Introducing: Church Aperitivo Bar, an Italian kitchen and bar in a (former) Queen West church
Mixologist Scott Talbot pours church-inspired drinks along the marble-clad bar (Image: Simone Olivero)
It’s been nearly a year since we first noticed the permit signs on the long-abandoned Slavic church at the corner of Queen and Dovercourt. Having walked by the vacant property for years, Sandra Cassaro and David Beddia finally took the plunge on it last January, hoping to build a sophisticated yet unpretentious place to have drinks with friends. With backgrounds in construction and marketing and event planning (Cassaro has worked with Liberty Entertainment Group and Ink Entertainment ), these childhood friends recruited Italy-born chef Fabio Sacca to help them create their menu of Italian small plates.
Similar to a North American “happy hour,” Aperitivo Italiano has been gaining popularity across Europe for the last few years. Complimentary appetizers are served in the early evening, accompanied by light alcoholic drinks, as a way to unwind prior to dinner. Church will be holding Aperitivo Italiano from 5 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday to Saturday, with complimentary small dishes like stuffed mushrooms, mini pizzas, crostini and arancini alongside a cocktail menu featuring church-themed drinks such as “The Holy Caesar” ($10) and “Salvation” ($12), made with gin, Campari, muddled cucumber, rosemary and a splash of soda. A regular menu of more refined small dishes will be available outside that time featuring items like traditional meatballs ($8), spaghetti ($11), beef carpaccio ($8) and braised octopus ($12).
Staying true to its holy roots, Church looks very much like a church. Designer Guido Costantino (responsible for Buca on King West) worked closely with Cassaro and Beddia to keep as much of the original structure in place as possible. The main entrance is through the arched double doors, and inside, the restaurant is divided by a centre aisle that separates the bar from the seating area. A large cutout in the ceiling reveals the original wood beams of the church and leads up to the altar where, appropriately enough in our chef-worshipping times, the kitchen is now housed. With nary a pew in sight, the bar has a contemporary vibe, with dim lighting and loud music: of course, instead of the sound of a choir ringing out on Sunday morning, there’s a DJ who spins on Thursday, Friday and Saturday until the wee hours.
118923 (Image: Simone Olivero) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo28.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo28/ feb12churchaperitivo28 0 0
118921 (Image: Simone Olivero) Chef Fabio Sacca at work in the kitchen at the head of the altar Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo26.jpg 624 415 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo26/ feb12churchaperitivo26 0 0
Chef Fabio Sacca at work in the kitchen at the head of the altar
118920 (Image: Simone Olivero) Arugula salad with grilled mushrooms, almonds, parmigiano and sherry-mustard vinaigrette ($7) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo25.jpg 624 415 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo25/ feb12churchaperitivo25 0 0
Arugula salad with grilled mushrooms, almonds, parmigiano and sherry-mustard vinaigrette ($7)
118918 (Image: Simone Olivero) Introducing: Church Aperitivo Beef carpaccio with arugula, artichoke and shaved parmigiano ($8) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo23.jpg 624 415 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo23/ feb12churchaperitivo23 0 0
118917 (Image: Simone Olivero) A daily fish carpaccio of swordfish Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo22.jpg 624 415 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo22/ feb12churchaperitivo22 0 0
A daily fish carpaccio of swordfish
118916 (Image: Simone Olivero) Braised octopus, potato saffron cream and olives ($12) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo21.jpg 624 415 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo21/ feb12churchaperitivo21 0 0
Braised octopus, potato saffron cream and olives ($12)
118915 (Image: Simone Olivero) Veal and pork meatballs with house-made sugo ($8) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo20.jpg 624 415 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo20/ feb12churchaperitivo20 0 0
Veal and pork meatballs with house-made sugo ($8)
118913 (Image: Simone Olivero) Polenta poutine “church” fries ($7), an Italian spin on poutine Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo18.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo18/ feb12churchaperitivo18 0 0
Polenta poutine “church” fries ($7), an Italian spin on poutine
118912 (Image: Simone Olivero) Talbot’s “Holy Caesar” is already developing something of a cult following: Ketel One vodka, Clamato juice, dill pickle juice, muddled pepperoncini and basil black peppercorn with a pink rock salt rim ($10) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo17.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo17/ feb12churchaperitivo17 0 0
Talbot’s “Holy Caesar” is already developing something of a cult following: Ketel One vodka, Clamato juice, dill pickle juice, muddled pepperoncini and basil black peppercorn with a pink rock salt rim ($10)
118911 (Image: Simone Olivero) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo16.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo16/ feb12churchaperitivo16 0 0
118910 (Image: Simone Olivero) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo15.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo15/ feb12churchaperitivo15 0 0
118908 (Image: Simone Olivero) Antipasti and stuzzichini (snacks) like arancini, stuffed mushrooms, breaded seared shrimp, house-made pizza and crostini with smoked salmon are complimentary with purchase of an alcoholic beverage during aperitivo hour Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo13.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo13/ feb12churchaperitivo13 0 0
