Restaurants
Tavolino
Tavolino opened its doors last Wednesday, serving up hearty Italian sandwiches for the King and Bathurst crowd. With Big Smoke Burger and Reggie's on the same block, this strip of King is only a couple ciabatta buns away from being dubbed the sandwich district.
With no signage, this sandwich spot is identifiable by the black vespa parked along the storefront - a bit of Italy before you even walk in the door. The clean and modern interior has steel chairs and tables and the shelves along the walls are lined with mason jars filled with pickles, peppers, olives and sauces. The urban look, the friendly staff and the counter that opens onto the kitchen give Tavolino a vibe similar to the latest trends in pop-up foodtrucks, minus the inconvenience of having to eat on the curb.
It's this same trendy vibe that separates Tavolino from other Toronto favourites like California Sandwiches, which is more of a hole in the wall type of venue. For hefty portions at a great price, California Sandwiches is the place to be, but for those seeking a little more in the way of ambiance and decor, Tavolino is a good choice. But be prepared to spend a little more (sandwiches are $9-$11) for a more modestly sized lunch.
We ask the server what's best and he says the Po' Boy shrimp sandwich is great, but I can't resist the veal sandwich ($10.95) with tomato sauce and fiore di latte mozzarella. It may be a politically incorrect meat, but it happens to be one of my absolute favourites so I order it anyway.
Like all the sandwiches, mine is served on a fresh, white, flower-dusted bun. The filling-to-bun ratio is not great though so I remove the top bun and eat it open faced. The breaded veal cutlet and warm, stretchy cheese are tasty, but I'm not wowed. The tomato sauce was probably the best part of the sandwich, striking a nice balance of salty, sweet and tangy.
The same tomato sauce is poured over our side order of stuffed pepper ($6.95), a red pepper filled with a very simple and rustic risotto, made with beef stock and topped with parmesan cheese shavings. It's a good thing we sprang for the side dish because my friend's dish isn't nearly a full meal.
She opts for a lighter lunch with the root salad ($9.95) that has arugula tossed with turnips, beets, parsnips, goat cheese, spiced walnuts, pomegranate and a balsamic dressing. The price is comparable to the sandwiches but the portion is not even close. No bigger than a side salad, this dish leaves her hungry, even after having a big helping of the stuffed pepper. The salad is tasty, and has an interesting mix of toppings, but interesting flavours can't compensate for an empty belly.
It was a fun lunch and the food was good, but Tavolino may have to step up their game to compete in this sandwich loving town.
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1. "But be prepared to spend a little more (sandwiches are $9-$11)" - that seems more than reasonably priced to me. In line with prices at Reggies (awful), Big Smoke and The One That Got Away. $9-11 is very reasonable for a meal downtown Toronto.
2. How can this be an accurate review when you only tried 1 sandwich on the menu - and your friend ordered a salad??? That's like going to a steakhouse and reviewing the chicken main. Fine you ordered and reviewed one side dish, but a salad as a main at a sandwich shop....really?
Hopefully someone in the comments section will reply with a more accurate review.
p.s. veal is not a "politically incorrect meat".
I'm used to paying an arm and a leg for Italian sandwiches anyway!
This is absolutely not true. Stop misinforming people.
Ciao
I don't know if you want cheap go get a Bunh Mi on Spadina. As for Veal just shut up. As a Omnivore I am going to start a ban on vegetables and how the dirt is hurt by poking it so much and all the wasted water, how the poor little corn ear is ripped from its place to just be boiled and bathed in Butter(you know that other Cow product)
This food is super fresh and tasty! This food is not overpriced one bit. It isn't your cheapest daily lunch but it is top value when you can afford more than a slice and you want something interesting!
I think the specials each day should not just be a lower price on an existing menu item. It should be a special sandwich altogether with great $10 all-inclusive value and excitement! They just need to have a value meal for all regular sandwiches all the time at some set price.
I agree the chicken sandwich is super tasty! The eggplant special I had was awesome except the skin was so hard and tough you couldnt chew through it in the sandwich.
The problem with this place is hard to nail. It lacks a vibe. It lacks comfort. I am not sure. The guy at the cash is a bit of a nerd/wet fish and brings nothing to the table but awkwardness. I am not looking to pick on the guy - he's nice enough, but he is not the guy to have on the front line IMO - sorry.
The One That Got Away is the fish place a couple of doors over. It is almost the exact same set-up but it feels so much better and more comfortable.
Not a huge meat eater, but their ROOT SALAD is TO DIE FOR! Their in-house made dressing is one of the reasons why me and my friends keep going back for more! Great lunch on-the-go spot for sure.