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    Ardo Restaurant

    3.8 (130 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Seafood, Pizza
    Open 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

    Ardo Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    ARDO RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Intimate
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Ardo Restaurant

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    Tuna carpaccio and Panelle
    Armando M.

    ARDO is a Sicilian restaurant on King St East, boasting a Michelin mention. We didn't know that until we arrived but soon saw why it was deserved. We sat at the "chef's table", which was simply bar seating overlooking some small but productive cook stations. It was fascinating to watch the young crew of chefs turn out the food all night long. We started with the tuna carpaccio and the panelle fritters. The tuna was delicate, light and flavourful. It would be a perfect summer afternoon dish but worked just as well on the winter's night we were there. The Panelle were perfectly fried and salted chick pea fritters. Shaped like skewed scrabble tiles, they had a crispy finish with a soft and satisfying filling. So simple and surprisingly delicious. For mains, we had the linguini with fennel and the ragu. The linguini was light with a nice hit of fennel, in a pesto sauce. It was very different from the ragu but my wife appreciated the lighter flavour profile. I had the ragu and it was as hearty and comforting as it should be. A little salty but after adding the pepperoncini, it was perfect. We saw quite a few of those ragu plates leave the kitchen while we watched so it's likely a fan favourite. Three things we didn't order but watched being cooked also looked amazing. The octopus is a specialty and they use large pieces with quite a bit of girth, bigger than most restaurants that serve it. The pieces are flame-grilled and served on artichokes. We also watched the hearty brasato get plated with mashed potato and roasted green beans. More comfort food, done expertly. And finally, we were enthralled with the care taken to prepare the 14oz ribeye. The raw aged steak was removed from a vacuum sealed bag, salted, and seared in a hot iron skillet. Then a herb bunch was placed on top and the steak was baked in the oven. It was then removed and rested for quite a while. The chefs poked and prodded the steak while it rested and took its temperature at least three times in at least two different parts of the steak. It may sound manhandled but it wasn't - it was more TLC than anything else. Finally, the steak was flash grilled for a few seconds and then sliced up to serve. Mouth watering. As we walked out the restaurant after our meal, I glanced over to the table that was served the $110 steak and clocked very satisfied diner sat in front of an empty plate. Like Sicily itself, ARDO sets itself apart from the milieu of Italian restaurants in Toronto. Great service too and I do recommend the chef's table for a behind the scenes glimpse of how the magic happens.

    Burrata
    Cindy A.

    Absolutely delicious Italian restaurant with amazing service! The burrata was so good and fresh! The tartufo pasta was also delicious and creamy and so flavourful - the fresh black truffle was delightful! The portions were perfect! We sat by the bar and got to watch the chefs prepare the meals. It was like a show with our meal! Absolutely loved it!

    Ardo
    Bianca L.

    Came here with a friend after a good workout session. The restaurant is very clean and tidy. And the staff were neatly dressed and very kind I helped myself to the pesca cocktail which is a great rye base cocktail with peach flavour. My friend and I were encouraged to order to share so we got the scallop entree. The sliced scallops were so fresh and the olive oil was delicious. Then we shared a truffle pasta and a pizza. The two were so delicious. There were so many other interesting menu items so my friend and I are hoping to come back next week to try even more.

    Burrata
    Lucia L.

    Super yummy food. Highly recommend the burrata and the gnocchi. The gnocchi texture was pillowy but with a bit of a crispy outer layer from being sautéed. I would say skip the fish as it wasn't anything too special. I also got their lemon spritz mocktail which was yummy. It is a bit of a cozy place with narrow walkways. It's got an open kitchen so it just smells amazing everywhere. The service was OK. For some reason, our main server was in a rush and cleared our plates really fast even though my friend was still eating. But the other staff were all super nice and friendly so maybe just an outlier.

    Ragu
    Maria Alejandra E.

    The restaurant is beautiful and dark (in a vibey way) , services was extremely attentive and food was balanced, authentic and rich. However, the portions were tiny. I don't eat much and I ended up a bit hungry. Too expensive for the size

    Jennifer K.

