101326 Sat Oct 30 18:54:55 -0700 2004 111 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 548356 What are your favourite Italian Restaurants in the City of Toronto? As, an aside, please post your opinions on Frankie Tomatoes too!! Thanx! Sat Oct 30 18:54:55 -0700 2004 0 John 1 548367 I go to ViBo. It was formerly known as Villa Borghese. It was renovated and reopened as ViBo - consistent and reasonably priced for the service and decor. www.vibo.ca Sun Oct 31 17:13:08 -0800 2004 548356 0 Alex 2 548371 My vote is for Marcello's on St. Clair for a reasonably priced restaurant. For something more upscale is Coppi on Yonge St. north of Lawrence. Sun Oct 31 20:57:56 -0800 2004 548367 0 DimSum 1 548374 My vote is for Noce on Queen St. just west of Bathurst. A bit more upscale but excellent gnocchi. As a potential, went to Aquadisiac on Queens Quay for a wine tasting night last week. New chef--Italian (Roberto Granata) Food was out of this world fresh although it lacked major presentation if that's what you are after Mon Nov 01 08:35:57 -0800 2004 548356 0 otto 2 548380 I second the vote for Noce. The food and service are consistently exceptional. I also recently had a delicious dinner at Zucca. To use Zagat's terminology, these are both great "sleeper" spots. Mon Nov 01 10:24:20 -0800 2004 548374 0 peppermint pate 3 548382 Where is Zucca? Mon Nov 01 12:05:07 -0800 2004 548380 0 Maureen 4 548390 West side of Yonge Street, a block or two south of Eglinton (opposite the Art Shoppe). Enjoy. Mon Nov 01 15:52:38 -0800 2004 548382 0 peppermint pate 5 548421 Thank you, PP. Tue Nov 02 15:30:26 -0800 2004 548390 0 Maureen 1 548422 My vote is for Seven Numbers. Casual, tasty, and fun. Tue Nov 02 16:15:41 -0800 2004 548356 0 Jenna 2 3326617 I second Seven Numbers. Also love Terroni and The Nose Restaurant (owned by the same people as Seven Numbers). Wed Jan 23 20:37:36 -0800 2008 548422 160084 velouria 3 3594174 I went to Seven Numbers this weekend and it was terrible. The bread was stale, I got half a fig with my fig and prosciutto appetizer, and my shrimp linguine was aptly named...because I got only one shrimp in it. That and the server refused to give me cheese for it, because apparently it doesn't go with shrimp. I ate the single shrimp and then asked for cheese for my tomato sauce. And my wine (by the glass) tasted as if the bottle was open for about a week. I will never return. Mon Apr 14 17:11:30 -0700 2008 3326617 16457 innercitykitty 4 3921706 I too had a bad experience at 7 numbers just recently. Had the calamari, it came to our table oily, underseasoned and cold. Main course arrived the same way. Almost had the feeling that they had been assembled ahead, left sitting on the counter and brought out to our table. Fri Aug 01 08:39:15 -0700 2008 3594174 15581 CDS 5 3923107 I just had the best calamari I've had in this city at Fusilli on Queen at River. I eat the stuff every chance I get in practically every Mediterranean resto I go to. His was unlike any other. Fri Aug 01 15:59:31 -0700 2008 3921706 12072 Googs 6 4511402 What made it so good, Googs? Mon Mar 16 19:02:44 -0700 2009 3923107 19782 Full tummy 7 4518710 It isn't a regular on the menu. It was a special that night. Given that it's been more than 7 months since I tasted it, I'll see what I can remember. If you're interested in trying it I suggest calling ahead. The calamari was grilled and still bearing the marks and seasoning that can only be had by grilling. Then these tender tidbits were lightly graced by a homemade sauce of his own creation. I can't recall the elements, just that it was good. Next the warm squid was placed on a light salad bringing out the salad’s flavours and making the tomatoes ooze their juice into the sauce. Divine. Just a whisper of balsamic brought a gentle sweetness to the dish. Never have I had such a subtle and delicate rendition of calamari in this city. Typically I find it paired with something bitter, buried by a loud and fatty dip, or less than tender. This was elegant by virtue of it’s simplicity. Thu Mar 19 05:35:57 -0700 2009 4511402 12072 Googs 1 548455 Giancarlo Trattoria - College and Clinton - awesome Carpaccio with truffles - excellent wines (pick them off the wall, not a list) and service all good - patio eating during the summer. Wed Nov 03 13:30:24 -0800 2004 548356 0 James Simmons 1 548487 I've been to La Bruschetta a number of times - it was something of a New Years' tradition for a while. Delicious fresh pasta and very friendly service. Thu Nov 04 15:47:43 -0800 2004 548356 0 Ben Reiner 1 548518 i hear Romagnia Mia on Front St. is good, but more on the pricey side. they have a website somewhere... Coppi is ok... if you like risotto that's a bit on the hard side (which is supposed to be "authentic") and possibly a bit too salty because they toss it in the parmesan cheese wheel a bit too long. Fri Nov 05 16:05:40 -0800 2004 548356 0 Frances in Toronto 1 549698 Try Regina's on College (near Shaw).... they've got the best food on College street if you're looking for italian. Sat Dec 11 02:13:46 -0800 2004 548356 0 Gerry 1 549699 Try Regina's on College (near Shaw).... they've got the best food on College street if you're looking for italian. Sat Dec 11 02:13:52 -0800 2004 548356 0 Gerry 2 3027903 Regina's? Im sorry but hands down that was the worst meal Ive ever had, and Im serious. I seriously think they use sauce from a jar. High end: Giancarlos Mod. Price: Terroni PS Ive eaten at all of Mario Batallis restaurants, so I know what Im talking about. Fri Oct 12 06:26:09 -0700 2007 549699 132392 TdotFoodKing 3 3326391 Regina's isn't the absolute best but it is authentic and I highly doubt they use sauce from a jar. Their veal parm is gorgious. Wed Jan 23 18:53:46 -0800 2008 3027903 61937 food face 3 3587397 Yes Sat Apr 12 10:41:21 -0700 2008 3027903 182736 Bobby Wham 1 3027935 Terroni is always solid. I've also had some really nice experiences at Big Ragu at Lansdowne and St. Clair -- super friendly service and tasty, casual Italian food. Fri Oct 12 06:40:48 -0700 2007 548356 18993 squeaks 2 3028018 Big Ragu...hmm Ive driven past a 1000 times and always wondered. I'll have to give it a try. Fri Oct 12 07:14:31 -0700 2007 3027935 132392 TdotFoodKing 3 3043498 i liked the food at big ragu but the waitress was rude and thought she deserved a big tip so tried 'forgetting' about my change and being rude when i mentioned i wanted some... Wed Oct 17 12:24:09 -0700 2007 3028018 16234 dannyboy 1 3028031 Another vote for Zucca, even though the chef is a New Zealander. If you want to go beyond the 'city', Via Allegro on the Queensway is definitely doing some great things with food, and has one of the best wine lists in Ontario. No discount for location, though. Fri Oct 12 07:18:40 -0700 2007 548356 80671 Snarf 2 3029195 I must say - I went to Via Allegro for lunch last year and though of course I was impressed by the luxury of the experience in total, I was underwhelmed by the food - particularly by the risotto. I had high expectations after all the awards I heard the restaurant had received for its risotto, though. Tried Terroni for the first time last night - was a nice experience, but not 'special', per se. Fri Oct 12 12:04:15 -0700 2007 3028031 93263 Yum2MyTum 1 3031577 Count mine as another vote for Zucca. This is one of my fav spots. My experience have demonstrated consistent quality of both food and service. I only I lived closer.... Another fav is Bar Mercurio for wonderful thin crust pizza and a good wine list. I see some have suggested Via Allegro, but honestly, my experience with this place (3x) has been that it is over priced, over hyped, over decorated, and extremely overly LOUD. IMHO, not worth the drive to Etobicoke. Firmly owning my "never again in a million years" category sits Sotto, Sotto. They win the award for the most snotty, arrogant, insulting service ever experienced anywhere on the planet. I am still nursing my anger 2 years after my unfortunate last dinner there and I take every opportunity to ensure no one ever makes the mistake of going there. Sat Oct 13 10:49:19 -0700 2007 548356 12631 dinin and dishin 2 3031726 I heartily 2nd your emotion on Snobbo Snobbo. Or should that be Snotto Snotto? Sat Oct 13 12:14:42 -0700 2007 3031577 12072 Googs 3 3034224 googs, thank you for "snobbo snobbo" and "snotto snotto." I will use both when appropriate from now on!!! what really irks me is that the first time I went, I had some of the best pasta with fresh clams I've ever had. (next to