In a neighbourhood where Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine have been entrenched for decades, passersby can be excused for doing a double-take upon reading Mr. Ciao’s business sign. The popular Italian greeting brings a Mediterranean flavour to East Chinatown. “We wanted to do something that was Italian using quality ingredients simply prepared, something people would like and are be familiar with, with a little twist here and there,” says Tiziano Pivetta, one of the two co-owners.
Tiziano and Racquel Youtzy are no stranger to the city’s restaurant scene. Since joining forces as business partners in the late 90s, they have launched a string of restaurants. They opened Mr. Ciao near Gerrard and Broadview in 2014 after Racquel’s maternity leave was over. New parents who need a night out will find the 75-seat dining room convenient because there’s a small play area at the back to keep the little ones occupied.
margherita
basil . tomato sauce . buffalo mozzarella
sopressata
sopressata . olives . roasted red peppers . tomato sauce . mozzarella
deluxe
pepperoni . green peppers . mushrooms . tomato sauce . mozzarella
potato
sliced potato . olive oil . grana padano . rosemary
spicy sausage
roasted red onion, spinach, tomato sauce and mozzarella
peking duck
roast duck . char siu sauce . black bean . wasabi peas . scallions
speck
Fior di latte . mascarpone . speck . tomato sauce
goat cheese
caramelized onion . oven dried roma tomato
three cheese
parmasean . fior di late . blu cheese
linguini
mixed seafood . tomato . white wine sauce
penne
spicy sausage . rapini . smoked pork drippings
rigatoni
braised duck ragu
orrechietti
crimini . oyster . porcini mushrooms . garlic . white wine cream sauce
fusilli caponata
eggplant . tomatoes . zucchini . olives . pine nuts
spaghetti
bolognese
polenta
chef's daily creation
risotto
chef's daily creation
arugula salad
fennel . tomato . white balsamic vinaigrette
insalata italiano
romaine . radicchio . chick peas . red onion . lemon & oregano vinaigrette
garlic rosemary bread
bruschetta fritta
grilled calamari
olive oil, chopped onion & black olives
crispy polenta
blue cheese & mascarpone dip
beef carpaccio
toasted rosemary . arugula salad
polpetta
jumbo meatball, tomato sauce and grana padano
house smoked salmon pizza
mascarpone . capers . red onion
deep fried olives
antipasto platter
cured meats . cheese . gardiniere . garlic rosemary bread
vegetable fritto misto
white bean & garlic dip
mussels
pancetta . garlic confit . tomato . white wine
Think your friends might be familiar with this business? Ask your friends on Facebook to see what they think.
This relative newcomer is not only nestled in a child-centric neighbourhood (Riverdale/Leslieville), it was designed with kids in mind. The whole back area of the restaurant is for the little ones - a blackboard wall allows their creative side to come out, and a play area lets imaginations run wild.
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