    If you expect to have the same same Italian food at Ardo Restaurant, you might be disappointed. Come with an open mind and you will be rewarded. Small neighbourhood vibe just like a little bistro somewhere in Italy. Great for a date night or just come for some excellent Italian fare with your friends. - sarde: spaghetti, fresh sardines, wild Sicilian fennel, raisins, saffron, toasted bread crumbs So good! And I don't even like sardines, raisins and fennel. But the combination just work! Great depth of taste and texture. - insalata di mare: fresh seafood salad with octopus, little shrimps & clams, frissée salad, celery foam - cavolo: organic kale, romaine, cabbage, radish, pickled red onion, crispy parsnips, shaved parmiggiano, housemade Caesar-style dressing - crudo & 'shroom: fior di latte, tomato sauce, 24 months aged prosciutto crudo, preserved mushrooms Enjoyed all the items we ordered! I guess I really love Sicilian cuisine?! A taste of Milazzo in Toronto!

    two plates of dessert on a table

    To start, the ambiance, music, and vibe of the restaurant are excellent. A perfect date night location. Which is why I really wish the food was not as bad as it was so that we could have made it our date night spot. But alas, it was pretty bad. We started with the pulpo and sardines. The octopus was very good but there were a couple of pieces of artichoke that had a dense outer layer that couldn't be bitten into. I had to pull them out of my mouth. We both agreed the sardines had so much lemon that you couldn't taste anything else. Not enjoyable. For mains we had the gnocchi and truffle pasta. The truffle pasta was cooked well but we both felt it was just bland. It was like spaghetti in cream. The few pieces of truffle shaved on top were not going to give an entire dish flavour. The pancetta in the gnocchi made it too salty to eat. It's also not how I personally like my gnocchi. It was quite dense, I prefer them pillowy. My bf loves salt so we had to switch plates. he loved the gnocchi The cannoli and panna cotta were excellent. I didn't taste the fennel in the panna cotta but the lemon was to-die-for The waitress wasn't very good. She may have been new but that wasn't a factor in my stars. I have patience for staff that are trying. The only negative though is that when we ordered a coreto she said they didn't have. I knew there was no way an Italian restaurant wouldn't have sambucca so we asked her to check and they did. Don't say you don't have something because you don't know what it is. She didn't ask us about our drinks all evening with empty glasses on the table but that's ok. It saved us some money. I don't know if it was because we came at Easter weekend and it may not have been the chef back there but I can't imagine how this restaurant has gotten a Michelin nod or the reviews it's gotten with this food. It's very upsetting that we paid so much for really bad food. We will not be returning.

    Acciughe and Capesante
    Jessica C.

    I have always been fascinated by the beautiful cuisine Chef Roberto created at Dova, so I have decided to come to his other restaurant Ardo and boom! It blew my mind again. Each dish is made with love and passion. He kept the most organic taste of each ingredient in each dish and I just love every single bite of it. Must have: 1. Acciughe 2. Pane 3. Capesante 4. Tartufo 5. Ragu 6. And of course! Cannoli!

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    They did great with one guest in our party who has celiacs disease. The pizza and pasta were perfectly made and the service was friendly.

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    Gusto 101

    Gusto 101

    4.0(1.3k reviews)
    2.6 km
    $$

    Returning to Gusto 101 for five consecutive nights proved to be exactly the right move during my…read moreToronto trip. I knew from previous visits that the food and service were exceptional, but this week reinforced why this has become one of my go-to spots whenever I'm in the city. Max and Trevor behind the bar made the experience seamless from night one. Not only did they remember my name, they recalled my exact order and dietary needs every evening without hesitation. Traveling for work while maintaining a low sodium, heart healthy diet can be challenging, so finding consistency matters. I did not want to chance food remorse or uncertainty with ingredients, and they made sure my burrata and salmon were prepared perfectly each night. By night five, I was basically in a legally recognized relationship with burrata, salmon...and the guys. Sofia, who had provided exceptional service to us on a previous visit months ago, was there as well. I made a point to remind her how memorable and appreciated her hospitality had been, and it was great to see the same professionalism and warmth continue throughout the restaurant team. Five straight nights at the same restaurant says a lot on its own. Consistent food, genuinely attentive staff, and an atmosphere that makes you want to come back. Gusto 101 continues to deliver every time.

    I ordered the mushroom mafalde pasta and the beef lasagna. Both dishes were delicious, flavorful,…read moreand cooked to perfection. However, the portion size was a bit small for $28. The taste was indeed good, but the portion wasn't generous. The restaurant had a great atmosphere, especially the rooftop terrace. Overall, it's a nice place to go, but the prices are a bit high, considering it's downtown.

