Terroni, Toronto

Terroni has been open on Queen West since 1992, first selling imported Italian supplies and mortadella, and then expanding into pizzas and pasta. Now there are two other locations in Toronto and one in Los Angeles. There’s no secret behind its success, just tasty traditional southern Italian food at reasonable prices.

We were famished at about 9 p.m. on a Sunday night, which turned out to be a perfect time for us to visit Terroni since it’s always packed in the evening.

The three of us sat at one end of a long heavy wooden table near the front, while a couple sat on the other end. It didn’t feel weird since we weren’t squashed elbow to elbow. I love the big mirrors on the wall and the warm glow to everything, including the service.

Terroni, TorontoTerroni, Toronto

We shared the calamari alla griglia ($11.95) to start, large pieces of squid that were lightly grilled and served on top of mixed greens with tomatoes. It’s so nice to have squid that hasn’t been drenched in batter, and cooked so you can actually taste it.

Terroni’s dinner-plate sized, thin-crust pizzas are uncut and incredibly delicious. Their tomato base is made with hand-picked San Marzano tomatoes which are dictated by strict rules in order to carry the label.

Kevin got a Santo Stefano ($15.95) with prosciutto, arugula and buffalo milk mozzarella. I devoured my margherita ($11.95). It’s only tomato, basil and mozzarella but it was glorious.

Terroni, Toronto

Gigi’s linguine al frutti di mare ($16.95) featured al dente, homemade linguine with fresh mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari, scallops, in a light tomato sauce.

It was exactly what we needed on a cold, hungry, late night.

Terroni, 720 Queen St. West, Toronto, (416) 504-0320. Open 9 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. No reservations taken. Website here and menu here.

Terroni, Toronto