Chez Panisse). One bad waiter really can ruin it forever. Sun Oct 14 18:12:01 -0700 2007 3031726 12631 dinin and dishin 4 3034859 The restaurant above Sotto Sotto is better and cheaper, Spuntini I beliieve. Mon Oct 15 05:07:48 -0700 2007 3034224 132392 TdotFoodKing 2 4027435 I think your comments are a bit too harsh. I have been to the restaurant several 5+ times. The service is spotty sometimes but the food is good. Very good and extensive wine list....that I unfortunately have to avoid to keep the meal reasonable priced. Thu Sep 11 14:25:55 -0700 2008 3031577 222433 Sweetcakestoo 3 4117966 Hi Sweetcakes2. Not sure which of my comments you think are too harsh. My dislike of Allegro is more personal taste because I just can't handle that much noise. I would like to try it when it is quiet someday and see if that makes a difference. However, if you think my comments on Snotto, snotto are too harsh, well then, you had to be there. I've never been so insulted in a restaurant or ANYWHERE in my life. It has now been 3 years since that incident, and my anger has not subsided. No matter how much I crave their linquine with fresh clams, I swear that I will never darken their door again. Tue Oct 21 05:45:36 -0700 2008 4027435 12631 dinin and dishin 1 3031821 How about Gio Rana's? Great food and atmosphere that's like a huge Italian family feast. Sat Oct 13 13:02:54 -0700 2007 548356 134473 oystergal 2 3033038 Gio Rana's used to be great....sadly IMO is has gone down hill in the last year or so. It was one of my fav places to go but no more. The place has become dirty and atmosphere is not what it was. Portions are half of what they were, and the menu has not changed at all since day one. Even their specials are just items from the menu repeated. In fact, I think they have discontinued specials altogether. Too bad 'cuz we loved the place. Sun Oct 14 07:24:56 -0700 2007 3031821 100701 millygirl 3 3035262 Dirty! Yes - and waiters that look like they haven't had a bath or a change of clothes in a year.... ugggh! And the decor - abandoned tear down - which was a strange novelty at first - just got old and annoying. Given that they are closed 3 days a week you'd think they'd have time to clean and paint the place. Mon Oct 15 08:09:49 -0700 2007 3033038 45168 KitchenVoodoo 4 3206047 I think your comment about the personal hygiene practices of the waitstaff is unfair, to say the least. Yes, the place has gone downhill of late, unfortunately, but I certainly have not made any observations about their servers being unbathed or obviously unclean. A bit dissheveled, perhaps, due to a combination of the hectic atmosphere of working in a restaurant and the prevailing fashion trends. However, to speculate on the servers' personal hygiene habits is a stretch. Thu Dec 13 15:01:15 -0800 2007 3035262 11214 Juniper 3 4519084 I'm with you on Granos. A long time ago, I loved their antipasta selection but when I've been there a few times over the past few years, I've been so disappointed. And I had one of the worst seafood pastas there I've ever experienced anywhere. Thu Mar 19 08:30:01 -0700 2009 3033038 174519 Ediblethoughts 1 3035158 Da Gianni e Maria Tratorria on St. Clair has been my favourite for about a year now. As close to an authentic Roman experience as you will get in Toronto. They take their time, but the ingredients are fresh, the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is friendly. No fusion or invention here - just straight ahead Italian cooking. Prices are a bit high, but I've never been disappointed. Also a fan of the Big Ragu for a more casual, affordable experience. Mon Oct 15 07:31:07 -0700 2007 548356 110620 romanruin 2 3040189 I asked one of the chefs here: http://www.iictoronto.esteri.it/IIC_Toronto/webform/SchedaEvento.aspx?id=173&citta=Toronto about which Italian restaurants they go for. He told me that he likes traditional Italian food. Where he goes often are: *BOCCACCIO: HTTP://WWW.TORONTOLIFE.COM/GUIDE/RESTAURANTS/ITALIAN/BOCCACCIO/ *Da Gianni e Maria Trattoria: HTTP://WWW.GIANNIMARIA.COM/ *Romagna Mia: http://www.romagna-mia.com/aboutus.php Tue Oct 16 13:12:56 -0700 2007 3035158 134212 chutchut 1 3040990 My absolute favourite is Mezza Notte Trattoria on Yonge just south of Finch. Great