Great Italian places

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4 places recommended by GizelleLau

Expert Foodies

Created on Aug 19 2009

Looking for better-than-average Italian food? Here's your list.

Grano Ristorante

2035 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4S2A2

Rated this place:

posted Apr 17 2009

Fun and rustic Italian joint: Grano has been a staple of Yonge and Eglinton's restaurant scene for over 20 years and to have survived that long on Toronto's landscape is an accomplishment in itself. Rustic uncovered wooden tables and framed Italian-inspired art on the walls is all part of the ambiance that keep people coming back time and time again.

What's great about Grano (besides the food) is that the owners and staff at Grano are deeply passionate - not only about the restaurant - but using the restaurant as a way to bring the neighbourhood community together and to communicate and uphold Italian culture, language, food, wine and cheeses. From its gelato to its Illy coffee and wine list, there's a deliberate and authenticity to the Italian offerings at Grano.

The antipasto bar is fun and full of fresh ingredients and classic flavours and usually 10+ choices from green beans to artichokes, sauteed mushrooms and ricotta/spinach balls. Appetizers range from around $12-20. Try the Carpaccio Di Vitello (veal carpaccio with greens, pecorino and pine nuts) or the classic Italia Mia (prosciutto, mozzarella di bufala and grano padano with balsamic). The pasta comes in small or large portions($10 to $18) and the selection is anything but standard with a wide range of different kinds of dishes and flavours. Meats and fish go from $22+ and be sure to try the truffled polenta. Don't skip dessert! Try their signature dessert, the Crostata Tricolore with an Illy espresso.

Grazie Ristorante

2373 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4P2C8

Rated this place:

posted Jun 15 2009

Always well-done comfort Italian food: This spot is always the return-to-favourite for a hearty, delicious, rustic Italian meal to finish off a long day. Friendly staff, a great crowd, and wine served in short tumblers like in Italy make Grazie that much more cozy. It's definitely my favourite of Yonge + Eglinton's Italian options. Generous portions are to be had, no matter what you order. Giant pasta dishes, thin crust pizzas, risottos, and meat dishes will leave you pleasantly satisfied. The best appetizer on the menu is the Baked Goat Cheese Salad appetizer - goat cheese wrapped and baked in phyllo on a crostini with an arugula salad, drizzled with pesto and olives to match. All the pizzas are great, my favourite is the Stefania (creamy porcini sauce, herbs, prosciutto, arugula & parm). Can't go wrong with any of their pastas, always done well and al dente. Be sure to leave room for dessert - and their homemade tiramisu and a coffee!

John's Italian Caffe

27 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON, M5T1L1

Rated this place:

posted Aug 19 2009

Casual spot to drink the night away: John's Italian Caffe is one of the most popular spots on Baldwin. During summertime, the sidewalk cafe is always busy with hospital staffers, U of T students and artsy OCADers. It's a great spot to stop in for a coffee and homemade tiramisu; or anytime for a great meal. The inside of the restaurant is one of the coziest spots in Toronto and almost transports you to a country inn in Italy. The special, pasta, and paninis are good but the thin-crust pizzas are the best way to spend your appetite for dinner. Wine is served in short tumblers making John's a great place to drink away a casual evening. I've had a hit-or-miss experience but usually does a good job. If you're looking for better service and food overall, hit up Terroni's.

Terroni

57 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1K6

Rated this place:

posted Aug 19 2009

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