Antipasti and stuzzichini (snacks) like arancini, stuffed mushrooms, breaded seared shrimp, house-made pizza and crostini with smoked salmon are complimentary with purchase of an alcoholic beverage during aperitivo hour
118907 (Image: Simone Olivero) Aperitivo hour is Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo12.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo12/ feb12churchaperitivo12 0 0
Aperitivo hour is Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
118906 (Image: Simone Olivero) The DJ station at the end of the bar spins music from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo11.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo11/ feb12churchaperitivo11 0 0
The DJ station at the end of the bar spins music from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday
118904 (Image: Simone Olivero) Exposed brick wall preserved from original structure Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo9.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo9/ feb12churchaperitivo9 0 0
Exposed brick wall preserved from original structure
118413 (Image: Simone Olivero) Italy-inspired pigeon mural next to bar Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo8.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo8/ feb12churchaperitivo8 0 0
Italy-inspired pigeon mural next to bar
118412 (Image: Simone Olivero) Exposed beams from original church ceiling Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo7.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo7/ feb12churchaperitivo7 0 0
Exposed beams from original church ceiling
118409 (Image: Simone Olivero) Looking down on the congregation Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo6.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo6/ feb12churchaperitivo6 0 0
Looking down on the congregation
118407 (Image: Simone Olivero) Steps up to the head of the altar (and kitchen prep area) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo5.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo5/ feb12churchaperitivo5 0 0
Steps up to the head of the altar (and kitchen prep area)
118924 (Image: Simone Olivero) Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo4.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo4/ feb12churchaperitivo4 0 0
118404 (Image: Simone Olivero) Church doors heading outside Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo3b-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo3b.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo3b.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo3b/ feb12churchaperitivo3b 0 0
Church doors heading outside
118902 (Image: Simone Olivero) From the outside, it’s a dead ringer for a church Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo1.jpg 399 600 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo1/ feb12churchaperitivo1 0 0
From the outside, it’s a dead ringer for a church
118926 (Image: Simone Olivero) Mixologist Scott Talbot pours church-inspired drinks along the marble-clad bar Introducing: Church Aperitivo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo_intro2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo_intro2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12ChurchAperitivo_intro2.jpg 656 429 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-church-aperitivo-bar/slide/feb12churchaperitivo_intro2/ feb12churchaperitivo_intro2 0 0
Mixologist Scott Talbot pours church-inspired drinks along the marble-clad bar
Church Aperitivo Bar , 1090 Queen St. W., 416-537-1090, churchaperitivobar.com
Amazing addition to queen west! Ive been there several times since the opening ! The best spaghetti and meatballs in the city!!!!!
yes aubrey we are all quite aware of your love of this place that you work at
Great another Italian restaurant… owned by ink entertainment to follow the recently closed Ame and Ultra Supper Club… Am I the only Torontonian tired Italian Restaurants opening? I want something fresh and less tiresome like Acadia, County General, and Keriwa Cafe.
I AGREE ANOTHER ITALIAN RUSTIC BLAH BLAH BLAH
I LIKE SOMETHING DIFFERENT AS WELL , LIKE A PERUVIAN PLACE OR TIBETAN?
lots of tibetan further west on queen street….
This place sucks…please go we dont need King west trash on Queen now.
Amazing Food…gorgeous space…great vibe. Def be back!
Why all the hate? The food here is fanstastic, the drinks are delicious and the staff is great. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of italian restaurants out there but only a handful are great, and this one of them. DEF going back!
had a great experience here…authentic italian food and great place to have some cocktails
Was at Church tonight during aperitivo hours and I must say that the selection of apps was plenty and tasty. Cool ambience and the staff was cool too-especially the bartender, she makes a great Caesar. Looking forward to having dinner there soon and trying their famous meatballs!!
I must say that I was quite impressed with not only the awesome vibe and great service, but also, and most importantly, the unique and authentic italian cuisine. and, as a proud italo-canadian, don’t believe all the hype you hear out there about so-called authentic italian restaurants. Church is the real deal. when i inquired further, i learned that the chef is straight from Italiy, and you can certainly tell. The food is delish!!. the only heads up, is to keep in mind that as an aperativo bar, the dishes are small and meant to be shared like tapas! Church is a great addition to queen west!
Hey I was looking into celebrating my 30th birthday at church. Just wondering how the night life (music) is after the meals! Can it facilitate a large group?
This place sucks food is crapy snoby owners
Food was bad and so was the service
it was ok not bad vibe to much 905ers felt llike woodbridge. Good drinks