service, great price, best seafood linguine ever! Tue Oct 16 16:57:24 -0700 2007 548356 109629 goodmom8 2 3042445 Tutti Matti is hands down the best italian i have had in Toronto. It is the only place i've been where the food actually tastes as it does in italy (well, at least in Tuscany- guess it depends what kind of "italian" we are talking about). Wed Oct 17 08:38:42 -0700 2007 3040990 29709 alltummy 3 3060169 I had dinner at Tutti Matti about a week ago and although the pasta was quite tasty, the service was crap. In fact, it was quite odd. We placed our order - straight to mains because of time limitations - and it arrived about 3 minutes later! Not surprisingly the ravioli's were ice cold inside. How could they not know that it could hardly be heated thoroughly in a span of 2 minutes. Nice looking restaurant and yes, the pasta is good but the place was empty and I'm pretty sure I know why. Tue Oct 23 13:01:03 -0700 2007 3042445 100701 millygirl 4 3063772 i've never had anything but impeccable service there. strange. it's also usually very full. Wed Oct 24 13:07:42 -0700 2007 3060169 29709 alltummy 1 3065205 Tutti Matti & La Fenice are my favorite lunch spots in that area. For dinner, hard to beat Il Mulino which offers exceptional good Italian food & service. I prefer it to Via Allegro. Wed Oct 24 21:27:35 -0700 2007 548356 72878 ace123 2 3161112 Went to Tutti Matti the other night and it was nothing short of disgusting. The food was awful, but the service was worse. Would NEVER go back there. Wed Nov 28 06:54:26 -0800 2007 3065205 83045 sam_1 3 3161210 Hey Sam, it's nice to know I'm not alone. Wed Nov 28 07:31:13 -0800 2007 3161112 100701 millygirl 3 3208314 Sorry to hear that. I haven't been there for lunch for several months. Would like to know what's so disgusting about your dinner. Thanks. Fri Dec 14 11:42:57 -0800 2007 3161112 72878 ace123 1 3084102 I've always enjoyed Gamberoni (3238 Yonge). Very nice and cousy atmosphere with your typical checker-board table cloth. I've been going there for the past 6 or 7 years and I've never been disappointed. Always excellent and consistent food and service with reasonable prices. I've always been a fan of their shrimp diavolo, as their tomato sauce is out of this world. Also, their Ossobuco is beyond description. While it's not always on the menu, if you stumble across it, you won't regret ordering it. Wed Oct 31 15:02:30 -0700 2007 548356 130047 Rudiger 1 3085155 La Vecchia, on Yonge, north of Eglinton. Slightly below that, Terroni is consistently good. Thu Nov 01 00:04:58 -0700 2007 548356 139339 salad lad 2 3152211 Terroni's Queen Street location for some reason offers better tasting food than the other locations! Sat Nov 24 21:13:03 -0800 2007 3085155 10810 Charles Yu 2 3155945 Yes! Very good and friendly service. In summer, when the patio is open, and if you are a non-smoker, you'll have to select a spot inside, away from it. Mon Nov 26 12:40:07 -0800 2007 3085155 72386 cocolou 1 3152039 i haven't had too many italian places in toronto but today I stumbled upon La Vecchia while randomly driving around looking for a place to eat. Great food and service. Sat Nov 24 19:20:31 -0800 2007 548356 145346 torontonian4 1 3152315 My vote goes to Mistura, but I haven't been to all of the places mentioned above by others. Their wild boar ravioli is excellent. Sat Nov 24 23:24:38 -0800 2007 548356 61093 soho 2 3205722 I second the vote and the ravioli recommendation! Thu Dec 13 13:34:54 -0800 2007 3152315 53671 Davedigger 1 3152358 Haven't experienced the high end (Via Allegro, Il Mulino), but I think Big Ragu is one of the most memorable and satisfying Italian eating experiences Toronto has to offer. It's a cozy, unpretentious Roman-style trattoria, focused on quality ingredients and personable service. I find their tiny room at the tip of Landsdowne to be really charming, and it's the only place I feel like I'm actually being cooked for in someone's home. I could get really poetic about this place, but I'll stop there. Carmen and his staff just celebrated four years, and he's finally getting around to including more obscure (read: authentic) items on his card, like baccala (salt cod), deep-fried artichokes, and even tripe. I'm sure Via's great, but