    Photos
    Gusto 101 - Inside

    Inside

    Gusto 101 - Lasagna with fresh basil

    Lasagna with fresh basil

    Gusto 101 - Outside patio

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    Outside patio

    Donatello Restaurant

    Donatello Restaurant

    3.8(223 reviews)
    1.4 kmDowntown Core
    $$$

    Of all the Italian spots in downtown Toronto, Donatello felt like one of the most homey and…read moreold-school. I came here with my best friend for a birthday dinner, and I could immediately see why this place has lasted for decades. It's tucked inside an old house on Elm Street, and the whole restaurant has that warm, family-run charm that makes you feel like people have been coming here for years and bringing more people back with them. The tables are definitely close together, so it's a little tight when the restaurant gets busy, but honestly that also adds to the lively energy because there was a steady flow of people coming in all night. Food-wise, there were a few dishes that really stood out. The carpaccio is such a good order, very thinly sliced raw beef, simple and classic, and honestly one of the most reasonably priced versions I've seen. My personal favorite was the prosciutto & melon. It's such a simple dish, but when it's done well, it really hits, and this one did. The real star for me though was the Cozze Marinara. The mussels were plump, tender, and clean, with no sandy bits, and the garlicky tomato sauce was so good that I ended up scooping it up with bread until the plate was basically spotless. We also tried the Vitello Marsala with mushrooms and Penne Arrabbiata, which felt very classic and comforting. If you like traditional Italian flavors, this is the kind of dish that will make you happy. That said, I personally wouldn't recommend mixing the meat and pasta together too much, I think they shine better on their own. Later we also ordered the garlic grilled seafood fettuccine because we were enjoying ourselves so much, and that one was much lighter in flavor. Nice enough, but probably not the best choice if you like richer or bolder pasta dishes. By the end we were completely full and had to leave a few strands of fettuccine behind, which almost never happens for me. Overall, Donatello feels like the kind of neighborhood Italian restaurant people return to for comfort, generous portions, and that warm family run atmosphere. It may not be the most spacious or modern place, but it has heart, and some dishes were genuinely memorable.

    Donatello is considered a fine dining Italian restaurant. And it didn't disappoint. The foid and…read moreservice were excellent. The vibe was a slightly darkened room (for the evening). There is an upstairs balcony seating but I've never sat there. During warm weather, there is plenty of roadside outdoor seating too. This is my fourth time here but I never wrote a review fir the restaurant before. We ordered the following: 1. Shrimp Perno (daily special $6/shrimp). Jumbo Shrimp sautéed in garlic, white wine, tomatoes, scallions, and finished off with a shot of perno liquor. 2. Rack of Lamb (daily special $59.95). Four pieces of lamb in a rack, with a rich portion wine reduced sauce, that has a touch of mint to it, and Penne Pasta in a tomato rose sauce. The table bread was really good. The crust was crispy but the inside was fluffy. The soft butter that came it was so tasty. The bread was perfect for dipping in the sauce that came with the shrimp. We asked for a second basket of bread and they put two loafs in the second basket. It was too much so they were willing to let us take it home. The shrimps were definitely jumbo. It was so filling. Two pieces (per person) were good enough as an appetizer. The shrimps were perfectly cooked. We requested the lamb be cooked medium rare. It was definitely medium rare. It was juicy and did not have a gamey taste. It tastes great. The pasta was perfectly al dente. The tomato rose sauce was really good. They offered to grind parmesan cheese and pepper so we got both. There is free WiFi. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible. There is paid neighbourhood street parking and paid parking lots. Review 2025-187

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    Donatello Restaurant
    Donatello Restaurant - Lobster pasta

