Ciao

Ciao 133 Yorkville Ave 416 925 2143
It was a most memorable evening. My grandson and his wonderful wife drove all the way from Chicago to take me to dinner for my birthday. They have read all my reviews and carefully researched (with the help of their friends) a place that would be different, inspiring, satisfying and memorable. What a task and it was perfectly executed. To think that in my backyard this exquisite restaurant was waiting. How sophisticated to have drinks and appetizers at home before heading out for a walk to this Yorkville paradise.
There was a wow factor to the ambiance. I have never seen so many butcher block tables. They are amazing in their simplicity and beauty. Every detail to this sophisticated restaurant was duly noted. The tables are well spaced. We admired the several private rooms and spent the evening planning a future special birthday with all the family. The service was outstanding. We seemed to be surrounded by beautiful people all looking after our wishes and needs. It was all very special.
The upstairs has a buzz and was very crowded. We asked if we could be seated in the downstairs area. I preferred the space. No matter where you sit you are guaranteed authentic delicious Italian food and outstanding service.
The Zucchini * Artichoke Appetizer was a prelude of the excellent caliber of food. Deep fried zucchini and artichokes are served with red pepper aioli and lemon lime aioli. ($10.00) It was crispy, flavorful and very original for a starter. We also devoured the tasty Bruschetta.($5.00) The crusty bread and superb olive oil, balsamic vinegar and house cured olives had us satiated before even starting an entrée.
All evening we watched the platters of exquisite food being carried down the staircase to the other guests dining at this level. I wanted to set it to music and make a film. It was all such fun. The Pizzas were very popular on this evening. I could tell the crust was thin and the pizzas looked so delicious. On my next visit I opt for the Quattro Stagiono. ($16.00) Tomato, mozzarella, olives, red peppers, mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini are the toppings.17 pizza suggestions are offered on the menu. We opted for Pasta dishes and I must compliment the chef on preparing pasta equally as good as the finest restaurants in Italy. That al dente factor is so important. The pasta is also presented in beautiful bowls.
My grandson ordered the Linguine with Fresh Clams in a White Wine Sauce. It featured fresh clams, mussels, calamari, and tiger shrimp.($19.00)
His wife enjoyed the Fettucine with Shrimp, pesto and mascarpone cheese in a touch of tomato sauce.($19.00) I was in ecstasy with the Linguine with Shrimp in a Light Tomato sauce.($19.00) The portions were enormous but we couldn’t stop digging into our tasty portions.
Hearty diners may choose from the Secondi Selections. Veal Milanese offers a butter flied breaded veal chop, rapini and roasted potatoes.($33.00) Chianti Braised Short Ribs is a 10 oz. portion of crusted beef short ribs with a creamy gorgonzola polenta and crispy onions.($34.00)
We did manage to share an order of Gelato. Even that was presented in a unique dish with three sections of different flavored gelato. The Lemon Gelato was so fresh flavored. I felt I could squeeze the lemon juice from the gelato. Pistachio and Hazelnut were equally as delicious.
Every bite was spectacular. The total evening was memorable