I have noticed that Calgary does not often have many "middle ground" restaurants.
A place is often either super high-end, or dirt-cheap garbage.
Chianti is one of the few places in the city that seems to successfully provide that ever-elusive "middle ground."
The food is very affordable (especially on $7.99 pasta nights) and fairly good quality. Obviously not your highest calibre Italian cuisine, but it is a very good deal considering the price.
The restaurant is often busy and an ideal location for a cheap but still romantic date.
I often order the Cannelloni ($7.99-$10.99), Lasagna ($7.99-$10.99) or Combinazione Della Casa (Veal Parmigiana, Cannelloni, and Linguine Alfredo - $15). Jessica almost ALWAYS gets the gnocchi with pesto cream sauce (also quite delicious!).
And if you got a big appetite, you can always increase the volume of your pasta dish by ordering it "Sports size." No idea how they decided this was a good name for this option, but I'm happy they did. I always get a good giggle when I hear someone order it.
I have many memories of "nights out" with Jessica's family here. The service always good, the food is always satisfying, and you won't be walking home because you have no money left for gas or cab fare.