    Lobster pasta

    Donatello Restaurant - Italian wine

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    Italian wine

    Terroni - spinach ravioli-the BEST

    Terroni

    3.3(863 reviews)
    0.6 kmDowntown Core
    $$

    Terroni on Adelaide is a beautiful Italian restaurant with a lot of character and history, set…read moreinside a former courthouse building from 1852 that still shows off its dramatic ceilings, fireplaces, and sunlit atrium. It's a dining experience you don't see every day in Toronto. Even the washrooms are memorable, tucked away in the basement in what used to be old jail cells, which adds to the charm and gives the whole place a bit of personality. We went for an early Sunday dinner before a concert at Massey Hall. The restaurant got pretty busy as the evening went on, but it never felt chaotic. The atmosphere is lovely and lively, a great choice for a special night out or a pre-show meal. We started with Calamari alla Griglia with mixed greens, capers, onions, and fresh tomatoes. It was a fresh, bright appetizer with good balance. For mains, my date had the Spaghetti in Canna a Mare with clams, mussels, calamari, scallop, and tiger shrimp in a tomato sauce. The menu described it as mildly spicy, but it definitely had a noticeable kick. Still, the flavours were really good. I ordered the Ravioli al Brasato with braised beef, butter, sage, and parmigiano. It was tasty and comforting, though portion-wise I could have used a few more ravioli. I was still a bit hungry after and honestly double the size would have been perfect for me. For dessert we shared the Tiramisu with espresso-soaked savoiardi, mascarpone, and cocoa. I had an amaro while my date finished with zambuca. A sweet and satisfying way to wrap up the meal. The service was friendly, though drinks came out a bit slower than expected. Terroni's food is tasty, the setting is gorgeous, and it's easy to see why locals keep coming back. It's not cheap, but the quality and ambience make it worth trying, especially for dinner before a show or a relaxed date night in one of Toronto's most unique spaces.

    I wish I could say I enjoyed Terroni more. The venue itself was not held in the main restaurant…read more The company I work at booked out some of the upper floors for an event. There were four flights of stairs to get up to the first floor with the bar and main dining area. There was another two flights of stairs to get to the upper bar (which I was too tired to walk up to). The drinks at the bar were good and the staff were all great. We started with passed apps. Some of the flavour combinations were just off (the skewer with fruit, cheese and something else) - like they paired the wrong cheese with the fruit. The meal itself was a seat down meal (family style) which did take over two hours to complete for the amount of guests that were present (over 200 ppl). My favorite dish was the tomato and mozza salad. My most disappointed dish was the ragu pasta. Though containing a good amount of meat it was not saucy at all. The pizza was the brocolini was good as well. The reason I gave this restaurant three stars is strictly for the lack of elevator and the food quality vs the price. For what you are paying, there is so much higher quality food in the city and I honestly think you can get better bang for buck elsewhere.

    Photos
    Terroni - Special event dining area

    Special event dining area

    Terroni - Olive oil and bread

    Olive oil and bread

    Terroni - Special event space (upstairs)

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    Special event space (upstairs)

    Piccolo Caffe E Vino - Frittata

    Piccolo Caffe E Vino

    4.3(19 reviews)
    1.8 kmEntertainment District, Downtown Core
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    Went here for dinner on a Saturday night / great location and cute spot! I love the branding and…read morethe inside + feels very trendy. This is a wine bar - the house lager was bad (maybe my own bad decision) and the red I got was fine ... nothing to write home about. However place fell apart with the food - the shrimp came with 5 medium sized shrimp with the tails, legs and shells on and were under seasoned. The artichokes were mediocre (loved the sauce they came with). Worst of all was the "Ontario peaches" with the burrata were totally canned peaches - could've even been dole brand! This place has amazing potential with the location and vibe - but the food just was not it. Small portions and the price didn't match what was served. The service was friendly but nothing too crazy. Go here for the drinks, but maybe not for the dinner!

    Went with a friend on a Saturday night and it was pretty easy to get a seat, but they do take…read morereservations. Our server was great at helping us pick our wine, he mentioned that their wines are all on the dry side which is perfect for me, I'm not one for sweet wines. We also had two of their small plates the mussels and the burrata. The mussels tasted great with the sauce, a little garlicky which I prefer. The combination of the peach and mint went really well with the burrata. Light and easy to eat. The patio at night is one of the highlights. The only small complaint was it did take a while to get our wine after we ordered it and a little while to get our check. Otherwise cute spot.

    Photos
    Piccolo Caffe E Vino
    Piccolo Caffe E Vino - Smoked salmon bagel

    Smoked salmon bagel

    Piccolo Caffe E Vino - Fried Artichoke, shrimp and peach burrata

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    Fried Artichoke, shrimp and peach burrata

    Ardo Restaurant - italian - Updated May 2026

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