If you don't feel like cooking this is a good place to go right on 16th in the Bowness area. I went because I saw the 4 & 5 star reviews and was intrigued by Italian/Japanese inspired cuisine. Overall this place is just too simple for my taste and entertainment dollars so I won't be going back.
To be fair though I will give it a full review for others who may be interested...The decor is basic. It seats about 25-30 ppl, there is no table service and canned or bottled beverages. There is no liquor licence, one gender neutral bathroom and paper napkins. The menu includes minestrone soup, green salad, garlic toast (3 slices/order) and the option to have a lot of extra add-ons. The 10 or more pasta dishes look good and all have pictures up on the wall.
I tried the Japanese Spaghetti (pasta, soy sauce, green onions & chicken) because all the reviews had given it 5 Stars. I'd give it 2/4 but my son's Meatball Spaghetti was much better! The meatballs were homemade, the sauce was a bit oily on the plate but good flavour. The pasta on all three dishes was very good and cooked a perfect al dente. The salad was crisp and didn't have too much dressing. The garlic bread was really good and I ordered a second side which I probably shouldn't have but I just loved the flavour!
The service was polite, welcoming and fast. She never really asked us how things were or cleared our table. This is a true cafeteria type place where you refill your own water and coffee. She was also filling a few Skip the Dishes take out orders and seemed to keep quite busy.