there's no way they can match the intimacy and humble flair of Big Ragu. Sun Nov 25 01:03:54 -0800 2007 548356 35582 SxCx 2 3152429 Has anyone been to one of Big Ragu's "Big Night" dinner party events? It sounds like a lot of fun.... http://www.thebigragu.com/big_night.html Sun Nov 25 04:15:30 -0800 2007 3152358 98493 JamieK 1 3152599 Which one is better, Giancarlo Trattoriaor Il Mulino? Sun Nov 25 07:18:56 -0800 2007 548356 109341 JohnnyBooy 1 3153026 Rossini, South of Wilson - Very good food but arrogant staff (according to our last experience). Sun Nov 25 10:53:02 -0800 2007 548356 72386 cocolou 1 3156016 Re: Big Ragu - don't believe the hype! I was so looking forward to trying it and it was one of the worst dining experiences I've had in ages. The food was mostly bad, but the service was worse. Terrrrible. Mon Nov 26 12:55:49 -0800 2007 548356 57048 laurelmcg 2 3156037 When was this? Do you mind elaborating? Mon Nov 26 13:01:33 -0800 2007 3156016 35582 SxCx 3 3160544 I say Terroni as well. I love their pappardelle with oyster mushrooms, sausage and peas. yum. Tue Nov 27 21:11:34 -0800 2007 3156037 144032 pistachio peas 1 3161257 Ferro on St. Clair W. at Arlington. Very good food and service. Can be a bit noisy. Wed Nov 28 07:49:55 -0800 2007 548356 146001 kberkovich 1 3327284 I have heard people say that Piccolo on Carlton? has great italian, possibly the best in show for the price. Thu Jan 24 07:07:36 -0800 2008 548356 121751 magret 2 3327301 Im also curious about this spot, has anyone been? whats the prices like? Thu Jan 24 07:13:52 -0800 2008 3327284 26815 hungryabbey 3 3327957 http://www.chowhound.com/topics/353121 Thu Jan 24 09:53:16 -0800 2008 3327301 12072 Googs 4 3328538 lol how embarassing, I have aterrible memory apparently. Ill try to check it out myself. Thanks Thu Jan 24 11:52:02 -0800 2008 3327957 26815 hungryabbey 5 3329109 I just happened to notice another Piccolo on Birch Street. Are they of the same owners, anybody know? Thu Jan 24 14:05:21 -0800 2008 3328538 100701 millygirl 1 3327803 As previously mentioned - For moderate priced good Italian fare (although I hardly ever go out for Italian as I can cook pretty much everything they can just as good! ;) - Zucca Two best Italian resto's in the city: Il Mulino ((Their smoked duck breast and truffle sauce pasta is AMAZING!)) Romagnia Mia Thu Jan 24 09:18:10 -0800 2008 548356 156403 Sadistick 2 3328053 For high end Italian, I agree with Mistura, Zucca (my favourite) Il Mulino (especially if you go with a "regular") otherwise not so much, and several others are decent.... but for a basic trattoria, none And I have eaten at almost all mentioned here. Thu Jan 24 10:11:15 -0800 2008 3327803 10837 erly 3 3467744 I visited Il Mulino's website, but there are no prices listed. What is the average price of a pasta dish or antipasto one? Thu Mar 06 16:59:28 -0800 2008 3328053 113911 A.D. 1 3469010 i was just curious, but has anyone been to joe maggiano's on sheppard at vic park? (http://www.joessteakanditalian.ca/) i don't really see it stacking up to any of the italian places mentioned .... but it claims to be an "italian steakhouse and bar" which seems to be a bit off.... anyhow, my family's got a gift certificate and i wanted to see if there were any recommendations before we went ..... and as for frankie's .... correct me if i'm wrong, but i feel like the food is cooked by chinese ppl ... and made to cater to the general tastes of everyone and not very italian Fri Mar 07 06:50:46 -0800 2008 548356 167498 msprnt 2 3469042 I have been to Joe Maggianos.. and I would definetly NOT call it authentic italian. More like a family restaurant thats better than east side marios and kelseys. Its similar to like Jawny Bakers in east york. I think I had the veal parm when I went and it was HUGE, good, not by any means authentic but a good carby fix. If I returned Id probably stick to the pub basics, like burger, wings etc. as its just kinda that type of kitchen it seems. But if you have a gift certificate, its worth using, its not bad, just not your ma and pop type of place for italian. Fri Mar 07 07:02:07 -0800 2008 3469010 26815 hungryabbey 3 3485919 so we went to joe maggiano's .... and it was quite typical ....we ordered their bacon wrapped