We are a small Italian restaurant. The menu at this well-loved Main Street pizza and pasta joint is driven by traditional Italian flavours. Aside from the tempting array of larger plates, Charlie’s Little Italian also serves an Antipasti Board, which is stocked with charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, house pickled vegetables, and daily accompaniments.
Charlie’s is a relative newcomer to the ’hood, but it’s run by the same folks who operated the much-missed Habit in the same space, and who also own the Cascade Room right next door (at 2616 Main Street), so you know you’re in for something special before you even walk through the door. In the trendy hipster “SoMa” section, we found a charming casual family-friendly neighborhood spot, Charlie’s Little Italian. The dinner menu is filled with fresh and imaginative takes on pizza and pasta dishes, but go for the weekend brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Our whole gang loved the expertly curated Antipasti Board. Our other favorites included delicious Pesto Gnocchi, Homemade Pizzas, and Strozzapretti Con Funghi. And every kid (and adult) will love their Pizza Bread — it’s addicting! Be sure to save room for their fabulous Flourless Chocolate Cake. Brunch faves include the brioche French toast (with vanilla-bean chantilly, caramel, and candied pecans) and the sublime vegan benny, which consists of crispy tofu “eggs”, avocado, heirloom tomato jam, and a cashew-saffron hollandaise. With décor that’s a canny mix of homey and modern, Charlie’s Little Italian is equally welcoming to Main Street hipsters and young families.