Contrada — Restaurant in Toronto

I went to Contrada with a close friend a week and a half ago, and didn’t want to let the experience go unreviewed. I worked in the industry for some time, serving and managing, helping open and renovate new spots. Contrada is a winner from top to bottom. The location itself is clean, cozy and not too crowded—especially compared to typical Little Italy fare. The staff is smooth. They know what they’re doing and they tell you so by showing you, not by performing with any pretense. The food was fantastic—aesthetically, aroma-wise, taste-wise, price points…if I can come up with a flaw on anything I end up eating there, I’ll update. Seriously. But that didn’t happen. NOTE: I don’t drink alcohol, but the Star Witness with fresh basil was delicious for a virgin cocktail. I do know my booze, though, and the list looks like one I’d take half an hour to decide on—in a good way…which my friend nearly did before having Army Brat (smelled amazing) followed by an Il Capetan, which he knew I’d have ordered if I still drank, and I believe him when he said I’d have gushed about it. The appetizers we shared—Wedge Salad and Potatoes—are both the best apps I’ve had in some time. Wedge Salad is verging on Caesar Salad territory these days, in that it can get generic, with a kitchen just going through the motions in giving you something bland and watery. This one was cracking-crisp, and unique with a texture and viscosity to the dressing that makes me want it again, something I’ve never said about a Wedge Salad before. The potatoes are thrice-fried, making them magic in that they have the softness of freshly-boiled baby spuds, but also a chip-like aftertaste lingering on. I had the Gnocci for my entrée, and it was excellent. It was very tangy-fresh, and mint forward. The chilies give it a unique crisp I’ve not experienced with the countless Gnocci dishes I’ve had over the years; I’m a big texture guy with food, and these people get that. MY friend had the liver Anglotti, and raved. (ALSO NOTE: I am vegetarian, so did not try it; he also really liked the Gnocci. The Olive Oil Cake is my new favourite dessert. Honestly, I’m rarely a dessert guy, but I’m having that every time I come back. Obviously no restaurant is perfect. I might experience a mistake of some sort on some other future visit (which I’m sure to make). But this place does everything right, with touch and care even on the little things. Overall, Contrada is one of those places that won’t compete for your attention or taste buds by echoing trends. It competes and wins by making things that you can tell are loved by the people who came up with them. Those are the...

My visit to Contrada in Toronto was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled along the vibrant College Street, this restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience that’s hard to forget. I was there with three friends on a bustling Saturday evening, and the ambience immediately set the tone for a memorable night.

The restaurant boasts a cozy main dining area and a charming back room complete with a welcoming fireplace, creating a perfect backdrop for our dinner. The crowd was lively, adding to the vibrant atmosphere, with a nearby table celebrating a 40th birthday, further enhancing the joyful vibe.

Contrada’s menu is a food lover’s paradise. We opted for a family-style dining approach, sharing eight distinct dishes. The menu featured an array of tantalizing options, including succulent sweet breads, perfectly cooked chicken, rich and flavorful liver, al dente pasta, crispy potatoes, tender lamb, mouth-watering croquettes, and delicate cod. Each dish was a unique exploration of flavors, leaving us impressed and satisfied. We also had 2 desserts to share.

To complement our meal, we enjoyed several bottles of Prosecco, which were a delightful addition. The service was a standout aspect of our experience. The staff was not just friendly, but genuinely kind and attentive. They consistently checked on us, ensuring our comfort and satisfaction, and expertly managed our wine and water, adding a touch of elegance to our evening.

An unexpected pleasant surprise was the coat check service, thoughtfully offered by a particularly courteous staff member, which added a layer of convenience to our experience.

While parking in the area can be a challenge, it’s a small price to pay for dining in one of College Street’s culinary jewels. With a bill of around $500 for four people, the value was absolutely worth it for the quality of food and service received.

Overall, Contrada is a must-visit restaurant in Toronto. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual outing, it promises an exceptional dining experience with its unique flavors, superb service, and enchanting atmosphere. I highly recommend it and am already looking forward to...

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Contrasting each freshly sourced protagonist each dish are thoughtfully executed pairings, that makes every part of your mouth dance. The tuna carpaccio was a strong start, featuring thinly sliced albacore tuna that's cured in kombu to the point of melting in your mouth, dissolving into a fatty and smoky bite. It's topped with crisp endives, refreshing mint leaves and a creamy tonnato sauce that blends seamlessly with the overall smokiness. It's finished with fried capers for a touch of zing and crisp. The sweetbreads though, were so mind-blowingly tasty that we had to get an encore. The succulent, creamy texture gives away with a gentle bite, contrasted with a crispy sear. The rich and fatty taste are paired with a sticky and sweet marsala sauce that was mopped up thoroughly. Nothing beats freshly made pasta for its aromatic eggy essence and springy al dente texture. The cream sauce is rich yet light, allowing you to fully savor the fall-apart tender morsels of milk-braised rabbit meat and the other pops of flavour from the chanterelles, pecorino shavings and crispy chicken skin. Wrapped snugly beneath a comforting pasta sheet, the luscious chicken liver pate filling has a pleasant gaminess and a rich savoriness. Embellished with toasty almonds, crisp shallots, tangy mascarpone, and carpano bianco for an all-inclusive trip to flavour town. Finally, a ridiculously thick and indulgent porkchop is coated in a thin layer of crispy golden breadcrumbs and fried to a juicy perfection. The caper lemon butter sauce adds a harmonious zingy and buttery coating that doesn't soften the exterior too much. The fresh arugula tossed onto top also isn't a thoughtless addition of greenery, as the mild bitter flavour balances the Parmesan and pork...