For a little known place I really enjoy The Blue House Cafe on 19th st and Northmount NW. They have latin american cuisine with fantastic seafood.
http://bluehousecafe.ca/index-1.html
Vintage Chophouse is still my favorite steak place in the City.
As for Pasta. Villa Maria on 17th a few blocks west of the Casino is a small but very friendly place. The owner, Danny, will make the experience even better. There is a limited, but tasty menu on Flames game days. On non-Flames days get the truffle ravioli to share (too rich to eat by yourself) and the Gamberi (Prawns).