New restaurants in Toronto’s Little Italy range from buzzy concepts by prolific restaurateurs to campy and colourful brunch spots that’ll awaken your inner child.
In a neighbourhood perhaps best known for its ever-growing number of trendy and tasty restaurants, it can be hard for the new kids on the block to stand out, but it’s safe to say that these spots have made their mark.
Here are some new restaurants in Little Italy you need to try.
Occhiolino
While an Italian restaurant in Italy may not be the most groundbreaking concept imaginable, this newly-opened spot from former Bacchanal owner and private chef to Drake, Luke Donato, serves up playful pastas (which are made in-house) and other excuisite dishes all within a refreshing, contemporary space, which, decidedly, is.
Vinoteca Pompette
Sometimes a brief hybernation is exactly what a restaurant needs to re-emerge as its best iteration yet, as was most certainly the case with this fresh new concept that was previously Michelin-recommended French restaurant, Pompette.
The Ravioli Dauphine is just one example of Vinoteca Pompette’s simple-yet-sophisticated French menu.
The new restaurant, which still occupies the same space at the corner of College and Clinton as its predecessor, boasts an elegant-yet-accessible menu alonside an extensive wine list which have struck exactly the right cord on Little Italy’s culinary scene.
Martine’s Wine Bar
Prolific Toronto restaurateur, Gus van Gameren, could quite possibly be considered the King of Little Italy, being the brains behind other neighbourhood hot spots Bar Isabel and Bar Raval, so it’s no wonder that his latest venture, created alongside Raval collaborator Chef Luke Haines, which serves French-inspired dishes using local ingredients has been an instant hit.
Bkookies Cafe
Anyone with a stong sweet tooth is in the right place at this newly-opened brunch spot where comfort food is king. Here, mile-high pancake stacks to hefty cookies — or, as they call them, “kookies,” — eggs benedict and crispy chicken sandwiches, to name only a few, are all on offer, and rest assured, they all taste as good as they look.
The dishes at Bkookies, like the Avocado Croissant, are at once playful and palate-pleasing.
Takja BBQ House
Far from being an exclusively Italian hub, the neighbourhood boasts a slew of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, including one of the best Korean barbeque spots in the city.
An elevated take on the all-too popular dining concept, here you can tuck into quality menu of Korean classics like galbi, wagyu and pork coppa, noodle soups and seafood towers, all within sleek surroundings.
