Sometimes there’s nothing better than enjoying the simplicity of a meal and reveling in the flavors and textures without being distracted by overbearing music and over the top décor. The creators of the ever popular Pizzeria Liberetto have designed a dining spot which stays true to the cuisine Roma and Nonna made famous without straying away from their own roots on the Dundas West strip. If the food doesn’t vouch for itself then the constant crowd inside and the need to call in days ahead to make (and get) a reservation should speak volumes.
The main room is cozy and quaint with simple wood tables adorned with dim candlelight. If you’re unfortunate enough to not get a table for your meal then there is communal seating at the bar which is actually specifically reserved for walk-ins and where we ended up on this fateful night. Cozy, but you can definitely bump elbows with your neighbors! There is also a semi open kitchen which allows you periodic peeks into the culinary treats being made. The menu is not long and doesn’t offer up a lengthy list of options but what it does offer is authentic, melt in your mouth, simple Italian cuisine.
On the menu:
Antipasti – Arancini Con Stracciatella, Arugula, lamb bacon & Caramelized Onion
Pasta – Spaghetti Carbonara (pancetta, egg, black pepper & pecorino) and Tubettone (cauliflower, roasted garlic, chickpea)
Dolce – Ricotta Cheesecake
Vino – Bottle of Valpolicella
So I won’t lie when I say that I usually opt for the more “commercial” Italian places because its just easier to understand what I’m ordering! So thankfully we had a very helpful and attentive waiter who helped us along and made most of the recommendations – which we went with! I would have been satisfied with the Antipasti on its own and will honestly go back JUST for that. A bed or arugula sprinkled with caramelized onions and small tender pieces of lamb bacon. Nestled among it all are fried mozzarella cheese balls with risotto inside. They literally melt in your mouth. The pasta was definitely simple but nonetheless very meticulously put together with each of its ingredients, none overpowering each other. Some would call it plain and in honesty maybe not the BEST pasta I’ve ever had but still tasty. None of the options we had featured a tomato based sauce which is usually my favorite so I would definitely go for a return visit to try something different. The dessert unfortunately disappointed, not a big fan of ricotta as I discovered.
Overall this atmosphere really is conducive to what I believe eating out should be – an experience. A relaxing casual atmosphere providing the ability to kick back, take time with your meal and wine and thoroughly enjoy the food, conversation and company.
On the menu next time:
Antipasti – Arancini Con Stracciatella, Arugula, lamb bacon & Caramelized Onion
Pasta - bucatini all'amatriciana (spicy tomato & guanciale)Dolce - apple crostata & whipped sweetened fifth town goats cheese
Address: 1288 Dundas Street West, 416-534-1200 (opens at 5pm daily – reservations highly recommended)
Parking: Street parking
Price: $$$ (with wine)
Service: 8/10
Food: 7.5/10
Ambience: 8.5/10
The main room is cozy and quaint with simple wood tables adorned with dim candlelight. If you’re unfortunate enough to not get a table for your meal then there is communal seating at the bar which is actually specifically reserved for walk-ins and where we ended up on this fateful night. Cozy, but you can definitely bump elbows with your neighbors! There is also a semi open kitchen which allows you periodic peeks into the culinary treats being made. The menu is not long and doesn’t offer up a lengthy list of options but what it does offer is authentic, melt in your mouth, simple Italian cuisine.
On the menu:
Antipasti – Arancini Con Stracciatella, Arugula, lamb bacon & Caramelized Onion
Pasta – Spaghetti Carbonara (pancetta, egg, black pepper & pecorino) and Tubettone (cauliflower, roasted garlic, chickpea)
Dolce – Ricotta Cheesecake
Vino – Bottle of Valpolicella
So I won’t lie when I say that I usually opt for the more “commercial” Italian places because its just easier to understand what I’m ordering! So thankfully we had a very helpful and attentive waiter who helped us along and made most of the recommendations – which we went with! I would have been satisfied with the Antipasti on its own and will honestly go back JUST for that. A bed or arugula sprinkled with caramelized onions and small tender pieces of lamb bacon. Nestled among it all are fried mozzarella cheese balls with risotto inside. They literally melt in your mouth. The pasta was definitely simple but nonetheless very meticulously put together with each of its ingredients, none overpowering each other. Some would call it plain and in honesty maybe not the BEST pasta I’ve ever had but still tasty. None of the options we had featured a tomato based sauce which is usually my favorite so I would definitely go for a return visit to try something different. The dessert unfortunately disappointed, not a big fan of ricotta as I discovered.
Overall this atmosphere really is conducive to what I believe eating out should be – an experience. A relaxing casual atmosphere providing the ability to kick back, take time with your meal and wine and thoroughly enjoy the food, conversation and company.
On the menu next time:
Antipasti – Arancini Con Stracciatella, Arugula, lamb bacon & Caramelized Onion
Pasta - bucatini all'amatriciana (spicy tomato & guanciale)Dolce - apple crostata & whipped sweetened fifth town goats cheese
Address: 1288 Dundas Street West, 416-534-1200 (opens at 5pm daily – reservations highly recommended)
Parking: Street parking
Price: $$$ (with wine)
Service: 8/10
Food: 7.5/10
Ambience: 8.5/10
