Terroni: Dinner In Italy, Minus the Flight
720 Queen Street West 
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Phone: 416.504.0320
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I've mentioned Terroni in other reviews on the site, but when it comes to doing a review of this authentic Italian eatery itself, I've never managed to get any co-diners to hold back long enough for photos. Most everything on this menu is so delicious that everyone just wants to sink their teeth in.
This time though, I've convinced a few friends to give me a second for a picture, only to have the waiter inform me that they prefer people not take photos of the food. I'm annoyed, but decide to get this listing up without more photos -- the food is worth it.
We arrive at the Queen West location and for the first time in all my visits, we are seated right away. It seems we arrived in a rare window of time where there is no line-up. We order some drinks and look over the menu. It's a long famished while before anyone returns to take our order, but on the bright side, at least we're not standing outside.
Fresh bread with olive oil are presented first as we await appetizers and pizzas.
Our Quartet of Appetizers includes mini eggplant parmigian, saffron rice crocchette (alla Milanese), deep fried ciabiatta bites filled with buffalo mozzarella and anchovy and grilled bufala wrapped in speck and radicchio.
For $16, everyone at the table got the chance to try a couple unique appetizers, all of which were rich in strong traditional italian flavours. Even the ciabatta-mozzerella wraps were balanced so nicely with subtle anchovy that the latter didn't overtake things. I normally wouldn't touch anything an anchovy touched, but enjoyed these a great deal!
On to the pizzas...
Pizza Marinara, the simplest of offerings - tomato sauce and basil - is light as air, crispy and savoury. Most pizzerias don't offer this cheese-less pizza because their sauce can't truly hold it's own. Here, the sauce is proudly presented as the feature item.
Terroni's Quattro Stagioni (four seasons) pizza is also incredible. Rivalled perhaps only by the version at The Big Ragu (1338 Lansdowne), it arrives steaming and casually topped with prosciutto, olives, mushrooms and grilled vegetables.
The true test of a fresh pizza (handed down by mamma dearest) is that the cheese should be piping hot and hard to handle. If it goes to slide off the slice or burns your finger, it's going to be good eatin'. If it sits nice and behaves, you know you've got a pre-made, loveless pie.
Terroni's passes that test with flying colours as we are using our cutlery plus hands to handle the Quattro Staggioni.
With a friend celebrating her birthday this week, we insisted she order up one of Terroni's rich homemade desserts to celebrate. Spotting a Souffle di Nutella on the specials menu, she decides that Nutella trumps everything tonight. We order it up and the waiter returns with extra spoons (4 total), assuming we might to share.
Perhaps he'd never seen this dessert 'cause when he returned 10 minutes later, he was carrying a dish with an espresso cup containing the souffle. It probably contained 1.5 tablespoons of warm baked Nutella, at most. Tasty, but for $7, it was a little ridiculous.
Instead of ordering something else to fill in the gap, we enjoy our cappuccinos and reminisce of the delectable Nutella layer cake at The Big Ragu. That's one that even Terroni just can't beat.
Storefront photo by Tim Shore.
Comments (38)
Their Pizza Margherita is heaven on earth. As is everything else at Terroni's. The Victoria street location is my favourite, but it is always packed with business folk on weekdays.
The new location in the Courthouse building at 57 Adelaide will be opening any day. I've heard conflicting information on whether they will be keeping the nearby Victoria St. location open. It's cozy, but as Laura Bee says, way too busy to be relaxing.
Did they say why they don't want photos?
Even though I think Terroni has the best pizza in town, I almost never order it, because the hand-made pasta and other dishes are so fantastic. The garganelli geppetto and the new orichiette al ragu d'agneau e pecorino lead me into lands of ecstacy.
In my experience, Terroni is the closest you can get to being in Italy while staying in North America.
I do love Terroni, but the noise levels in there can get absolutely out of control at times. I've had two evenings there where I figured the decibel levels in theory warranted hearing protection as per WSIB regulations ? not only could our server not understand what we were saying, but it was very difficult to have a conversation while waiting for our food.
That said, my idea of Hell is being shackled next to that one party of eighteen of the loudest early-twentysomething girls I've ever encountered, obviously without the delicious bucatini with pancetta and peas.
Been to Terroni's on Balmoral, and tried the new one on Adelaide East last night, and was crudely disappointed. Mind you, my friend had the pizza. But I was had the misfortune to order the daily fish, swordfish that came oddly sliced thin laterally (!?!) , some slices with holes from the dubious enterprise, and as tasty as hospital food - no spices, no herbs, no nothing. Even the fris?e that came with it had not a sprinkle of oil, vinegar, or even lemon let alone specks of parsley. The menu offered much done with ricotta, notorious for imbibing sauces and leaving them clumpy. Where's the marscarpone? They brought us the wrong lemon (ricotta!) cake at dessert too. This can only be southern Italian/North American cooking. While it may make for good food at home, it doesn't "cut" it in gastronomy.
