This spot is fantastic! Stepped in here for Happy Hour and some light bites, and it totally exceeded expectations. The whole vibe is great for people watching in this neighborhood, you get the privilege of having a kind of fresh, open-air feeling while still being comfortably indoors. The staff were good and the cocktails were amazing. Just note that this is definitely a light eat kind of place, perfect for grabbing a drink and an appetizer. It's ideal for holding a quick meeting, catching up with a friend, or even working remotely, which is exactly what I did. The aesthetic is truly memorable. I happened to look up and noticed the cute pictures on the ceiling,the whole decor is something I won't forget and definitely makes me want to go back. A great find! read more

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Need to find a stop for a quick lunch. Enticed with the fish bowl and classic italian bistro decor. Turns out to be great food and more important time. Excellent friendly service with great advice about the food. Great place to return. Food highlights: Soup of the day: best soup i have for years with great touch of toasted prosciutto and onions Bolgne Sandwich: tasty and light, great balance with the sauce Ricotta almond cake: a good cake but also not to skew expectation that this cake is spectacular. A good cake that finish the meal Smoke on the plane: lovely cocktail, nothing crazy but crazy is not everyday read more

Delicious sandwich, near perfect. Not cheap but the quality of ingredients (and the expensive neighborhood) justifies the price. Would guess around a dozen seats, very tight space but precious interior design including wallpaper of family photos in Italy. Very friendly and fast service, though I was a bit surprised that it took around 15 minutes to make my sandwich when there was only one table of two people who were on their way out). Have already returned and will likely stop back in for a delicious, bougie sandwich read more

Pretty good grab and go spot in Yorkville. I got the Firenze sandwich because I love truffles and it served. It was perfect for one person, not to share. Not sure if I would come back but it was a nice option. read more

David Rocco Bar Aperitivo - Firenze. - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Before going to David Rocco's Bar Aperitivo, I prepared myself for a casual restaurant that's meant for a quick bite, so I didn't expect any posh seating or an extensive menu. As anticipated, their tables were set-up largely as communal shared space with a less than ideal table-to-chair height. In the end, we felt it was best to forgo any dishes requiring a fork and knife that could potentially make a mess. Instead, we stuck to a hand-held sandwich with salad - easy peasy eats to munch on while we enjoyed a bottle of prosecco. Little did I know that for a restaurant who dedicates half of their menu to sandwiches and salad, the dishes would be executed so poorly. After biting into both, I started comparing the experience to the Druxy lunches that was catered through work and marvelled how they could have been interchangeable. In the next menu update, I highly recommend Bar Aperitivo clarify that their paninis are cold. Unless you're deeply steeped in the Italian culture, most people may not realize that panini simply means "bread roll" since the North American interpretation is generally a sandwich that's been pressed, grilled, and served hot. Hence, when the frittata panini ($13) arrived cold it was a disappointment - does anyone like cold frittatas? Perhaps the temperature could have been overlooked if the frittata was really good and incorporated more flavours than the sprinkling of herbs or if their house-made brioche bun was uber fresh rather than hard and cold. At least the salsa verde was tasty and the caramelized onions were nicely stewed and sweet. In hindsight, I should have gone with a crostino, while it seemed like it'd be messier to eat, they looked tastier than the cold egg sandwich we received. For a dish that's been so overdone, there are over a dozen that David Rocco could have gained inspiration from, Bar Aperitivo's kale salad ($16) was one of the worst I've ever eaten. The kale was simply ripped into large pieces and tossed with a very lightly applied mint pesto and lemon juice dressing so the almost metallic flavour of the kale leaches through, unless you can mask it with one of the orange segments, apples, cranberry, or almonds that's tossed with everything. Nor were the greens massaged with the dressing, so it made for a fibrous salad. The crocchette di cavolfiore ($7) was also cold and not made to order. Temperature aside, the dish could really use some textural contrast as the cauliflower and potato mash is soft and the fine bread crumb coating wasn't crispy either. Perhaps adding some panko to the coating or some micro-diced vegetables into the mixture would have allowed for some extra colours and crunch. At least Bar Aperitivo's gelato was tasty. With about half a dozen flavours to choose from, the tried-and-true hazelnut was calling my name. The gelato was served really cold, so it resisted melting, and the texture was silky and creamy. The hazelnut flavours were pronounced and the sweetness a nice balance. Yet, for $13 for a cup, it really commands a premium over the many other wonderful ice cream shops in Yorkville. While Bar Aperitivo's gelato was good, I still find Summer's Ice Cream to be better. read more

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I regret having to post this review as I was a big fan of this casual Italian bar/resto having dined there numerous times over the past few years. However, I got very sick following eating a small meal there last friday evening. I had the 3 meatball appetizer and a cocktail. I was very ill for approx 24 hours (constant nausea/vomiting) which started about 16 hours after the meal. I did not fully recover for another 24 24 hours. Can I say 100% that it was from this resto ? No, but I had no other significant meal earlier that day. And I do know that it was a very hot day and this tiny place doesnt have an on premises full kitchen. The food is prepped from a commissary area in the office building (and I do not know if they make the items from scratch there). I really wish I did not have this experience. read more

Popped in here on a weeknight for a drink, and was eager to come as I grew up watching David Rocco on Food Network. Surprisingly enough he was there himself, and was a very friendly guest who spent time with every table, doing the rounds and making everyone feel at home. The drink itself (al italia, their take on a paper plane) was delicious and their patio is beautiful and perfect for the summer. I'll definitely drop by again sometime! read more

