Lakvino Italian Ristorante

By Annabelle Goodman –

Lakvino came highly recommended from a friend who had recently dined there. Lakvino is a welcome addition to the Annex.  Concert goers at Tafelmusik concerts and film buffs at the Bloor Documentary Cinema have a new home for delicious food before a performance. Rumor has it the chef, manager and other workers recently left another restaurant in the area in order to open this establishment.

I found the deep colored walls very soothing. The lighting adds a charm and a pleasant ambiance. The prices are very reasonable but the restaurant has a fine dining atmosphere. The owner and manager were so warm and welcoming. This has to be one of the toughest businesses to establish. I wish them well.

The bread and flatbread are enhanced with the creamy red pepper dip. I was dining with my grandson who quickly devoured every cracker and slice of bead. I love dining with him.  He has a healthy appetite and a palate that appreciates fine food.

The Mixed Grill Vegetable Pizza was outstanding.($11.95) The crust was very tasty and thin. The toppings were plentiful and I loved the flavor of the basil pesto, mozzarella and goat cheese.. We shared the pizza and thought it was outstanding. My grandson and I like to sample pizzas in different restaurants and found this one to be exceptional.

Pizza Funghi is prepared with a black truffle paste and a medley of cheeses.($11.95) There are many selections from which to choose.

My grandson also managed a Penne with Spicy Italian Sausage.($13.45) Rapini, red onion and roasted red pepper is infused with chili fine olive oil.

Other pasta dishes were very tempting and will necessitate another visit. Linguini Di Mare offers black tiger shrimp, calamari, scallop, mussels, tomatoes, scallion, and garlic with a fine olive oil.($16.95)

 Lakvino Fussili is prepared with smoked chicken, woodland mushrooms, artichoke and a rose sauce. ($14.45)

Sandwiches are popular at lunch time. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with sautéed spinach, goat cheese and a sundried tomato mayo will be my next choice.($7.95) The Smoked Salmon is prepared with deli cream cheese, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce.($7.95)

Hungry diners can enjoy a heartier offering of Free Range Chicken served with sweet mashed potato, sautéed spinach, chicken and natural jus.($16.95)

Grilled Atlantic Salmon is served with fried leeks, red mini potatoes, beans and shitake mushrooms in a grand mustard lemon butter sauce.($16.95)

The menu offers sufficient choices for any palate. The ambiance is pleasant. The service was outstanding. The Annex location is so central to many activities in the area. I do wish them all well at Lakvino. They are trying so hard.