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| - 7 Pizzeria Enoteca (or 'The 7' for the cool kids) is a brand spanking new Italian restaurant in downtown Oakville. It's on the east side of Town Square, closeby Soontorn Bahn Thai and the Green Beanery. I hope it doesn't show my age too much that I remember when this place was an ice cream parlour called What's The Scoop. Iced creams cost a nickel back then, but the only way downtown was by cablecar or oxcart. "Ox to the square?" kids would ask each other. Someone would invariably get typhoid along the way. Wow, those were different times.
Anyway, what a happening place this is. It's a bit cavelike in The 7, with low vaulted ceilings and modest lighting. They don't take reservations here, but with a little finagling, hovering and just plain charms-manship our group snagged a spot as two trios around the corner of the bar. We had full view of the authentic wood-burning pizza oven (built on site over four days by a craftsman flown in from Naples) and their pizzaiolos kept us roundly entertained while spinning pies.
A clipboard offers a wide selection of wines, mostly red from what I could see. They also have a smart drink list featuring classic cocktails like a Manhattan, Sazerac (with Rye and Absinthe), Negroni, etc. There is grappa also if you're feeling suicidal. From their variety of appetizers I ordered the grilled octopus. It was cooked well and served with a tasty white bean salsa.
Let's talk pizza. They range from about $12-20 for a personal-sized pie. They have classics like your margherita, or multi-cheese deals, and a few really creative assemblages as well. The pizzas are cooked in no time in their oven, on a super thin and crispy crust. If you want them cut you have to ask, but they are happy to oblige. We shared a few slices among us, and I really enjoyed everything I ate. My favorite had to be the Matteo: it was covered with arugula and tasted faintly of honey. But seriously, not a bad slice to be had. The ingredients are locally sourced where possible. Try the salami; we tried some uncooked pieces and they were melting in our mouths. On a hot pizza it's even better.
On top of all this was their phenomenal service. A group of six is kind of unwieldy for this restaurant (especially *our* group of six), but they managed us with aplomb. Plying us with a few complimentary tiramisus didn't hurt either. Town Square is turning into quite the destination for eats. I shall return.
Obligatory Title Pun: This place is no SEVEN day wonder.
Menu Readability: Elegant.
Need to mention: They will validate your parking if you park underground.
What this place teaches me about myself: I've written a lot of reviews. This is my five-hundreth one!
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