Just opened up today, this listing is not even on Yelp! Opened by celebrity chef David Rocco. Like any other new restaurants the opening day is on its teething stage, being in it's infancy newly opened stage. This Italian wine bar features a selection of Italian wines and tapas style menu. Apparently this wine bar, will also sell David Rocco's own range of wines. So watchout for this! The gelato was a little too sweet for me, but the eggplant parmigiana and octopus salad was in good hands and freshly made. Service was amazing and attentive. Decoration seems to be inspired from his talk show travels and what caught my eye was the beautiful and interesting chandelier inside the restaurant. Last but not least the downside is walking into the building for the shared washroom. A nice summertime patio is currently set up. A beautiful spot to sit and let the sun shine upon you. Inside, you get the bar feeling. Bonus that they are open till 11pm! read more

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They have really good cocktails and do an amazing aperol spritz. Its a great place to hangout in the summer. The only issue with this place is it should be a cocktail/wine bar only. The food is not good, it's all clearly pre-made in the morning and sits out all day until someone makes an order and its heated up. Go for the drinks, but walk down the street for dinner. Any restaurant in Yorkville is a better option read more

Amazing new sandwiches. I'm a Cordon Bleu trained chef and I was so happy to see such enthusiastic chefs and staff. The food uses the finest Italian ingredients. The spreads are all from scratch and amazing. I used to go to Eataly for sandwiches but never again! Eataly has tasteless dry sandwiches that are over priced. These sandwiches are actual art. come and these or order them for lunch. Also, a glass of Chianti is 8 dollars at David Rocco's. the same wine is 25 dollars a glass at Eataly. I also love that David RoccoS place is locally owned and not a corporate huge international business like Eataly. The gelato was the best I've had. I have been to Italy 20 times and this is the best. read more

Not good. The food, all items we tried were horrifically bad quality. Tastes like the stuff you would get from a bad grocery story deli counter at an obscene price for what it is. The neighbourhood really needed a laid back but high quality, wine and coffee bar, but sadly this isn't it. read more

Went by on a Sunday afternoon to check this place out. Had a seat on the patio with my wife. We had some drinks, but this is not a real aperativo bar where they bring you some snacks with drinks, nope I guess you have to buy them. Ok. Then David comes out (wasn't expecting him to be there). He starts talking to one table, then 20 min later he's still there. After a while he goes inside them later returns, to same speak with same table. Never does he come by ours or the other dozen tables to say hi, thx for coming by, hope everything is good. Nope, not a good host at all. Other restaurateurs would come by especially during the opening phase, mingle, be a host. Maybe someone wants a pic to post etc, nope. No thx, won't go back, and I've told this story to a dozen people and each time they agreed that was pretty bad (stuck up I heard, etc, well now I saw it for myself) read more

A taste of Italy in Toronto! David Rocco's place in Yorkville is a perfect spot to pull up a chair, enjoy a great cocktail or wine, and a fantastic Italian dish... or several! Since the menu involves small plates, you can hang out all evening and enjoy a sampling of many of the wonderful offerings. I've been no less than five times already and it never fails to impress! My personal favorite is the meatballs... or maybe it's the Francesina... or the great variety of housemade gelato, or maybe even one of the signature cocktails (ask Nick to hook you up if he's in!). You get the picture. Nothing on the menu is a letdown. You'll also enjoy the outdoor dining and seating. It's a great place to hang out, perhaps open a bottle of one of the great wines, enjoy some food, and chat with old and new friends for hours. It's an amazing taste of Italy in Toronto and worthy of a flight from anywhere to eat there (and yes I've done that multiple times). In fact, I think a flight boards later today. Let's meet there. read more

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Really good place for cocktails and wines. The drinks are fantastic. The food is delicious too. Nice environment and nice restaurant/bar.

Message: I was disgusted by the behaviour of the supposed 'manager' who refused to tell me his name. When I asked for service, he refused, but had no problem serving others, much younger than myself. I was not impaired in any way. I was there for a nightcap, after working 80 hours in the week, but he refused. Disgusting behaviour, would never be tolerated or accepted in europe. If he can serve yourger patrons, he could easily serve me, without issue. Let's be clear, I work in the business. No questions asked, this venue will never be recommended by me, or anyone who I know. read more

Covid life hasn't been easy for anyone, and on top of that, having an elderly parent with Dementia you are taking care of and trying to hold down a job is added stress. So, imagine taking a day out for yourself and being treated to David Rocco's Bar Aperitivo. This was a day full of so much happiness, fun, relaxation, great drinks, food and awesome recommendations. To start with, you are made to feel at home with the service that you receive. The staff are EXCEPTIONAL and once they know what your preferences are, they will also provide detailed recommendations which you should trust. On top of that, the food is exceptional, and if you leave without having tried David's lemon gelato with basil, you haven't lived. David also made sure he met with all guests which was the icing on the cake. He is down to earth, passionate, and has time for each and every person - and you can tell be is absolutely genuine. I honestly and truly wish him and his staff immense success. And don't be surprised if your lunchtime drinks become dinner drinks also....because you can spend the whole day there and wish it would never end. read more

I'm a huge fan of David Rocco so was excited to check out his new place in Yorkville. Bar Aperitivo is a great concept but they missed the mark with the outdoor tables and seating. Tables were too low and far from the seating benches, made it difficult to enjoy the food and hold on to your drink. I would suggest the servers use trays to carry drinks instead of carrying them over in their hands, then clearing tables. Not very sanitary. But all that being said, the drinks and food were delicious. A bit pricey but it is to be expected in Yorkville. read more