"Don't be fooled by the strip mall location... I've eaten at the Via Allegro Ristorante dozens of times and the experience has always been fantastic. \n\nOnce, during the holiday season when they'd slightly over-booked, or under-estimated how long folks would be at tables, and the lineup of waiting customers was getting a little long (maybe 10 of us), they poured complimentary champagne for those of us who were waiting. Nice touch.\n\nThe food is fabulous! \n\nMy personal favorite is the Spaghetti Bolognese which isn't typically on the menu, but prepared as a lunchtime special. It was SO good that I had them wrap up a few morsels to take home with me to make a friend really envious of my lunch date at Via Allegro. :-)\n\nThe risotto is heavenly and the Caesar salads are perfect. Basically, everything on the menu is perfect... and I've tried it all.\n\nTheir wine list is HUGE - and if you're confused, just ask for the sommelier to recommend the right pairing. They'll even do tastings for you.\n\nThe service may not always be super personable, especially when it is busy (which is usual) but it is uber-professional and some of the wait staff have been working there for as long as I've been going to this restaurant.\n\nIf you are in Toronto West (Etobicoke) for a day or more, this is the place to eat... it has won two of the highest international awards of their kind, the Grand Award from New York and the Whiskey Supreme Award from the U.K. and deservedly so!"^^ . "5"^^ . "1"^^ . "1"^^ . "2012-05-10T00:00:00"^^ . . . . "1"^^ .