Why Via Allegro Stands Out Among Sherway Garden Restaurants

Searching for sherway garden restaurants often comes with high expectations and a few frustrations. Maybe you’re scrolling through lists of options, worried about choosing the wrong place for an anniversary. Maybe you’re hoping to impress a client without battling downtown traffic. Or maybe you simply want a memorable meal with family where every detail feels thought through.

This is where Via Allegro, located directly across from Sherway Gardens Mall, solves the problem. For more than two decades, it has been a fixture in Etobicoke’s dining scene, blending authentic Italian flavours with modern touches and pairing it all with one of the most extensive wine lists in Canada.

Guests choose Via Allegro because it makes important dinners feel easy. You don’t need to second-guess the menu, stress about seating, or wonder if the occasion will feel special enough. Everything from the glassware to the dessert plating signals that you’re in capable hands.

Easy Access Across from Sherway Gardens

Via Allegro’s location at 1750 The Queensway is a practical advantage that sets it apart. Instead of heading downtown, navigating congestion, and searching for parking, you can drive, park easily, and walk straight in. For people who already shop or work near Sherway Gardens, the convenience matters. It transforms what could be a stressful evening into something smooth and enjoyable.

A Four-Season Atrium That Feels Like Italy

The atmosphere at Via Allegro is carefully designed. The glass-enclosed atrium is a favourite for both weekday dinners and weekend celebrations. In summer, the space glows with natural light and greenery. In winter, the heated enclosure and flowering décor make it feel like spring even on the coldest days.

Diners often describe the space as romantic, Instagram-worthy, and transportive. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the feeling that you’ve stepped into a different setting, one that turns a simple dinner into a memory.

An Award-Winning Wine Program

If you care about wine, this restaurant is a destination. Via Allegro has earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award, one of the highest honours in the industry. That means its cellar isn’t just large—it’s curated to offer breadth across regions, vintages, and price points.

But what makes the program truly special is accessibility. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it. The sommelier and staff are skilled at guiding guests toward pairings that suit their meal and budget. For seasoned collectors, there are treasures to discover. For casual diners, there are options by the glass that make the evening feel elevated without overwhelming.

7 Must-Try Dishes at Via Allegro

The menu is known for balancing Italian tradition with modern refinement. Here are seven dishes worth planning your evening around:

1) Branzino

The Mediterranean branzino is light, fragrant, and plated with potato and artichoke. The skin is crisp, the flesh delicate, and the sides add just enough richness without stealing focus.

• Texture: flaky fish balanced by creamy potato.
  
  
• Why it’s memorable: it highlights the restaurant’s respect for simple, fresh ingredients. 
• Pairing: crisp Italian whites or a mineral-driven rosé. 

2) Chilean Sea Bass

Rich yet balanced, the Chilean sea bass arrives with roasted corn risotto and lemon-fennel. The risotto adds a buttery depth, while citrus fennel cuts through for brightness.

• Ideal occasion: a celebratory dinner or business lunch where you want something comforting yet impressive. 
• Plating: golden sear against vibrant yellow corn and green fennel—an Instagram-friendly dish. 

3) Short Rib Agnolotti

This pasta is a guest favourite: hand-folded agnolotti stuffed with braised short rib, finished with maitake mushrooms, taleggio cheese, and truffle. Each bite is indulgent, layered, and deeply savoury.

• Why order it: it represents the perfect balance between Italian heritage and creative luxury. 
• Pairing: nebbiolo, barolo, or a structured cabernet sauvignon. 
• Extra detail: the agnolotti works well as a shared mid-course before a fish or meat entrée. 

4) Rabbit Pappardelle

Rustic yet refined, the rabbit pappardelle layers slow-braised rabbit with mushrooms, guanciale, and arugula. The sauce clings to wide ribbons of pasta, delivering warmth and depth.

• Best for: diners who want to try something distinctive. 
• Pairing: earthy reds like sangiovese or a bold Chianti. 
• Why it stands out: it’s not a dish you’ll find at just any Italian restaurant near Sherway Gardens. 

5) Tagliatelle Bolognese

The classic Bolognese is a dish every Italian kitchen must execute well, and Via Allegro elevates it. The ragù is slow-cooked for complexity, while the tagliatelle has just the right bite.

• Comfort factor: it’s a familiar dish perfected. 
• Family appeal: children, adults, and first-time visitors all appreciate it. 
• Pairing: medium-bodied reds like merlot or sangiovese. 

6) “Spicy Bad Girl” Lobster Spaghetti

This signature dish combines Nova Scotia lobster with a puttanesca-style sauce. The sweetness of lobster balances the spice and umami from capers, olives, and chili. Guests can choose half or whole lobster portions depending on appetite.

• Why guests rave about it: it’s bold, playful, and memorable. 
• Perfect pairing: chardonnay with some oak or a full-bodied rosé. 
• Occasion: anniversaries or first-time visits where you want something unique. 

7) Golden Spoon Duck (for Two)

If you want a centerpiece, the dry-aged duck crown with foie gras and risotto is unforgettable. Served for two, it turns dinner into an event.

• Why it’s special: it combines theatre and flavour, arriving as a statement dish. 
• Pairing: Bordeaux blends, Barolo, or Amarone. 
• When to order: anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or celebratory business dinners. 

Why Diners Call It the Best Restaurant Near Sherway Gardens

Service for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a birthday, an engagement, or a professional celebration, Via Allegro staff are experienced in guiding the evening. They’ll help time the courses, recommend shareable sequences, and adjust the pacing to match your group. Guests often mention how comfortable and cared-for they feel, even on busy nights.

Approachable Wine Pairings

The wine list could easily intimidate, but the service makes it easy. Servers and sommeliers listen first, then recommend thoughtfully. Even a simple request like “something light with seafood” results in a pairing that feels curated without pressure.

Tasting Menu Opportunities

On select nights, Via Allegro offers a five-course tasting menu designed by Culinary Director Claudio Aprile and Executive Chef Marco Zandona. This option is ideal for diners who want variety without decision fatigue.

Plan Your Visit

When to Book

• Weekends: reservations fill quickly—book in advance, especially for atrium seating. 
• Weeknights: better availability and a quieter setting. 
• Holidays and milestones: reserve early if you want the atrium or large-party accommodations. 

Parking and Logistics

The restaurant is across from Sherway Gardens, with plenty of parking. For guests coming from downtown Toronto, it’s a simpler drive with less congestion.

Seating Choices

• Atrium: best for atmosphere and photos. 
• Dining room: elegant, classic, and better for private conversations. 

Dress and Accessibility

• Dress code: business casual or smart casual—enough to feel polished without being overly formal. 
• Accessibility: facilities are designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs; call ahead if you require specific arrangements. 

Next Steps

• Browse the Via Allegro menu to see the latest dishes. 
• Ready to celebrate? Contact the team to book your table or event. 
• Want an inside look at the atmosphere? Read Foodism’s profile of Via Allegro to see why the atrium is a favourite.