scallops, fried calamari, french onion soup, and caesar salad to start... their scallops could have been a bit bigger at $10 for 4, but cooked decently... not overdone ....rest of the apps were to the taste of my familiy.... my brother got some chicken linguine (very typical), my parents both got their 8 oz. prime rib (my dad complained the gravy was too salty), and i got their steak oscar (8 oz. sirloin, topped with crab meat, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce.... with 4 shrimp on the side....i got it because it reminded me of breakfast!) ... and we were full so we shared a tiramisu for dessert.... nothing really stood out to me, but the steak and prime rib were cooked to our liking .... and decent for the price.... before taxes and gratuity, it came out to 100 flat ... not bad for all that food .... Wed Mar 12 12:08:05 -0700 2008 3469042 167498 msprnt 4 3486968 yah thats basically been my experience. but at least you got out of there for cheap. Wed Mar 12 16:58:45 -0700 2008 3485919 26815 hungryabbey 1 3522812 Old-World Italian - Il Mulino, Bathurst/Eglinton....Great service, white table-cloths - Amazing smoked duck linguini and their potato-free gnocci is fantastic....their specials are always well imagined. New-age - Mistura...davenport and avenue - Everything comes to the table fresh and hot. Heavy on flavor - I LOVE their waygu steak...generous portions. Mon Mar 24 12:34:32 -0700 2008 548356 177522 LYuan 1 3523207 For reasonably priced and consistent quality, I think Ferraro's on Eglinton is very good. Their salmon pasta is one of the better ones I've tried and they do very nice portobello, roasted red pepper and feta salad. I'm also fond of the seafood specials (really large, tender scallops and shrimp, for example, and tasty olive oil/garlic sauce) at Sapori Trattoria on Yonge N. of Lawrence. I used to love Seven Numbers but since it relocated they've discontinued some of my favourites and the menu doesn't appear to vary as much. I had a wondeful argula/red pepper salad and the desserts, all of which they make, are always good (we had a wonderful key lime pie last time). Service is also always good there but the despite a good beginning and good ending, I don't find enough anymore in the middle to make me want to go back. Mon Mar 24 14:09:26 -0700 2008 548356 174519 Ediblethoughts 2 3524985 Ferrarro Pasta is gorgious. Nice poritons too. Tue Mar 25 06:00:03 -0700 2008 3523207 61937 food face 1 3531744 I'm also a fan of The Big Ragu....for me it's a neighbourhood spot. Carmine is awesome and I especially like their whole fish specials. It's also good for brunch Italian style. When I'm downtown I'm partial to Cafe Nervosa in Yorkville. In the summer I love sitting on their relaxed upper patio and their seafood salad is always very fresh and tasty...lately their pizza is really good, too...reminds me of the thin crust flavourful pies I've had in Rome Wed Mar 26 20:51:00 -0700 2008 548356 175904 joleedeeva 2 3535007 If you don't mind me asking--what is brunch Italian style like? Thu Mar 27 17:31:54 -0700 2008 3531744 174519 Ediblethoughts 1 3555794 I went to Soto Soto located in Yorkville for my one year anniversary and it was beautiful. The food was great. The service and decor are incredible. Great wine selection as well. Definitely recommended for special occasions. Wed Apr 02 21:56:28 -0700 2008 548356 180285 ACopland 1 3558536 I don't know much about 'bests' and '#1's but, speaking of simply wonderful restaurants that don't disappoint, Camarra's is top of my list. Since discovering it I've been there a few times and I have never been disappointed, ever. The food is prepared with care and shows a lot of attention to detail. Even in the simple dishes the attention put towards making sure things are decent and high-quality is quite evident. Their pizza's are famous but their other selections are equally delightful. I read their short biography in the menu (worth a read) and I think they stand up to the 'home made' and 'authentic' claims quite well. Thu Apr 03 14:13:14 -0700 2008 548356 145676 50firstdatesguy 1 3561579 L'Unita Fri Apr 04 10:56:04 -0700 2008 548356 131681 melissamarynissen 1 3707103 I love the following Italian restaurants: - Giancarlo Trattoria (College