Gent's Eat: Travel to Southern Italy w/ Zitto Zitto Taverna

From the outside looking in, you’re unsure what to expect. As soon as you step in, you see a modest bar and a handful of tables tucked away in various corners. The bartender, attentive and welcoming, a few patrons enjoying their meal watching the Toronto Blue Jays on the TV. Initially, you think this could be a small and cozy spot. Perhaps the type of place good enough for an intimate evening. But like everything else at Zitto Zitto Taverna, the surprises kept coming.

Scale

The first surprise is just how big the place truly is. Anita, the owner, and our personal tour guide for the evening starts us off by taking a walking tour of the restaurant. And yes, it felt like a walking tour because just when you thought you saw the rest of the place, there was always more to it. Past the bar and before entering what could be the second dinning room was a wooden cabinet, floor to ceiling, and lined to the end of the wall. With glass doors, countless bottles of wine filled the cabinets for guests to choose from. You could be there a while.

Beyond that was what could be considered the second dinning room. With almost a classical feel to it, it was the little details that made the room. From the table cloth to the mini gold covered portraits on each table, everything was placed with intention.

Into the next room we went where another full sized dinning room awaits. The walls laced with photos of old Toronto was neat to see. There were even a few photos of Anita’s parents dancing away on College street some decades ago right outside the very restaurant their daughter would one day run. Beyond that was the outdoor heated patio (it is Toronto after-all).

Zitto Zitto Taverna has unveiled its summer menu and it’s quite an impressive lineup. Starting off with a pair of drinks that included their negroni and what has to be the best espresso martini I’ve tried to date. Between those and the wine offerings, this is the kind of spot you could come to even if it’s just for cocktails. But of course, you shouldn’t come here and not try the food.

credit zitto zitto taverna – two espresso martinis

Starting off, a Crostone Piccante was the first piece of this ensemble. A rustic country grilled bread, layered on top was Calabrese nduja, burrata and roasted red peppers. Next up was the Tartare di Tonno Rosso which is Ahi tuna tartare, avocado, sesame oil and ravanillo aioli. It comes in this cylinder style presentation that you almost don’t want to break apart because of the aesthetic of it all. Next up was the Carpaccio Di Crevo, a thinly sliced black peppercorn encrusted venison tenderloin with wild berry reduction. That was just the appetizers.

credit samir mourani – carpaccio di crevo

Onto the mains with two show stoppers. First is what is now my new favourite plate of duck, the Anatra ai Frutti di Bosco. A pan seared Muscovy duck breast with a wild Ontario berry sauce.

credit samir mourani – zitto zitto taverna **Anatra ai Frutti di Bosco**

The second was the Merluzzo e Gambero, an oven roasted Black Cod, jumbo Black Tiger Shrimp and avocado salsa verde. They were fantastically delicious with loads of flavour and very generous with their portion sizes.

credit zitto zitto taverna – **Merluzzo e Gambero**

To end the evening, dessert was a Sicilian Pistacchio Tiramisu. No need to say anything further on that one. It pretty much speaks for itself.

Final Thoughts

Zitto Zitto Taverna is truly a hidden gem in Toronto. Lots of space, great food, and fantastic vibes, this is a place to bring your friends, family or loved ones. It’s the kind of place where you feel as though you’ve been plucked out of Toronto and dropped into a southern Italian city. I’m not Italian but I’ve had plenty of Italian food and Zitto Zitto Taverna is as authentic as it gets.