Sorrento North Ristorante

Sorrento North Ristorante 965 Major Mackenzie Drive
289-553-2132
How crazy do you have to be to drive to Maple for a dinner? It wouldn’t have been so bad if the Google map was authentic. It listed the address west of Keele St. To add to our misery neither of us brought the address. We assumed we would drive along the street and find the restaurant. It is just west of Bathurst St and tucked in behind a small mall. You may rightly ask why any sane person would drive so far for a meal? Recently my gourmet loving fun friend came with me to a restaurant in the Yorkville area. We were smitten with the charming server, Sarah. She told us her boyfriend was the chef at Sorrento North. That was our inspiration.
What a fantastic dining experience from beginning to end. After our arduous trip in trying to find the restaurant we were so delighted to be warmly greeted. The ambiance is tasteful elegance. The service was beyond great. Owner Nino Cioffi, charmed us and treated us as royally. He certainly whetted our appetite to visit Sorrento Italy from where he hails. He even suggested a tour guide and a cooking course in the area. That trip is now marked in my list of possible trips.
We noted that Nino checked with each table and made everyone so welcome. Melissa was our outstanding server. We just wanted to know how she keeps that slim figure while working at this special place .Half the pleasure was watching the exotic trays of food being served to the many patrons on this evening. Everything looked so tantalizing.
We started with a shared Positano Salad.($12.00) The leafy baby spinach was as fresh as if it had been just harvested. Orange slices and bits of goat cheese complimented the flavor. A bottle of the most exotic wild berry balsamic was brought to the table for the dressing. I have never tasted anything so delicious. We were off to a good start.
We did consider the Burrata Cheese Imported from Puglia Italy.($19.00) It is served with cherry tomatoes, arugula and marinated vegetables.
My friend delighted in her Costelette Di Agnello Dell Ontario.($39.00). Three perfectly grilled lamb chops were placed on a bed of sautéed rapini with potatoes and a mint sauce dressing. The food was aesthetically presented and divine to the palate.
My Paccheri Pesce Spada was the best pasta I have ever eaten anywhere.($22.00) Large tubes of fresh pasta were perfectly prepared. The sauce was absolutely exquisite. Small pieces of swordfish and eggplant were simmered in a spicy ‘Vesuvio’ cherry tomato sauce. Words escape me to describe that mélange of flavors. It was an enormous portion but I was not about to leave anything.
There were many pasta and entrée choices that were all appealing. The menu is extensive. Today’s Specials are also offered with the regular menu. I was fascinated with the Costata di Manzo Alla Griglia. A 22 oz prime usda dry aged frenched rib steak is offered for $65.00. I would love to see someone eat that whole piece.
The Gelato is a specialty of the house. Many guests were sharing a sampling of many flavors. We enjoyed the Limoncello. When in Italy I indulge in a gelato daily. I have never discovered a place in Toronto (until now) that can equal the Italian gelato. I found it last evening. The word perfection comes to mind. Every bite was outstanding. We even got to meet, Steve, the very talented chef. The total evening was an experience that I will cherish. Make the ride there part of the adventure. What place to enjoy a special occasion!