Can you do classic Italian cuisine completely halal? This new Toronto restarant says yes, Canada Reviews

Pasta lovers, rejoice: A new spot to carb load is coming to the east side of Toronto – and it’s fully halal, too. Mambo Italiano opened its doors on Gerrard Street last month, and there’s no shortage of specials and delicious, mouth-watering eats on the menu, which is bursting with flavours and meat and vegetable-forward choices alike.

Italian dishes like eggplant parmigiana, bruschetta and minestrone (a vegetable soup) meet hearty options like fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti Bolognese, hand-breaded chicken parmigiana and osso buco to create a wallet-friendly menu that’s sure fill any craving, and dishes are made with fresh ingredients whenever and wherever possible. And Mambo Italiano’s specials are certainly appealing, too: mothers eat free every Wednesday night, all of the handmade pastas are 50% off every Tuesday, and the daily lunch special runs for $14.95.

For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, Mambo Italiano has a huge selection of desserts, too, from gelato from the counter to sorbets to crepe cannolis and tarts. The entire menu is halal, but is as a whole very inclusive, meaning there are ton of gluten-free and vegetarian options available in every section of the offerings, so that every guest feels welcome and can enjoy a hearty, filling Italian dish.

While there are no alcoholic beverages on offer at Mambo Italiano, a selection of mocktails like bellinis, margaritas and pina coladas meet Italian sodas and Jarritos beverages as well as specialty coffees, teas and Barbican drinks to complement a full food menu.

Mambo Italiano is open for both lunch and dinner, open at noon every day and open later on weekends. The restaurant is located at 1330 Gerrard Street East, right by Maha’s Brunch and the Leslieville outpost of Left Field Brewery. The restaurant also offers catering for those looking to bring the hearty Italian flavours home.