La Cascina

Unreal. The food and service were just incredible. The server was as caring as she was knowledgable. If you love fresh rustic Italian food you must come here.

Very disappointing especially since it’s on Joanne Kate’s top list. We started with the 5 tapas, all were fine but none great, then pasta carbonara which was good, and then veal which was tasteless. None of our food came hot despite complaining twice.

This was a very different experience and one that we would choose to do gain. The resteraunt and the front of house staff were casual and friendly with only one goal in mind. To take you on a trip to the Abruzzo region of Italy, and they accomplished that with ease. Some of the reviews that I had read said the portion sizes were small and they are right, but by the end of the meal I was comfortably full. The food was cooked to perfection, my only complaint that I had was the gnocchi was in a lamb ragu and the lamb was MIA, had this not been the case this would have been 5 stars. The Tiramisu was the best I’ve ever had. We will be back and thank you for a great date night.

Phenomenal time and experience.
We were visiting Toronto for the weekend (HHOF-​bucket list)… and the bf found this gem. We’re Italian food snobs. and ordinarily would rather cook it ourselves. However, this place was excellent and trumped expectations. We took the subway to Lawrence station and walked about a mile to the restaurant.
When we sat, the lady mentioned how this was ‘farm to table’ style, etc…
we ordered the mixed antipasta, the truffle porcini pasta dish, and the veal. Each dish was spectacular. I’m pretty sure the pasta here beat any pasta I’ve ever had (including other places with fresh pasta). the veal was also the best veal cutlet’s I’ve ever had. Tender pieces, but also thick and not just bready. Also had a bottle of abruzzo red that paired well with the meal.
Would definitely return if I was back in Toronto. Small restaurant, but didn’t feel squished at all. Def. make reservations as we had them at 7 and had the table for the rest of the evening. 5 stars!

This is not a quick ‘catch-​a-​bite’ place but rather a full evening dining experience. They whisk you off to Abruzzo Italy for a couple of hours as they present local delicacies and other delicious offerings. Since January, they’ve started providing printed menus of their nightly offerings; however, it still changes daily. They only book one group per table per night so you do not feel rushed at all.
The four of us went with their recommended full-​dining experiences which consists of 6 courses. The first course was the meat and cheese plate which is small but a good sampling of the different options. The next course was their daily tapas which had something for everyone. We ordered two different types of pastas which were offered and plated separately. Following the second pasta course was the meat course which was the only course that I was not overly fond of but that was because meat is never my thing. This course was coupled with the salad course which had a perfectly mixed salad. We weren’t going to order dessert, but figuring we were going to go home and have something sweet anyway, thought we would go all out and order dessert as well. We were all glad we did, it hit the spot.
The pacing of the courses can seem frustrating at first but they know how to do it so that at the end of the night your hunger is satisfied. For anyone who wants an evening in Italy but can’t leave the city this is the place to be. According to the hostess, you can also call in advance if there is something specific you would like them to make on that night.
Although I won’t be there often, it’s somewhere that’s on my ‘I will be back’ list and highly recommended to others.

Very good food, drinks and service. I will be going back for sure! didn’t get dessert but others who did loved it.

As authentic as it gets. Great home made pasta dishes. The fettucini and the pappardelle with plain tomato sauce are as good as my mamma makes. Shhhhh… don’t tell her I said that. The gnocchi are just as awesome. Perfectly firm and delectable. Meat and fish dishes are always changing. Very good wine selection that is reasonably priced. Not your usual extensive «menu». The selection is moderate but whatever me, my wife or kids choose, we are always impressed… That’s why we keep going back.

I was sent to La Cascina by my Unilocal Friend!
Happy Hour: drinks for $ 10 with complimentary Italian appetizer!
Rustic Abruzzo food: meat and seafood based since Abruzzo is located in South Central Italy with mountain and by the coast.
Nothing rustic about La Cascina décor! Love the dark wooden and blue theme. The décor is quite chic and I was welcomed with open arms. The restaurant is small, cosy and the services are attentive and friendly.
Bar stools are cushioned with padding and are quite comfy as I enjoying my aperitivo by sipping my white wine and enjoying my snacks.
The little plate includes cheese, beans, peas, sausages and rice ball. After the savoury item, my friendly waitress presented me with Salame di Cioccolato which is a traditional Italian holiday treat. The lady that made the sweet was sitting right next to me and I have to tell her that it was the best part of my Happy Hour!
I really like the concept of having a daily menu as it is depends on what kind of fresh meat/​veggie/​fish they get from their suppliers. Some of their ingredients are shipped directly from Italy too! Price point wise a main is around $ 20 which is reasonably priced.
I can’t wait to go back and try out some of their home made Italian comfort food… Hopefully soon!

Italian restaurant that serves food typical of the region of Abruzzo. If your a picky Italian who is reluctant to go to an Italian restaurant, this place is for you. If you love Italian or slow food this place cannot be missed. Owners Luca (chef) and Sharifa (service) create a fresh and welcoming environment with a changing menu for each service, emphasis on quality, local sustainability and professional service.