Negroni
416-413-0005
On the eastern edge of Little Italy, this sunny panino joint stands out on a strip that’s known more for patios and people-watching than gustatory pleasure. It’s a chameleon of a restaurant, simultaneously serving quick bites, leisurely drinks and multi-course dinners. A lone chef works the tiny open kitchen like a one-man band, churning out terrific salads, snacks and grill-pressed sammies. In a fabulous off-season caprese, roma tomatoes are slow-roasted to savoury succulence and paired with creamy buffalo mozzarella, roasted garlic and an emerald slick of pesto. All panini are served on a scalped ciabatta roll, which amplifies the crunch factor, and come with a lemony side salad of baby rocket, shaved fennel, cherry tomatoes and oil-cured olives. There is nary a dud among the 15 choices, which include a superbly gooey one with slices of moist veal meatloaf, goat mozzarella and sweet, garlicky marinara sauce. With only two options, dessert may seem like an afterthought, but perfectly smooth peanut butter and chocolate house-churned ice creams taste like they came from the finest gelateria. A simple selection of beer and wine is augmented by one sole cocktail, the eponymous drink of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Servers become flummoxed as the room fills, but the kitchen never misses a beat. Mains $10—$12.
Description
Category Features
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Dress Code: 1
Related
Related Listings
Related Tags
Cambodian, Greek, Portuguese, African, Bistro,