St) - Ferraro's (Eglinton Ave) - Spuntini (Avenue Road) I also enjoy the wild mushroom pizza at Il Fornello's. I would love to try the pasta at Massimo's (College/Spadina) and Mistura one day. Tue May 20 20:38:28 -0700 2008 548356 191379 ensaymada 1 3707185 I like Michaelangelo on Gerrard East. It's been the forever, the food is good, the prices are more than fair and it's really unpretentious. Tue May 20 21:15:18 -0700 2008 548356 191951 air621 2 3707645 I really wanted to like this place, and there wasnt anything that was really bad but I just felt the food was very mediocre. I think I have gnocchi, and while the gnocchi themselves were good, the sauces of all of the pasta dishes I tried were very bland. I would try it again, what do you recommend? Wed May 21 05:37:45 -0700 2008 3707185 26815 hungryabbey 2 3708187 Michaelangelo's brings back memories of dinner with my grandmother. It was walking distance from where she used to live so were were there alot, never had a bad meal there. And every summer they used to have a lobster special in perfect timing for my birthday.... ahhhhhh the memories. Wed May 21 09:05:27 -0700 2008 3707185 189979 smr714 1 3708263 Wow - lots of great new places for us to try too, thanks. I would second the Romagna Mia. The food was incredible but the service a bit slow. http://www.chow.com/places/8032 Wed May 21 09:22:43 -0700 2008 548356 124314 redleaf55 1 3708440 I just have to say, avoid Big Ragu, the food doesn't come close to making me forget the horrid service. Even more horrid? L'Unita. Worst experience of the past year. Sotto Sotto might be snotty, but at least THEY have years of experience to back it up. Gio's is good, consistent and I found it to be fun and unpretentious. La Forchetta on College was pretty good as well. I've never tried it, but I hear good things about Fusilli on Queen East....Good luck! Wed May 21 10:08:00 -0700 2008 548356 57048 laurelmcg 2 3871441 Oh how I miss Spinellos!!! Terroni is very good. Good consistant food. Tue Jul 15 14:55:09 -0700 2008 3708440 210091 Flipper_22 3 4448312 The guys who used to run Spinello's except for the top guy now run Mirto which is on Toronto at Adelaide next to Terroni's. Great service, good food and a lot less crowded than Terroni's. Try it out. Tue Feb 24 12:50:36 -0800 2009 3871441 265650 The Prowler 1 3880199 La Bruschetta on St. Clair (E. of Landsdowne) is the real deal.....great food, great atmosphere, and great staff. Its a family owned restaurant, and is so welcoming that it feels like I'm transported back to Italy each time I walk in the door. Fri Jul 18 07:59:04 -0700 2008 548356 166472 metrognome 2 3913834 Spinellos was great but I think they closed down awhile ago. Ferraros on Eglinton is very good food, great service and great prices. Tue Jul 29 22:57:37 -0700 2008 3880199 207631 TheGimp 2 3918183 I was there for lunch during Winterlicious. The food was kinda meh to me, but I do agree about the great atmosphere and staff. Thu Jul 31 08:06:09 -0700 2008 3880199 53671 Davedigger 2 4027448 This restaurant use to be my favourite when I lived in the area 10years ago...the owner chef use to walk around talk to the customers. Slice some cheese for sampling. I went to the restaurant in 2007...I think the owner/chef no longer cooks...Food was good but the experience was not as memorable as in the old days. Thu Sep 11 14:30:08 -0700 2008 3880199 222433 Sweetcakestoo 1 3919992 I like Grazie at Yonge and Eg. Their bologna so good. So tomato-ily hearty. Anything tomato sauce is good there. Thu Jul 31 16:23:32 -0700 2008 548356 12423 jennjen18 2 3920109 Marinello's, has very tasty authentic Italian cuisine. The are moving to college st. I believe the end of this month from there current location adelaide & wildmer. If you haven't been there be sure to check it out before they move. Thu Jul 31 16:59:58 -0700 2008 3919992 77711 visualhornet 3 3959761 AVOID - Seven Numbers on Eglinton. 