🇨🇦 Toronto’s Beloved Old-School Italian Gem Lives Up to the Hype

Cafe Oro di Napoli, 75 Jarvis St, Toronto This spot’s been a long-time 网红 (internet favorite) for a reason—after finally trying it, the flavors totally lived up to the hype… and were worth every one of the six Lactaid tablets I popped before the meal 😂! The vibe is warm and welcoming, with lots of grandparents dining in, which says a lot about its authenticity. They have an open kitchen, but the aroma is just right—enough to make your mouth water without feeling overwhelming. Plus, the tables are spaced comfortably, so you never feel cramped ✨. 🍘 Arancini: My first time trying arancini, and these fried rice balls didn’t disappoint! Stuffed with asparagus and cheese, the exterior is coated in breadcrumbs and fried to a crispy crunch, while the inside is soft and creamy. Bonus: They’re not overly cheesy, so the flavors stay balanced 🧀. 🦑 Calamari Alla Griglia: This is where it’s at! The grilled squid is packed with real, fresh flavor—seared to a slightly charred finish, tender and bouncy with that perfect oceanic sweetness. They stuff the sliced squid rings with a vibrant mix of sautéed tomatoes, onions, and olives, which totally masks any hint of charred bitterness. The result? A fresh, flavorful combo where the squid’s natural taste shines through 🌟. 🍚 Frutti Di Mare Risotto: This seafood risotto is swimming in rich red sauce, which blends beautifully with the sweetness of the shellfish. They pile on shrimp, mussels, clams, and scallops—all super fresh! The only tiny letdown? We found a little sand in the rice (probably from a clam or mussel), but it didn’t ruin the dish overall 🦐. 🍝 Pappardelle Osso Buco: My friend ordered this tomato beef noodle dish, and while the slow-cooked beef was tender, the sauce felt a bit light for the wide pappardelle noodles. It could’ve used a richer, more robust flavor to cling to the pasta better 🐄. 🍨 Affogato & Gelato: The gelato was just okay—not as creamy as I hoped. But the affogato? Chef’s kiss. I’m a sucker for any affogato, and theirs hit the spot: a scoop of gelato drowned in rich, hot espresso ☕️🍦. What’s great is that it’s surprisingly affordable! For two people, including tax and tip, it came out to around 60 CAD per person. We ate so much we could barely walk, and still had leftovers to take home for a second meal 🥡. If you’re craving classic, homey Italian food in Toronto, this old-school favorite doesn’t miss. It’s easy to see why it’s been a staple for so long! #Toronto #TorontoFood #TorontoEats #ItalianCuisine #TorontoFoodie #VintageEats #TorontoDining