Lina's, Italian Market Hall — Restaurant in Calgary

I have visited this location a few times since they opened, and while the atmosphere is undeniably lovely, the food continues to disappoint.

Wanting to treat myself to lunch and bring home additional food for the next day, I decided to try the Porchetta. The staff member assisting me struggled to remove the string from the meat. I reassured her that it was fine to leave it, as she was unintentionally butchering the cut while trying. Although she acknowledged this, she kept trying, and despite her effort, the meat lost its integrity.

I also ordered the brisket, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables, expecting quality in line with the $34 price for two proteins. This was to be my meal for later/tomorrow.

As a sandwich lover, I hoped to get a panini with prosciutto. I was looking for a more traditional preparation—perhaps with arugula instead of onions, tomatoes, and lettuce—so I inquired about custom options. Unfortunately, communication was difficult, as English was not the staff member’s first language. I kindly asked if they had roasted peppers, and though she was eager to help, she searched both food bars on either side of her, before confirming they did not. I appreciated her effort but ultimately declined the sandwich and opted for a slice of pizza instead.

The day was beautiful, so I took my pizza outside to enjoy it on the patio. However, the tables and chairs were haphazardly arranged, and the only table suited for one had something spilled on it. Left without a clean place to sit, I went back inside. Later, I noticed a busgirl clearing a tray, though she seemed unimpressed with the task. It was unclear whether she or other staff were responsible for tidying the patio, but setting up tables properly would have been a simple touch to enhance the dining experience. I almost took it upon myself to do so.

When I got home, I sampled the meal I had planned to save. The brisket was juicy and pleasant, but the Porchetta fell short of expectations. The mashed potatoes, while slightly sweet, were enjoyable. However, the grilled vegetables lacked the savory flavors I had hoped for and leaned too sweet—I knew I wouldn’t be eating them and it would become a waste.

Overall, I am incredibly disappointed. The staff seemed miserable, with not a single smile among them. The prices are significantly higher than those at other Italian shops I frequent—likely due to the costs of constructing the building. Sadly, this reflects more on the owners than the employees, especially in terms of training...

Came here for the first time this Saturday evening (5-6pm) and I was very impressed with the variety of choices and reasonable prices. I will say, unfortunately the staff in the deli/cheese area are overwhelmingly undertrained. No fault of their own, it’s clear they need more support to be successful but I was truly shocked at the experience I had. There was a gentleman and woman working in this section, the woman attempted to help us but kept having to grab the gentleman to assist her in what to do. Meanwhile the gentleman is trying to help the 3-4 people on the deli side as well as also us on the cheese side. After 15 minutes we were able to get the Brie we had asked for (yum) and the woman asked if we’d like anything else. We asked for some of the truffle Gouda which was directly beside the Brie. The woman picked the Gouda up and then said, oh I’m not sure, he will help you after, and put it back down. Weird, but ok. So we waited and waited, about 20 minutes until the man finishes with the deli customers. I don’t know where the woman went but she gave her coworker no indication that we still needed to be helped. He came back over, and apologized. I asked for the truffle Gouda. Again he picks it up, puts it back down and grabs some other sort of cheese that was pre cut behind it (I think it was ibercho, not sure, whatever it was there was no indication on the label that it was Gouda at all) and hands it to me and walks away. He came back over, after about 5 minutes (was helping more deli customers) and I explained this isn’t the one I asked, can I please get the truffle Gouda. He argued with me this is the one you asked for. At this point I’m getting frustrated that I’ve stood at this cheese counter for upwards of 40 minutes for 200g of cheese. I hand the packaged one back, and said I need the truffle Gouda please. Despite all the cheeses being labeled, he asked me to confirm which one it was, then he flips the sign around (labeled on both sides) and finally goes to cut what we need. I’m a very patient person, but I’ve never seen so much struggle over what appears to be very simple. I fully believe it was a lack of training, possibly language barrier, I’m not sure. He was trying his best and doing so with a smile. The cheese, although delicious, would not be worth this hassle again. Please give your employees adequate training so they feel confident in serving customers, especially at an establishment with so...

From the moment we stepped into Lina's Market Hall, we were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional array of services this local Italian specialty store offers. Lina’s is not just a store; it's a gateway to a unique European experience, deeply rooted in a rich history of Italian tradition and hospitality. As we wondered through the aisles, the variety and quality of products available for purchase were remarkable. From artisanal cheeses to imported olive oils, every item seemed to tell a story of Italian culinary heritage. The attention to detail and the care put into the selection of these goods were evident, showcasing Lina’s commitment to offering only the finest to its guests. The ambiance of the dining area added to the overall experience, with its cozy fireplace creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. But what truly sets Lina's Market Hall apart is the palpable sense of pride that resonates throughout the entire space. Every staff member we encountered was not only knowledgeable but also shared a genuine passion for Italian culture. This strong sense of pride was reflected in every element of the market, from the carefully curated products to the meticulously prepared dishes. Our visit to Lina's Market Hall was more than just a shopping trip; it was an immersive experience into the heart of Italian hospitality. We are eagerly looking forward to our next visit to this very special place, which has undoubtedly left an indelible impression on us. Whether you are a lover of Italian cuisine or simply looking for a unique and inviting atmosphere, Lina's Market Hall is a destination that should...