If you’re scanning Italian restaurants in Toronto and feeling déjà vu—same pastas, same mains, same safe flavours—you’re not alone. For a special night you need a menu that’s familiar enough to trust, yet creative enough to feel memorable. That’s where Via Allegro shines. It’s a long-standing Etobicoke favourite across from Sherway Gardens, pairing Italian craftsmanship with smart innovation and a wine program that takes the guesswork out of pairing.

Familiar classics, fresh execution

Great Italian cooking doesn’t abandon tradition; it builds on it. At Via Allegro, you’ll recognize the heart of the classics—silky tagliatelle, slow-braised ragùs, bright seafood—but with details that keep every bite interesting: precise textures, lifted acidity, and clever use of seasonal aromatics. The result is comfort without predictability.

A wine program that makes pairing easy

A big menu can be overwhelming; a deep wine list even more so. Here, it isn’t. Staff are trained to translate your preferences—“something crisp,” “nothing too oaky,” “a bold red under $X”—into pairings that actually complement your dish. For third-party credibility, see Star Wine List’s profile of Via Allegro, which highlights the restaurant’s international recognition and cellar depth. You don’t need to be a collector to feel looked after.

Designed for special nights without downtown stress

Anniversaries, engagements, client dinners—big moments deserve smooth logistics. You get polished service, thoughtful pacing, and easy access from the west end. If you prefer lively ambiance and photogenic light, request the glass-enclosed patio/atrium; if you want intimate conversation, the main dining room is classic and calm.

5 Brilliant Twists on the Italian Food Menu

Menus evolve with seasons and sourcing. Use the current menu to confirm day-of details.

1) “Spicy Bad Girl” Lobster Spaghetti

Think puttanesca—tomato, capers, chilies—then add Nova Scotia lobster for a sweet, buttery counterpoint to the sauce’s briny heat. The name is cheeky; the technique is serious. The spaghetti carries a glossy, balanced sauce that coats rather than drowns, letting the lobster remain the star. Portions are available as half or whole lobster.

• Why it’s a twist: marrying a classic southern Italian flavour profile with premium Atlantic lobster.

• Taste & texture: sweet–salty–spicy harmony; firm pasta for proper bite.

• Pairing idea: a mineral-driven Italian white or a structured rosé—ask the sommelier for a by-the-glass option that keeps the palate fresh.

• Best for: first-time visits when you want a dish with personality and great table appeal.

2) Short Rib Agnolotti with Truffle & Taleggio

Agnolotti is about proportion: thin pasta, generous filling, and just enough sauce. Here, slow-braised short rib brings savoury depth, maitake mushrooms add earthiness, taleggio delivers gentle tang, and truffle rounds everything with aromatic lift. It’s the kind of dish that makes the table go quiet for a moment.

• Why it’s a twist: elevates comfort-food richness with layered aromatics and a cheese choice (taleggio) that’s assertive yet refined.

• Order tip: share as a mid-course to set up a lighter main like branzino or sea bass.

• Pairing idea: Nebbiolo or Barbaresco by the glass—structure for the richness, florals for the truffle.

3) Rabbit Pappardelle with Guanciale

Wide ribbons of pappardelle meet a gently rich rabbit ragù, with mushrooms and guanciale bringing savoury bass notes. A handful of arugula adds peppery lift so the dish finishes brighter than you expect.

• Why it’s a twist: keeps the rustic soul of slow-cooked ragù yet swaps the usual beef or pork for delicate rabbit, then sharpens the finish with greens.

• Mouthfeel: sauce that clings, pasta with resilience, occasional crispy edges from guanciale.

• Pairing idea: Sangiovese or Chianti Classico—enough acidity to reset the palate between bites.

• Best for: diners who crave something traditional-adjacent, not predictable.

4) Truffled Mushroom Risotto with Fontina Fonduta

Risotto is often treated as a “safe” order; this one is anything but. The kitchen builds umami with a mix of wild mushrooms and a subtle truffled porcini cream, then finishes with a silky fontina fonduta. The rice stays al dente and the sauce coats the spoon without turning heavy.

• Why it’s a twist: technique-driven depth that respects risotto’s simplicity while delivering a luxurious finish.

• Comfort meter: high—perfect when you want meat-free richness and big aroma.

• Pairing idea: a northern Italian white with drive (think Alto Adige) or a light, savoury red if you like gentle tannin.

5) Golden Spoon Duck for Two

A centre-of-table showstopper: dry-aged duck crown with roasted foie gras and confit risotto. The aging concentrates flavour, the foie adds decadence, and the risotto ties it together. Served for two, it’s built for anniversaries and milestone dinners.

• Why it’s a twist: Italian technique with a luxe, tableside “event” feel—more theatrical than a typical secondi.

• How to pace the meal: start with a bright crudo or a crisp salad to leave room; follow with a lighter dessert like sorbetto.

• Pairing idea: structured old-world reds—Barolo, Brunello, or a Bordeaux blend—chosen to mirror the dish’s depth.

How to Order with Confidence (Quick Tips)

• Balance the arc: share one rich pasta (Agnolotti) as a mid-course, then switch to a lighter seafood main or split the Duck for Two.

• Use the cellar: tell your server your budget and style (“crisp white,” “bold red under $X”). You’ll get spot-on by-the-glass or bottle recommendations without decision fatigue. Preview credibility on Star Wine List.

• Ask for pacing: if you’re celebrating, tell the team. They’ll time courses to speeches, photos, or a surprise dessert.

Plan Your Visit (Seating, Timing, Parking, Tasting Menu)

Seating choices

• Glass-enclosed patio/atrium: bright, romantic, photo-friendly; request in advance for peak nights.

• Main dining room: classic feel, ideal for focused conversation or business dinners.

Timing

• Weekends & holidays: book early, especially if you want the atrium.

• Weeknights: more flexibility for last-minute plans or larger groups.

Parking & access

• Located across from Sherway Gardens with convenient parking. Skips the downtown crunch but keeps the polish you want for a big night.

Tasting menu option

• When offered, the Chef’s Tasting Menu (with optional wine pairing) removes decision fatigue and showcases signatures in a set arc. If you’re planning a proposal or milestone dinner, this can be the simplest path to “wow.”

Next Steps & Booking

• Preview tonight’s dishes: View the menu.

• Planning an anniversary or client dinner? Contact the team for seating recommendations and reservation details.

• Curious about the wine program’s credentials? See Star Wine List’s Via Allegro profile for third-party recognition and cellar highlights.

FAQs

What makes Via Allegro different from other Italian restaurants in Toronto?
Distinctive signatures (like Spicy Bad Girl Lobster Spaghetti and Golden Spoon Duck) plus a decorated wine program that makes pairing easy. It’s creative, polished, and built for special occasions.

Do you offer wine guidance if I’m not an expert?
Yes. Share your dishes and budget; the team will suggest by-the-glass or bottle options that fit your taste. The cellar’s depth is highlighted by Star Wine List.

Does the menu change?
Seasonally and with sourcing. Always check the current menu on the day you book.

Is there a tasting menu?
When available, a Chef’s Tasting Menu (with optional wine pairing) offers a guided experience—great for celebrations or for first-timers who want range without decisions.

Where should I sit?
Ask for the glass-enclosed patio/atrium for light and energy; choose the main room for a quieter, classic vibe.