Vivoli

Annabelle Goodman —

When in doubt where to dine head to College St. One restaurant after another calls out. I have dined at Vivoli a number of times and always agree to return.  This is authentic Italian food well prepared and beautifully served. It is ideal for a dinner after a film at the Royal Cinema. The large patio is busy all summer. I have yet to go upstairs to see what is happening but I notice a lot of clients coming and going. I like the back room by the wood fire oven. The aromas are tantalizing. I can also see those masterful pizzas coming from the oven. If you weren’t hungry coming in you will quickly get an appetite.

665 College St – 416 536 7575

The Salads are fresh and a healthy portion. Two of us shared the Arugula Salad. I love the peppery taste of the fresh greens. Shaved Parmigianino cheese gave it a lovely flavor. The balsamic reduction was just sufficient to enhance the flavors. It was a crisp healthy beginning. We had considered the Classic Caprese Salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and extra virgin oil. Insalate di Vivoli offers baby spinach, radicchio, mixed berries, toasted pecans, goat cheese all enhanced with a bitter sweet ice-wine dressing.

We were seated by the wood fire oven. I was so tempted to reach out and grab a pizza. It was the thinnest crust. The Sanremo Pizza Pomodoro is topped with bocconcini, green and black olives, red onions and prosciutto cotto. The Waving Flag Pizza includes mozzarella di buffalo, tomatoes and fresh basil. There are so many suggestions on the menu. Everything always looks so inviting. It is always presented with a smile in an efficient manner.

I usually opt for Pasta. On this occasion I asked for the Gluten Free Pasta. It is a Fusilli base. I then chose the ingredients from the Angel Hair Pasta prepared with shrimp and served with a light white wine tomato sauce. A few hot chili flakes and I was ‘in heaven.’ Rigatoni Contadina includes chicken, mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce. My dining companion opted for Fusilli with broccoli, red peppers and chicken in a rose sauce. We both enjoyed every bite. The portions were very generous.

Swordfish and Salmone Alla Griglia are offered daily. Veal Scaloppini is prepared with porcini and button mushrooms in a cream sauce. The menu is extensive and offers a variety of dishes to meet everyone’s needs. Gluten free is available on request.

Crème Caramel was an enormous portion. The natural crème caramel was so delicious. On this occasion the Tiramisu, Chocolate Truffle and variety of Cheesecakes were overlooked for another visit. Too much of a good thing all at once is not a good idea. Therefore, I will return again and try something else. I have never been disappointed. The service is always friendly and attentive. The food is pleasing and satisfying. The prices are affordable. College St is a vibrant area in Little Italy.  I feed on the energy and the great food.