Our server took good care of our group, didn't make any mistakes with the orders and was very attentive. The calamari starter - typical breaded version - was much better than average and provided the only negative - the portion was... more

Love The Pizza

Have been to Avanti for both lunch and dinner and have always been very pleased with the food, service and price. I tend to order the pizza, although different ones, as the flavor from unique gourmet pizza prepared in the wood burning oven can't be beat. Atmosphere is perfect for a casual evening out as well, and would recommend for... more

great food and great service

I've eaten here for a few years either family or business meetings. Family run and focus on service and food quality is paramount.
Wood oven pizza is excellent, thin crust and many choices for toppings. Salads and daily specials are always very fresh.
Staff are excellent and restaurant is always is impeccably clean.
Strongly recommend.

Delicious pizza

We went to this restaurant on a Saturday night so we were expecting it to be busy so went early (545pm). It was a good thing we did since a few minutess after we were seated the line up was out the door. My husband and I both got pizza and they were great. They are not like the pizzas... more

Pleasant experience

After attending a seminar one evening in downtown Oshawa, we happened upon this restaurant within walking distance and stopped in for dinner.
A courteous hello was offered and we were escorted immediately to a nice window-side table. Our server Kate, wasted no time approaching us, welcoming us to the eatery, offering menus and advising us of the daily special.
We... more

Finally. A top notch Italian restaurant in Oshawa! Knowing the sketchy nature of downtown Oshawa and its restaurants, we were a little apprehensive to try Avanti and boy are we glad we did! It quickly became our favorite restaurant and we go at least once a week. The service is exceptional and we love the waitresses and the food is consistently delectable.

We do agree with Catlin M. that they... more

Good food

Really nice Italian food. The salads and pizza's are excellent! The daily specials are usually exceptional.

Adorable and romantic

I have been once for lunch and three times for dinner. Excellent service. My perfect date night. Best cappachino ever. Picked up a pizza once for dinner. Delicious from the stone oven. Hard to bring young children but I would rather enjoy an adult night here anyway. They were very sweet to the kids but its a small space and... more

Autofest evening

Another couple along with my wife and I had dinner the evening of Autofest in downtown Oshawa on Friday . All 4 meals were different and each were pleased with their fare. From mixed pasta dishes to the pizza we were very satisfied. Great service on each course including drinks. No dessert, we were stuffed. Very, very busy with all... more

Very Average

I've been to Avanti's many times in the past and have enjoyed, but last night was a different story .My husband and I brought some relatives from out of town to dinner and we were not impressed. We ordered 2 antipasto misto and were not thrilled by the sight of the plates the 2 slices of provolone that were on... more

Avanti's

If you come to Oshawa and want fine dining this place is great and reasonable too. It has a very nice comfortable atmosphere and the food is good as well.

Good quality food

Have eaten there twice in the past week. This restaurant was suggested by a local family and it doesn't disappoint. The atmosphere is comfortable. They accommodated a large group of us one night but we made sure to call ahead so they were aware that we were coming.
Hoping to go back a third time - maybe for their pizza... more

Excellant Food and Service

Great food and also glutten free selections. The service is quick and the atmosphere is very friendly.

Delicious and Affordable

If you are looking for excellent Italian cuisine without spending a fortune then Avanti is the place for you. It is a casual atmosphere (so the kids can join you) but the food is fine dining quality. I would recommend Amanti de Carne pizza and the Sicilian Rigatoni Bolognese but everything is delicious.

Perfect

Went for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. Food was fantastic and the service was exceptional. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great Italian cuisine.

Yummo

Reasonably priced, delicious & authentic meals from Itailia! Staff are friendly, and service is quick. I always enjoy every meal I have at Avanti's

Good Food- Hit and Miss Service

I have been a patron of Avanti's since they first opened many years ago. They come as close to homemade Italian that Oshawa has seen in a long time.
Last weekend my kids took me out for dinner and as much as we were having a good night. The server was constantly rushing us through the evening. We are not... more

Great

Had our child's baptism party at Avanti, and had a great experience! welcoming staff, a good value and portions. Always go for our special occasions!