I unfortunately a poor experience there and it appears that one of their policies is not patron-friendly. When I asked for some mayonaise for the calamari, I was told that they had none. When I asked for some sauce for it I was told they had none. Surprised as I was that I was in an Italian restaurant without sauces, I asked how that can be given that they make pasta here. I was told that their policy is that they will not add or modify any of their dishes in any way and that includes asking for sauce. Ridiculous way to treat a customer as far as I am concerned.
for the vegetarians, i've heard that they apparently boil their pasta in chicken stock? not sure if that's true or not, but definitely something to keep in mind when you go.
I hate the no substitution rule. I have food allergies and the server was really rude about it. I understand they are busy but most restaurants
now understand that accommodating is the norm.
No Substitutions Explained:
1) People in Toronto seem to think that when it comes to Italians, it's a free-for-all to scrutinize anywhere from the stereotype of always having plastic on our furniture to all Italian males having crude mannerisms with their privates in public while speaking 1000x louder than anyone else present. On that note...
2) You would never, ever go into a French restaurant and ask for substitutions of the main dish or the garnish. This shouldn't be any different for this restaurant.
3) Menu: no, you will not find Penne a la Vodka or Alfredo sauce or any other North Americanized dish that are made constantly in this city, even in establishments that aren't even Italian. The ingredients and the recipes used are taken seriously and are not found anywhere outside of Terroni's. I.e. the tomatoes are the highest grade tomatoes available in the world, the oil served to customers (for free) costs $20 a bottle retail, imported from Italy. Most establishments use bottom grade oil and therefore don't mind putting vinegar in it to taste better.
3) Wine, wine and wine: Terroni's serves wine that is normally 400% more expensive anywhere else, and on top of that, Terroni has wine served that isn't available anywhere else in Canada.
Bottomline -- you get the real deal at Terroni's, which means no substitutions. But after all of that, why would you want to?
The food at Terroni is fine, the attitude of the staff is over the top, which in turn ruins the food. Who wants to be treated like a second rate citizen when you're forking over the money?! The no substitution rule is fine but, come on, they can't give you vinegar for your caprese? Wth? Why do they care if you want to use vinegar?
I think I'll stick to the wonderful staff and great food at Grazie.
Having been to Terroni's a bunch of times, I just have to say that it definitely is the closest thing to Italian food outside of Italy. I also have to ask, "What the hell is wrong with people?" Mayo with Calamari is not only grossly disgusting but not how they eat it in Italy. C'mon. And Substitutions? Give me a break, they have like 30 pizzas so if you can't find one that suits you, there is a problem.
Bottom line is this place is great - better than the much talked about Libretto.
True the service isn't the friendliest but you try serving 100 customers with another 50 at the door. Clearly, no time for mindless chit chat.
Terroni is done for me. The price is too high for portion sizes that have gotten smaller. The waitress explained that the plates had become smaller- wouldn't that make the portions look larger? I understand there are rising food costs right now, no need to lie to me. Terroni has become to gentrified to handle. Call me when you guys go back to basics.
I just had lunch at the Adelaide location and it's safe to say that as of today, I'm boycotting Terroni for good. I ordered a pizza while others in my group ordered pasta dishes. When our food arrived, a server came around with fresh Parmesan cheese but absolutely refused to give me some for my pizza, despite my asking twice. She was right there, standing next to me, holding the cheese in her hands and still, absolute refusal. The No Modifications rule has simply gone too far - I can understand if I asked for something crazy, like chocolate shavings, but CHEESE?!! For my PIZZA?!! I find it completely obnoxious and arrogant of the owners to enforce such ridiculous restrictions. When I go out to eat, I like to feel taken care of and relaxed, NOT feel bullied into eating whatever's in front of me, no questions asked. I'm all for maintaining authenticity but there's also something to be said for customer service and accommodating your patrons. The fact of the matter is, I'm a paying customer and a little sprinkle of cheese is NOT a big deal. Unfortunately, it is now because that alone was enough to make me never want to go back.
Its great....Everyone complaining on this site about Terroni's, mean while most people can't get a seat at the restaurant every single night.
Coming from an Italian background, Terroni has probably the freshest quality ingredients in any italian restaurant in the city. There are others which are comparable, like 7numbers, but to consistently have fresh, quality dishes day in and day out is very impressive.
Keep doing what you are doing Terroni.
this is the best pizza outside of italy period....i went to highschool in italy and have been back 4 times and can tell you to me i live for great pizza...pasta is also a great love but ive had great pasta all over....but pizza....if you don t agree then you don t know shit about pizza....and bravo for not making changes....its just the way it is...tradition is what its all about....when i tell people that having a capuccino at nite is just not done they don t believe me....but the bores have it anyway....anyway keep up the great work....most italians have been canadianized anyway...so sad....
