It’s unfortunately not uncommon to hear of local restaurants closing as a result of the financial pressures of the pandemic. That’s why it was refreshing to hear of the opening of Zitto Zitto Taverna in Little Italy by husband-and-wife Alan and Anita Thomson, co-owners of longstanding Sotto Voce.
Zitto Zitto’s menu is curated by Sicilian chef Alessandro Militello, who previously worked at EVOO in Yorkville. The menu heavily focuses on the grill.
We had the pleasure of dining in the middle room, which is elegantly appointed with a gorgeous round oak table at the center of the room. An attention-seeking light fixture, and a wine fridge of vintages from around the world extends across the width of one wall. Sliding doors completely close the room for privacy and an added bonus is each dining room has its own sound system so you won’t hear the music from the neighbouring dining room. This room seats a maximum of 30 so it would be ideal for family gatherings.
The main dining room has a modern vibe with bold, gemstone colours and funky chairs and tables, and faces the patio. Be sure to check out the photos of the owners’ families, which adorn the walls and give this room a warm feeling.
We were offered cocktails to start. My dining partner requested a gin cocktail and was pleased with the bartender’s tailor-made result: a delicious concoction of gin, lavender syrup, lemon, and Prosecco. She found the drink particularly refreshing on this hot day!
If you’re following the Keto diet like I am, you will love Zitto Zitto Taverna’s menu of meat and seafood options! Of course, there are pasta dishes in keeping with an Italian restaurant. For an appetizer, I chose Grilled Octopus with saffron potatoes while my dining partner selected Mixed Mushrooms in a truffle-infused Gorgonzola cream sauce. My octopus was perfectly grilled while the saffron potatoes were light and fragrant. The selection of mushrooms was earthy and flavourful in a cheese sauce that was satiny smooth.
For our second plates, I ordered Insalata Zitto Zitto with arugula, roasted beet carpaccio, strawberries, goat cheese and Balsamic vinaigrette while my dining partner chose La Siciliana: a salad of sliced orange, fennel, black olives, mint, red onions in a citronette vinaigrette.ette at Zitto Zitto Taverna
I loved the presentation of my arugula salad…the salad was piled high and so artistic that I didn’t want to disassemble it! The arugula and beet combination succeeded. I really enjoyed the roasted beet carpaccio – the texture was similar to sliced ham, but the flavour was delicate and any slight bitterness was reduced by its pairing with goat cheese.
The fennel and orange salad was inspired: sweet orange slices bring the taste of fennel to a new level while the olives and onions provided the necessary salty/spicy flavours to complete this dish.
My main course was the Mixed Seafood Grill with grilled calamari, shrimp, scallop and lobster tail. This is my dream dish as I am a seafood lover! All of the seafood was grilled to perfection! Delicious!
My dining partner selected the Grilled Pork Chop with pear chutney. While she enjoyed the flavour of the pork chop, she found there was a bit too much fat on the chop for her liking. The pear chutney was a brilliant choice as its delicate sweetness attenuated the sharp flavour of the pork.
My dining partner and I shared the house Tiramisu for dessert. We found the Italian specialty light, sweet and satisfying.
It’s been a long year-and-a-half. Celebrate our gradual reopening by visiting Zitto Zitto Taverna for an experience of superior cuisine and service – it will remind you of good times past and those to come!
That seems like a great restaurant and the food so appetizing. I would love to try it if I am in thast area.
Yes, if you are ever in Toronto, definitely check it out! Cheers, Lori
I would LOVE it here. I am all about Italian food. Yum!
Yes, I love Italian food too! Cheers, Lori
The mixed seafood grill looks so delicious. This is a place that I need to check out.
The dishes looks so savory. I’m dying to try some of these.
What a beautiful and comfy place. I love all the food, especially the mixed grilled seafood.
Yes, it is a gorgeous restaurant and the seafood grill was superb! Cheers, Lori
Looks like a great restaurant. I love the whole look of it. It looks very inviting.
Yes, the ambiance is so inviting and you have both traditional and modern rooms! Cheers, Lori
Oh wow this looks absolutely incredible I love the sounds of the food this restaurant services I would absolutely LOVE to got and visit myself.
This sounds like a place that is definitely worth visiting. The food sounds wonderful especially the mixed seafood grill.
I highly recommend Zitto Zitto Taverna and yes, the mixed seafood grill was fabulous! Cheers, Lori
Zitto Zitto Taverna looks like a great place to eat! I’m looking forward to being able to go out to dinner in the future without worrying about getting COVID.
I agree! I have missed dining out in restaurants! Cheers, Lori
Oh my the food looks great. And yes, the pandemic really hit restaurants hard.
Yes, restaurants suffered so much during the pandemic! it’s amazing they were able to open up during the pandemic! Cheers, Lori
What a neat place to eat! I haven’t been out to eat much and it is nice to have some suggestions.
This was my first time eating out in a long time and what a delight it was! Cheers, Lori
I need to visit this place! The seafood grill looks so delicious.
The seafood grill was my favourite dish! Definitely check Zitto Zitto Taverna out if you are visiting Toronto! Cheers, Lori
Yumm! All the food looks delicious. Looks like a great place to visit!
It is definitely a five star restaurant and I do recommend it if you are visiting Toronto! Cheers, Lori
Oh wow! The food looks scrumptious and the ambiance is very relaxing!
Yes, the food was amazing and I love the calming ambiance too! Cheers, Lori
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