Excellent food, shambolic service

A very nice restaurant/trattoria which is badly let down by the quality of the servers.
Start with the good - all of the food was nice including the excellent expresso coffee after the meal. Now the BAD - we were promptly led to our table by a server who the walked away and left us. She served all the tables... more

priced right and generous

Trattorias are known for good food at reasonable prices and Avanti does not disappoint. I had the veal parmigiana and I was pleasantly surprised when my plate arrived as I was presented with a generous portion and it also tasted very good. Staff was courtious and the service prompt. I would recommend this family friendly restaurant without hesitation.

Casual Dining that is reliably good

I have dined at Avanti often for lunch and dinner. Food is consistent and tasty. Great wood oven pizzas. My favorite lunch special is the veal pannini with ceasar side for just over $10.
Interesting salads and a very good cappacino. Dinners with wine appetizer main and a shared dessert. are usually under $100 per couple.

Good service. Food is ok

I have been going to Avanti for about two years now. The service has always been fine. Usually quite quick. The food overtime has lost its quality and flavour. I imagine they have hired new chefs who do not do as great of work as the previous chefs before them. I also find that the owner/manager (I assume) Does not... more

I've never eaten there because they don't take reservations for less than groups of 8

When they first opened several years ago we had friends from out of town and we physically went there in the early afternoon and asked if we could make a dinner reservation for later that day and were told they didn't do reservations for groups less than 6. We explained we lived 25 km away and didn't want to end... more

Basic..not fresh ingredients

The pizzas dont taste fresh. The pizzas are VERY basic for the price point. No traditional Italian appetizers like antipasto :( disappointing... The salads could be better. Some healthier options would be a nice addition.

Don't let the look of this place fool you, which is the only reason I'm docking one star. The food does not match the ambience, the food is some of the best American-Italian I've ever had.

I started with garlic bread with cheese with olives, which was simple and delicious.

Main course was THE BEST Chicken Parm I've ever had, upgraded to pasta with meat sauce which was the right choice, the... more

I love this place if I want a casual yet cool place to have some authentic pizza. Amazing after dinner cappuccinos and the portions are large enough that you are sure to have a decent doggy bag to enjoy lunch the next day.

A great spot for a cozy date night!

I really liked this place. Italian food is my fave and I can be a bit of a harsh critic when it comes to my favourite food.

Two things I did not like:
-the atmosphere. There was no Italian music, and the decor was outdated. You are going for the food, but I like some Italian music with my Italian meal.
-The caprese salad was a fake. There were no fresh basil leaves, there was some other kind... more

It's about time Oshawa had a great meeting place restaurant in the downtown. The Pizza is fantastic and the prices are fair. It's a great place for lunch or right before a night out at the GM centre. Staff are friendly and service is generally very good

I would prefer 3.5 stars, but Yelp likes round numbers.

My first experience here was very uneventful. So uneventful that I didn't see the appeal or any reason to come back. However my girlfriend really liked it. I've been back four more times, and even brought my mother.

As I am writing this, at the sidebar of this page is Shari M.'s entry, whose reviews are atop of my Yelp list. She says the... more

There is no question that Avanti is one of the better restaurants that Oshawa has to offer, and is one of the few places that can bring you downtown in the evening.

We went here on a Tuesday evening, which of course was very quiet. Service was quick and attentive, if not particularly skilled.

I ordered a Florentine pizza, which had smoked salmon, capers and red onions. It was a little odd... more

This place is amazing.
The presentation....beautiful
The veal....perfectly seasoned
The pasta....perfectly cooked
The cosmo....super yummy
The bruschetta.....deadly good
Highly, highly, recommend

I had a lot of people who were Italian telling me that they, along with their families, ate here, so it had to be tried. I was with 4 other people and sampled their dishes too! There was a lot of... more