Corrientes Pizzeria has long brought a taste of Argentina to the Exchange District. Since purchasing the restaurant in June 2025, co-owners Silvio and Carolina Butti have leaned into that identity, adding events and programming that invite a more hands-on connection to Argentinian culture.
“We want people to feel like they’re in Argentina,” says Silvio. “We try to take you out of your routine and give you that sense that you’re somewhere else.”
For Silvio, the connection runs deeper than business. Corrientes has been part of his story from the start. Thirteen years ago, just two days after arriving in Canada, it was one of the first places he visited while handing out resumes.
“I loved the place. It felt like home from the beginning,” he says.
Over time, he moved through roles from server to general manager. After several years away from the industry, he returned to Corrientes and later took ownership alongside his wife, Carolina, in June 2025.
Silvio says the foundation was already strong. The goal now is to build on it without losing what made it special in the first place.
To help shape that next step, he and Carolina looked back to Argentina. In December 2025, they travelled to Buenos Aires, visiting restaurants, exploring neighbourhoods and gathering inspiration for what Corrientes could become next.
The restaurant takes its name from Corrientes Avenue—a central Buenos Aires street known for its late nights, bright lights and constant movement. Lined with theatres, pizzerias and cafés, it is often compared to the city’s version of Times Square and has long been considered one of its cultural anchors.
Inside the restaurant, you see those influences right away. Bright red walls draw from La Boca—a neighbourhood known for its colourful homes—while antique pieces from markets in San Telmo add texture throughout the space. Smaller details also tie the experience back to Argentina, from wine served in penguin-shaped pitchers to pizzas named after well-known pizzerias along Corrientes Avenue.
Silvio and Carolina are both artists who have leaned into programming as a way to bring more energy into the space. The pair also run WPG Art Factory and hope to bring paint night events into Corrientes, inspired by Argentinian colours and artistic styles.
“It’s great to go out for dinner,” he says. “But having that extra, going somewhere where there’s something happening, that’s what we like.”
In March 2026, Corrientes hosted its first Argentinian experience night, an event where the experience itself was open to everyone, with no additional cost to take part.
Guests made their own empanadas, learning how to seal them by hand before sending them off to bake. Live Argentinian music filled the space, and staff served wine pairings.
By the end of the evening, guests were assembling alfajores, a traditional dessert made with filled cookies and coconut. It was hands-on, social and a little different from a typical night out.
More events are on the way. A second Argentinian experience night is being planned for June, which will include beginner tango lessons as part of the experience, as Silvio and Carolina continue building on the idea with more events and free programming.
Silvio says the goal is to keep something happening regularly, often around once a month depending on the season and the theatre schedule in the neighbourhood.
“I notice that people are interested in Argentinian culture,” he says. “Having the chance to learn a little bit or experience something, that makes a difference.”
The experience extends to what people are drinking as well. Guests can try Argentinian malbec or fernet mixed with Coca-Cola, a staple back home that Silvio compares to a rum and coke.
Behind the scenes, Silvio and Carolina are also working closely with their chef, Carlos, to continue evolving the menu. La milanesa is one of the newer additions, which Silvio describes as similar to a beef schnitzel and a staple of Argentinian cuisine.
While keeping core dishes in place, they are constantly inspired to try new ideas, with plans to introduce lighter, fresher items for the summer months.
That approach to blending food, culture and experience fits naturally within the Exchange District, where people are already drawn to theatre, art and music. At the same time, he is intentional about keeping the space open and welcoming.
“We don’t want it to feel like it’s only for one group,” he says. “We want people to feel welcome. People from Latin America can feel at home, but at the same time, anyone can come in and enjoy it.”
Silvio’s goal is simple.
“I want people to leave with their belly full. I want them to leave happy, feeling taken care of, and looking forward to coming back.”
With more events planned and new ideas continuing to take shape, Corrientes is building toward something that goes beyond a typical night out—a place where people feel welcome, comfortable and, even for a moment, somewhere else.
Visit Corrientes at 137 Bannatyne Avenue. They’re open Sunday from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays.
Follow Corrientes’ Instagram for updates and details on upcoming events.
Website: https://www.corrientes.ca/
Instagram: @corrienteswpg