Rossini Restaurant

The boys and I wanted to take Steph out for a belated birthday dinner this evening, so I told her to pick whatever restaurant she was interested in trying. As per usual, she texted me with a few different restaurants options and we ended up picking out Rossini:
Bruschetta
I don't often order bruschetta because I tend to find that it's usually really overpriced for what it is (toasted garlic bread topped with diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil) but a lot of the reviews of this place recommends the bruschetta and it's only $4 for an order, which has two pieces (frankly, I think bruschetta priced over $10 is highway robbery unless each piece is like, the size of my head), so we decided to go for it. And what do you know? It's actually really damn tasty; totally lived up to the raves. I honestly don't know how so many places can screw up such a simple thing, but I have found that it happens with alarming frequency. Rossini's version uses a nice crusty bread that still has a good soft chew in the centre, with just enough garlic butter soaked in it to make it flavourful without getting the bread soggy. The diced tomatoes are fresh with a good crunch and are perfectly seasoned and tossed in just the right amount of olive oil so as to keep it light but still incredibly flavourful. Great way to start a classic Italian meal.


Calamari Fritti
We decided to share the calamari as an appetizer, of which you can choose between fried and grilled. Naturally, we went for the fried version — there really is no contest, especially with four Asians — which our server recommended over the grilled, anyway. Okay, so I have had my fair share of calamari, whether it be at an Italian restaurant or a pizza joint or a bar, but the squid they use here is perfect. Like, it's soft but still firm, not too chewy, not too hard or rubbery. They are lightly battered and deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp, and really well-seasoned — add a squeeze of lemon and you've got yourself one hell of an addictive appetizer. If Goldilocks was choosing between calamari instead of porridge, she undoubtedly would go for Rossini's version. And she's one picky bitch.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale e Funghi
And for my main course, I decided on one of tonight's specials: the pappardelle with wild boar ragout, a melange of wild mushrooms, and a splash of truffle oil. When I'm at an Italian restaurant, it seems that I always order pappardelle if it's available, as evidenced here, here, here, and here. And for good reason, people — I am never disappointed! Fat, wide ribbons of fresh pasta, each strand perfectly coated in a most heavenly buttery sauce, topped with a most delightful marriage of mushrooms and boar meat (which tastes somewhere in between pork and beef, strangely enough) and a drizzle of truffle oil. Rich and luxurious and just... magnificent. 
The moment you walk in, you know you're in a classic Italian fine dining restaurant — clean, neat, and elegant, white linens and wine glasses on every table, with proper napkins and place settings and candles. The service is friendly, professional, polite, and efficient, and the best part (for me, anyway) is that it's perfectly lit — dim enough to feel warm and intimate, but bright enough to take great photos. Oh, and the food is really decently priced, too, at less than $40 per person after tax and tip! It's no surprise this place has been around for over 40 years. Definite recommend if you're looking for a great uptown Italian restaurant, whether it's for a special occasion or a date or just a night out with your friends and family. 

Rossini Restaurant 1988 Avenue Road Toronto, ON M5M 4A4 (416) 481-1188