It’s all in the name.
Read it and you’ll soon figure out that Italian food has come to East Chinatown.
Mr. Ciao sits just a few steps in from the corner of Broadview and Gerrard (598 Gerrard St. E), across the street from several bustling Chinese markets. And while it’s large front windows and 30-seat patio look out at the East Chinatown scene, the smells coming from the kitchen are nothing but hearty Italian.
How hearty?
Owner Racquel Youtzy (also of Triple A Bar) has brought Naples-style pizza to the neighbourhood called pizza fritta. The difference is in the fried dough – and what a delicious difference it is. Our Peking duck pizza is spot on, and yet another example of the local community being brought into the Italian mix. Or vice versa.
The natural light from the front windows illuminates the long bar with its pretty shutter wall backing, but soon fades to allow for a more rustic dining experience. Black leather booths, cabin-like walls, and strings of tiny lights make this the perfect spot for a causal date or a full-on family meal. In fact, there’s even a small space for kids to play at the back of the restaurant, which makes it even easier to enjoy your wine from the tap.
And that’s what Mr. Ciao is all about: enjoyment. It’s causal, friendly, and exactly the type of laidback pizza-pasta place where you can enjoy those two dishes without anyone mentioning the word carbs.
Still need convincing? How about the crispy polenta with bomba Italiana, or the deep fried olives? Yes, you read that correctly… deep. fried. olives.
Open for lunch Thursday through Sunday from noon-2am, and every other day from 5pm-2am, Mr. Ciao is truly a neighbourhood spot worth checking out – whether it’s your neighbourhood or not.
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