4 of us shared 4 starters - the grilled shrimp were good - it all ended there!!! My lamb shank had NO FLAVOUR - tasted like it had been simmered in water then briefly roasted. It was topped with CANNED peas! That's Italian? It was insulting!!! One of my sons ordered lasagna - he couldn't eat it. Another son ordered the spicey pork loin - dry, no spice at all! Our female companion ordered the fish mix - only OK. The regular salad was fine. Each of us shared all the dishes. One would expect to get at least some garlic somewhere in this Italian cooking - there was none! We agreed that it was the worst meal we had ever eaten. Our family cooks a lot (restaurant experience) and we dine out often. The food was not even close to Gio's in any way. Yes, the prices were lower but for what???? Anyone else had this experience at this restaurant? Fri Aug 15 08:54:56 -0700 2008 3920109 215952 PucciFendi 4 4446983 7 Numbers on Eglinton was one of my faves before they moved. I don't understand why a move has had such a drastic affect on the food but I've accepted it. And we don't go there any more. I got a coupon in the mail for saving such many $$ if you spend such many and that convinces me 7 Numbers is in trouble. Because when they were located on the south side of Eglinton, no way did they need to use that type of inducement to get people to visit. Tue Feb 24 07:06:58 -0800 2009 3959761 174519 Ediblethoughts 1 4453562 Well since this 5 year old post has been revived I guess I'll weigh in. Not necessarily the best, but definitely my two favourites. Zucca for it's reinvention of North Italian cuisine using seasonal Ontario ingredients. Fusilli for Giuseppe's profound understanding of Sicilian/Southern cuisine. http://www.zuccatrattoria.com/ http://fusilli.ca/ Thu Feb 26 06:15:45 -0800 2009 548356 12072 Googs 2 4453787 Just looking at the Fusilli website--it's weird that they don't have prices on their dinner menu. Thu Feb 26 07:34:41 -0800 2009 4453562 174519 Ediblethoughts 3 4457159 Yeah, I know I find that off-putting as well. I can tell you, though, that two can easily dine for about a hundred. That would include 2 app's, 2 main's, a shared dessert, and wine. Fri Feb 27 07:16:13 -0800 2009 4453787 12072 Googs 4 4457184 Good to know. I have this growing list of places in the east end to try when I'm there---which sadly is rarely. (Maybe it's just this board but it seems like the east end of Queen is Cupcake Heaven... so if I go to CH, I know a place to go eat dinner...) Fri Feb 27 07:24:23 -0800 2009 4457159 174519 Ediblethoughts 4 4497365 Googs, What is the atmosphere like at Piccolo? Would it be suitable for a group of ten twenty-somethings on a friday night? I already tried Fusilli (its for this Friday eeek). Thu Mar 12 07:35:28 -0700 2009 4457159 20155 foodio 5 4503955 foodio, I just got this now. Did you go last night? Sat Mar 14 06:54:30 -0700 2009 4497365 12072 Googs 6 4509069 Nope, we ended up at Cafe la Gaffe on Baldwin. I'll keep Piccolo in mind for another time! Mon Mar 16 08:41:27 -0700 2009 4503955 20155 foodio 2 4511289 Thanks Googs - I too love Zucca, and I must now try Fusilli - have passed by many times and wondered... what do you recommend on its menu? Mon Mar 16 18:32:43 -0700 2009 4453562 45168 KitchenVoodoo 3 4518727 I should say that I don't eat veal so I can't speak to those dishes. He's a master of the tomato IMHO so anything involving a tomato meeting your mouth is killer. The seafood risotto is outstanding. Fusilli isn't like Zucca. This is the simple, rustic cooking that always seems like it should be easy and yet is the most difficult to pull off. One strong word of advice. Always call ahead to make sure Giuseppe is in the house. The best nights only happen when he's there. Thu Mar 19 05:42:47 -0700 2009 4511289 12072 Googs 4 4519096 Sounds like your taste in dinner entrees is similar to mine! Tomato, tomato, seafood and no veal----I'm going to have to read your views on food even more attentively from now on, Googs! Thu Mar 19 08:33:31 -0700 2009 4518727 174519 Ediblethoughts 1 4520914 ROMAGNIA MIA- on front, for a nice meal, enjoy a bottle of wine and authentic Tuscan dishes. PIZZERIA LIBRETTO - on ossington, pizza! best in the city, like you just stepped into a pizzeria in southern italy! Thu Mar 19 18:41:35 -0700 2009 548356 237113 iloveoliveoil 1 4774659 Tutto Bene, in a strip mall just south of Hwy 7 on Yonge St. Well executed, authentic Italian. I find the menu a bit lame, but the specials usually rock. Always busy when I go, including weeknights. Mon Jun 15 11:59:08 -0700 2009 548356 732007 toukolou