I've seen several versions of this restaurant around Toronto, but haven't been to one until today. Located in the Financial District, you'll be dining with swanky bankers, business men/women with briefcases, and really good looking people dressed in really good looking suits. It was pretty packed for lunch, so be sure to make a reservation.
I've gone today with a friend for a lunch date as it was nearby and didn't look too shabby. Actually that was one of the best traits of the place.
DIAVOLA: spicy sopressata, fior di latte, san marzano / 17
Actually really good pizza. I don't doubt it's antipasti, but in my opinion, the pizza had a lot of flavour and sauce that sticks to your face but it just tastes so good (warning for dates!!). It was also actually spicy, and I'm the type of person that chugs away at least a half of a Tabasco bottle for a meal (Nando's is one of my favourite places). *Almost* as good as Pizzeria Libretto for roughly the same price and in downtown Toronto.
TORTIGLIONI: crispy pork belly, red onion, capers, tomato / 16
Not too much of a pasta fan, but it's decent here. Good meat to pasta proportions. However a bit on the salty and dry side for both the pasta and the pork. It was more "scratchy" than crispy, but it was okay.
I guess the only issue I had with this place was the service. Our waters weren't even filled within the first half an hour and we were sitting NEXT to the water post! The servers also took a while to finally notice us to take our orders. I understand that it is a bit busy, especially at lunch time, but it would be nice to be acknowledged that someone would be coming our way. The servers weren't necessarily rude, but a smile here and there wouldn't of hurt anybody.
Overall, decent place. But I probably wouldn't try another one of the chain, considering there are so many other options.