Karim Teyib and Massimo, co-owners 

This cucina Italiana was founded in September of 2024, with the goal of bringing traditional and modern Italian cuisine to Ottawa. Dante specializes in fresh pasta, made from scratch—”The way grandmother used to do it,” in the words of co-owner Karim Teyib.  

Teyib grew up in Livorno, Western Tuscany, in a home just steps from the Ligurian Sea. He got his start in his uncle’s restaurant, and from there moved on to study hospitality management while working in restaurants in London, Mayfair and South Kensington. When he moved to Ottawa with his wife, he met the restaurant’s other founder, Massimo. 

“When we met, we saw we shared the same passion, the same love for the food.” Massimo, another Italian expat, spent his childhood in Modena with his Genoese family. He worked in northern Italy for many years before coming to Ottawa. “For Italians, the only place that we’re happy is at the table. When you have that passion, you want to make the people happy.” 

Their favourite part of Vanier? “What I love is this kind of community spirit,” Karim says. “The best part is connecting with the people, building relationships, and making the community stronger.” 

Enjoy the tastes of Italy at 7 Springfield Road!