Really Ridiculously Good (Looking ) Italian...

[sugarcube]

....food that is... something that looks pretty on a plate and is just as delicious in taste.

I realise there are many locations in downtown Toronto, but I am searching for great Italian food in the Scarborough, Richmond Hill, and Markahm area (I'll travel to anyplace within the York Region). Pasta made in house would be a bonus too.

Grazie!

[blue bike]

Ciao Bella in Concord has homemade pasta. I went there few years ago but I still remember how good the food was.

http://www.ciaobellaristorante.com/

[Charles Yu]

Tutto Bene on Yonge just south of Hwy7. Consistantly good food. The grilled seafood medley in a Boullabaise broth is a must try.

[sugarcube]

Thanks Charles Yu; do you know if they make their own pasta? I'm particularily fond of agnolotti, tortellini/ravioli, and gnocchi

[Charles Yu]

Hello sugarcube,
I never had a chance to order their pasta dishes since their 'Specials of the day' are usually too attractive to ignore! ( Their veal chop and the accompanying sauce is awesome! ). My wife did order the Spaghettini with grilled vegetable once and that was pretty tasty. As for whether their pasta are home-made or not, that I'm afraid I don't know!

[Googs]

It seems you get your wish. To boot, getting a Charles Yu rec on it is like having insurance on your dinner.
http://www.tuttobene.ca/specials.php

[Charles Yu]

You're so kind! I'm just glad I can help.
BTW, if they have an 'off-night', please don't blame me! Ha!

[kaka]

Hi Charles,

I've been reading your posts for quite a while, and have agreed on your recommendations. Can you suggest me some other good Italian places that are at similar price range as Tutto Bene but located closer to the west-end (Mississauga/Oakville) or downtown area? Pasta made in house would be good.

Thanks very much in advance! I know it's like the opposite intention of the original poster.

KaKa

[tjr]

Via Allegro in Etobicoke (across from Sherway Gardens) is great (and is my favourite Italian in the city after Mistura), though it's quite a bit more pricy than Tutto Bene. Excellent pastas, risottos, meats, game, etc. I've only had great food there, though sometimes the service isn't all that wonderful. Cheapest pasta dishes start at $20 and everything is more. The duck confit risotto with foie gras and aged balsamic is the best risotto I've had in the city (when shared; it's too much for one person).

[Charles Yu]

I'm sorry KaKa, the West-end is a bit out of my radar range. However, I did had a meal once at Via allegro moons ago, but wasn't impressed. My favourite places closer to downtown are Mistura and Il Mulino. The latter's 'Linguine with Smoke duck breast, wild mushrooms and truffle oil cream sauce' was heavenly. However, unsure whether pasta was home-made though?

[kaka]

'Linguine with Smoke duck breast, wild mushrooms and truffle oil cream sauce' sounds very yummy already. I should give it a try when I go to downtown. Thanks!

[sugarcube]

Thanks for the suggestion Charles Yu and to Googs for the link :) I know where I'm headed for Mon night dinner!

[Sandybandy]

We enjoy eating at the new Grazie that opened up near Vaughan Mills. Hot food, great flavours and we enjoy chatting with the staff when we are there. On our last trip, we ended up eating at the bar (long wait for tables) but we had a fabulous time...the bartenders were chatting with us, food came quickly and we had extra service for drinks. We even ended off the night with a shot with the bar staff...my favs to eat there are the Tasca and the Udine pastas. The hubby enjoys the Paesana (pasta with sausage and peppers).

[fmax06]

I know there' s an Italian Restaurant in Oakville - La Cucina on Thomas Street.

http://www.goldbook.ca/goldbook/oakvi...

[kaka]

I drove by one day after visiting Vaughan Mills mall and saw the sign. Wasn't sure if it's the same one as Yonge/Eg location. Do you know if they take reservations on the weekend?

[Sandybandy]

I believe they take reservations for lunch on the weekend...not dinner. Dinner is first come first served...it is the same restaurant as the Yonge/Eglinton location. Their second location is the Vaughan Mills one.

[kaka]

Thanks for your information.