Substitutions should be allowed because:
1. the cardinal rule of the hospitality trade is CUSTOMER SERVICE.
2. it is rude and arrogant for a person to tell another person what they should and shouldn't like.
3. the customer is paying and the food industry has shifted towards accomodating special requests a long time ago.
I have been to Terroni a few times and I would go back, as I have not experienced some of the horrid "alteration" refusals. But I agree that the owners/managers of the restaurant has lost sight of the big picture by the way customers are treated - that or they don't care because they know their food is good and people will come regardless.
if you want your food modified, or done your way, make it yourself at home, don't effing go to terroni.
if a sprinkle of cheese isn't a big deal, then why are you making such a big stink about it?
you can't eat your pizza without a friggin sprinkle of cheese?
make it at home then.
This place is HORRIBLE! I am Italian and spent the first 17 years of my life in Italy! The thought that you can't add such things as salt / pepper / cheese or balsamic vinegar to a meal without ruining its authenticity is absurd! This is NOT a fancy 5 star restaurant (although it is grossly over-priced!). The $12 / hour waiter and the $15 / hour chefs need to get over their mediocre asses and do what they should be doing: SERVE THE CUSTOMERS!
Ciao..
you might be right but i love a place with no blacks to take my car...one of the few safe places in toronto...
The sprinkle of cheese is NOT a big deal, Nina. The principle, however, IS. You have to agree that requesting some extra cheese for a pizza is not an unusual request, especially from someone who had never eaten at Terroni before, hence unfamiliar with their rules. The fact that she so easily dismissed my request, without so much as a proper explanation or even a hint of an apology, was something I've never come across in any Toronto restaurant. And the fact that Terroni stands behind this kind of customer service is downright appalling.
I appreciate your crusade against all Terroni haters, but may I suggest going to Ferro on St. Clair instead? The pizza there is 10x better and you won't be told what to do or how to eat either.
Visited the one on Queen after having read this review. Must say I can't agree with it being number one. I am new to the city and still have many a pizza to eat but I can say that Terroni will not be visited twice. My girl friend and I ordered a pasta dish each and a Margherita pizza I felt disappointed. Now I am trying not be bias, coming from an Italian background but the pasta fell very short of delicious and the prices were not worth the quantity or taste. The pizza was mediocre at best it left me wanting something more (boring). The atmosphere however was great. The louder the better (at another comment). All in all I am sure there are many places aside from Terroni worth mentioning (head to Woodbridge maybe, or the Niagara Region where I am from). I didn't read many of the other comments but having skimmed a few I don't think I am alone on this (another Anthony). To the people saying no alterations or make it at home...if you have a basic understanding of what a real Pizza is, you can make a better one at home.
That being said, to all the cakes...enjoy.
Just had lunch at Terroni's on Queen St. Had the eggplant ravioli which was good and Le Peculi pizza. I don't think its Toronto's best pizza. I've had better pizza st Il Fornello. I thinks it overrated and overpriced. Will not return.
Being Italian myself, I can honestly say that the food at Terroni--not that great. There are better places in Toronto (which is why I'm extremely disappointed that it mad number 2 on this list). Overrated, overrpriced, and the staff is ridiculously rude and unaccomodating.
To ontherun: even the best French restaurants know and understand food allergies. To not even attempt to accomodate to those individuals is simply ignorant and shows that Terroni does not care about their patrons.
Never been, but if the waiter is standing right there with a cheese grater in his or her hand, I should think it would behoove them to serve it to anyone at the table who asks. Anything less is sheer rudeness.
As for substitutions, who are you to tell the artist what to paint?
If you are an annoying allergy person, you call ahead to find out their policy.
Went with my girl to the Queen West location... ordered some Ravioli something-something, it wasn't served hot, and they didn't even fill up my plate. I asked for some Parmesan, and they wouldn't budge. I'll admit I was a noob, but if I'm paying for a meal, I should be able to have access to the free condiments! It took me about a minute to finish of the bulimic portions, and it left me wanting to use my McDonalds coupons for desert! This place is way over hyped. I had Chef-Boyardee that tasted better.
I ate at the Balmoral location once. I didn't have any problem with what was offered - I ordered the gnocchi. They were fine, but as my folks sometimes say, "sapeva di poco". I think I paid $16 for about a demi-tasse of gnocci.
Honestly, I think Terroni is overrated. I went there with high expectations, only to be let down. There's a MUCH better place called "Fratelli" in Scarborough that I've been frequenting-- the owner is very personable, alongside the rest of the staff, and the food is great. It's is reasonably-priced and the portions are well-sized. Definitely worth a visit for people who are looking for good Italian food.
You ignorant being. It must hurt to wallow in your self pity. I realy wonder were you get off?!
I think that what this all comes down to is, we can all agree..
Terroni (queen st) is GOOD. It's a GOOD restaurant. It's not great.
Go there, enjoy, put up with it, whatever, but there's better out there.
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