New Italian restaurant opening in high-traffic Toronto location

A new Italian restaurant is gearing up to open its doors in Toronto's King West neighbourhood, taking up residence in a high-traffic location that's situated right by some of the city's most frequented bars and restaurants. 

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea, located at 624 King St. W., is set to make its debut this spring. The product of owners Pat Lisi and Bruno Commodari, the restaurant is 100 per cent Italian-owned and operated, and will offer a menu that incorporates classic techniques with high-quality ingredients.

The restaurant's Executive Chef Michael Frigo was born in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, and started off his career in Veneto's top kitchens before refining his skills in Australia, London, Spain, Mexico, and now Toronto. 

Cassius' menu will focus on honouring Italian culture while embracing some modern elements, with dishes like capasanta (larded scallop, Trento DOC, king oyster crudité) pappardella ripiena (egg yolk pasta, ricotta filling, lobster, saffron sauce), manzo (grass-fed tenderloin tartare, marrow, Kaluga caviar) and desserts like semifreddo rocher (hazelnut semifreddo, gianduia mousse). 

The restaurant collaborated with Toby Gauley of the newly founded designPROGRAM (formerly the award-winning Gauley Brothers Studio) on its interior. 

Although the team behind Cassius has not revealed its exact opening date yet, it is slated to open its doors sometime this spring. In the summer, the restaurant will be launching its outdoor seating and next spring, it will debut a lower-level lounge. 

Once open, Cassius Cucina Contemporanea will be open on Thursday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday to Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.