Vittorio's on Avenue

Vittorio’s on Avenue 137 Avenue Rd 647 977 6476

Chico has more energy than anybody I know. If you don’t believe me visit his new location and watch him bustling around the room charming all the patrons and making sure that everything is right. Chico is also a courageous and forward thinking entrepreneur. He has recently moved the very successful Vittorio’s to this new location. Past restaurants could not survive at this spot. I predict that history will be made as Vittorio’s proves to the neighborhood that it is not location but the service, ambiance and food. On this evening the place was bustling. What a buzz! The restaurant is well appointed. On a cold evening I loved the fire pot with the glowing flames.
My sister was hosting five guests. Three family members were celebrating birthdays. We had a round table in a more private corner of the room.
I should mention that I have dined at every location of Vittorio’s. The original was on Yonge St north of Eglinton. Chico was an understudy to the owner, Vittorio. Chico honed his skills and later became the owner of the Davisville and Yonge location. A later move to Dupont and Avenue Rd brought along all the regular patrons. They obviously will follow Chico anywhere because this place was crowded. The food is amazing. The service is friendly and efficient. Dining at Vittorio’s is an experience.
The daily specialties are listed on a blackboard that gets carried to all the tables. The regular menu offers many delicious Italian specialties. Every meal begins with a loaf of that very special bread. It is smothered in olive oil and rosemary. On one occasion two of us ate a whole loaf of that bread. It is warm and so tasty.
We shared two of the appetizers. The Figs Wrapped in Prosciutto were devoured immediately. I loved the Asparagus Gratinee. The asparagus was grilled to perfection and covered with a melted parmesan cheese.
Not only does Chico remember names, he recalled what I love to eat. How does the man do it? My favorite Linguine with Shrimps was the best ever. The light tomato sauce was fresh tasting and flavorful. I have never seen such giant shrimp. They were grilled and served butter flied in the shell. The flavor burst in my mouth.
One nephew opted for the special Veal Chop. It was enormous and served with vegetables. We were all making positive sounds as we devoured our gourmet food. Another nephew enjoyed the fish special. Black Grouper was rolled and stuffed and served with a variety of vegetables. My sister, our host enjoyed her Seafood Risotto. The Seafood Bowl was also a winner at our table. It was an enormous bowl of seafood in a delicious broth.
The Pasta at Vittorio’s is always al dente and offers a variety of pasta types. Rigatoni con Pollo e Portobello is prepared with chicken breast, Portobello mushrooms, goat cheese in a rose sauce. Spaghettini Vongole is prepared with clams in a white wine garlic peperoncino.
I recall having the tasty Melanzane alla Parmigiana in the past. Baked eggplant with parmigiano cheese and tomato sauce melts in your mouth.
The Carne selections offer large portions for the hearty diner. Braciole is a piece of veal stuffed with smoked mozzarella, prosciutto di parma, shallots, rosemary and thyme sherry in a cabernet reduction .Even the menu makes a statement with the glossy pictures. Vittorio’s is at home in this location.