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| - **1/2
I agree with Brian M., Baldini's is nice, for what it is - a convenient, casual, local joint for you to load up on Italian food.
I came here with my sister on a Wednesday night and this place was packed (not that it's very big to begin with). The tables are all very close together and if you're claustrophobic, this might not be the restaurant for you.
I noticed that people waiting for a table at the door were given a glass of wine on the house, which is a generous touch.
The service here is quick but casual.
Now on to the food. It wasn't bad. From a flavour perspective, it gets top marks. It is on the texture that they lose big time.
For starters I opted for the Grilled Calamari and my sister opted for the Tiger Shrimps sautéed in garlic. Her shrimps were a tad overdone and the accompanying garlic bread was burnt.
My calamari was okay, but the spices they used to "crust" the calamari were also burnt.
For mains I opted for the Zuppa di pescatore (Italian version of a Bouillabaisse) featuring the daily fish (which was trout), calamari, 1 tiny bay scallop, mussels and shrimps. Again overcooked. The mussels were so overcooked they shriveled down to about pinky-size, the 1 bay scallops was beyond done, the trout was dry and calamari was passable. Again, taste-wise, spot on but texturally - nay!
My sister had the Linguine di mare which had an amazing tomato sauce with naturally sweet tomato flavour. The linguine was done to perfect al dente and the seafood was less overcooked.
For dessert we both shared a Limoncello Cherry Tart which was very yummy. The lemon curd was luscious but the tart shell was a tad bit too hard. I had to try very hard not to attack the neighbouring tables with chunks of tart crust when trying to get at it.
I had ordered an espresso but the server totally forgot.
V E R D I C T
For Italian food in Leslieville, I would pass on Baldini. While the redeeming features are the affordable prices and friendly service, the food is just so-so. I would opt for Gio Rana's Really Really Nice restaurant if you're looking for an Italian place in Leslieville.
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