Scaddabush Adds More Flavour to Yonge and Gerrard

The once somewhat seedy and certainly dated intersection of Yonge and Gerrard isn’t what it used to be. Joining the likes of the recently opened REDS Midtown and Duke’s Refresher restaurants, Scaddabush Italian Kitchen and Bar opened a second location on Gerrard last week, just east of Yonge. Comfortingly delicious, yet actually affordable (seriously), Scaddabush is perfect for everything from a Friday date night to a brainstorm lunch with coworkers, or to catch the game after work. Here is why you need to check it out…

The Vibe
The whole fancy/stuffy restaurant vibe may be a thing of the past (at least for now), but with new Toronto restaurants, more often than not, there still exists an undeniable degree of pretention. If that’s your thing, you won’t find it at Scaddabush. The focus really is on the comfort of home, and this is reflected from the ambience to the service (if you happen to be at one of the large communal tables, you could have a large complementary pasta bowl sent your way) and the hearty, soothing dishes. Guests actually are treated like they are part of the family – that’s the whole idea.

The Space
The 6,500 square foot space is welcoming, earthy and organic, with large windows, exposed brick, reclaimed wood features, antique Edison lighting and mixed and matched candelabras throughout. Eclectic details like a large collection of mismatched side plates (sourced from antique stores, garage sales, vintage shops and auctions), generations of wall-mounted picture frames, unmatched chairs and a wall of assorted mirrors (within which the multiple TVs effortlessly blend) offer unique touches of imperfect comfort. A large, central kitchen table, inspired by Sunday dinner at Nonna’s house, encourages communal and sharable dining. The kitchen is located behind windows in the back, making it feel as though you are looking into a bustling home kitchen from the outside.

The Meatballs
The ultimate in comfort is encapsulated in the Scaddabush meatball. Their signature eight-ounce meatball, prepared in-house (“Just like at Nonna’s,” as General Manager Aleksandar Przulj tells us), is made with certified Angus Beef, ricotta cheese, and parsley, and marinated with garlic, black pepper porcini mushrooms and olive oil. The dish is offered straight up (on a shareable focaccia crostini with cheese sauce and fresh basil), on a bun (grilled Italian crusty bun with cheese sauce and peperonata), or on top of fresh spaghetti. The meatballs are braised in a Sunday sauce and left in the freezer for 6-12 hours before they are cooked. 

The House-made Offerings
At Scaddabush, in addition to the meatballs, the mozzarella, crostini, pasta and pizza dough is made fresh daily… and is unforgettable. As self-proclaimed mozzarella connoisseurs, we have to say that their signature mozzarella is some of the best we have experienced in the country. It is made fresh daily from 5pm-11pm, and once it’s made, it never goes in the fridge. The pasta, also made in-house daily, is available with gluten-free and whole-wheat options (because we know you were wondering).

The Affordable Drinks
Scaddabush offers a variety of wines, beers and ever-so-tempting cocktails at equally refreshing prices. This includes barrel-aged cocktails for less than $10, in addition to red or white sangria ($7/glass). Furthermore, the restaurant offers its Generous Pour wine program, where six of its wines – three reds and three whites – are available in a 1L size, starting at $32. The cocktails are all built with fresh fruit, basil and syrups made in-house.

The Sharables
Many of the dishes are offered in a new social size available during dinner to encourage traditional Italian family-style sharing. Some of our favourite sharables include things like new bruschetta options that offer a modern take on the classic Italian appetizer, like goat cheese and avocado, pepperoni and tomato and fresh mozzarella and sundried tomato. Keeping with the theme, the lunch special allows guests to split a pizza and add two salads or soups for $4 per person. And if you can’t bond with friends, lovers and clients over shared food, then we don’t know how you can.

The Social Factor
Aside from the vibe and the bustling bar, designed to facilitate casual interaction among strangers, the restaurant also offers the Scaddabush Social Club at its new location. Members of the social club will receive invites and other unique experiences and offers. Furthermore, the space is designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes. The mezzanine area can hold up to 70 people for a private party. If you are looking to take it up a notch, there will be a DJ in the lounge Thursday through Saturday evening.

Of course, if nothing else, go for the food. The menu has something for everyone – dieter or shameless indulger alike, with things like gluten allergies accounted for. And it isn’t just for dinner, either. Lunchtime crowd pleasers include the Tuscan salad (baby green kale, arugula, marinated raisins, toasted pumpkin seeds, semi sun-dried tomatoes, cipollini onions, pecorino cheese and balsamic lemon vinaigrette; $12.23) or the grilled cheese and prosciutto (prosciutto, provolone, fig jam and focaccia bread; $12.97).

Check it out for yourself. Scaddabush Italian Kitchen and Bar (382 Yonge Street) is open 11am to 1am Sunday through Wednesday and from 11am to 2am Thursday through Saturday.

#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)

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