Introducing: Nodo, a stylish new Italian restaurant in the Junction
Name: Nodo
Contact Info: 2885 Dundas St W., 416-901-1559, nodorestaurant.ca
Neighbourhood: The Junction
Owners: High school friends Vito Tomasicchio, Gianmarco DeZorzi and Charlie Giordano
Chef: Roberto Marotta, the former executive chef at Parkdale’s Maialino Enoteca
The Food: Sicilian-born chef Roberto Marotta cooks Italian comfort food with some contemporary flourishes—the Terra e Bosco (“earth to forest”) platter, for instance, is artfully strewn with jewel-toned veggies and pools of creamy ricotta dressing. Gnocchi comes two ways: “new school” (with wild mushrooms and corn in a truffle-garlic cream sauce) or “old school” (tossed with Brussels sprout leaves in a wild boar ragu). The pistachio-topped cannoli is made from a secret recipe passed down by Marotta’s grandmother.
The Drinks: The exclusively Italian wine list is fairly comprehensive—there are over fifty bottles to choose from, nine of those priced at a very reasonable $35. Grappa is served chilled or with interesting infusions like chamomile or honey.
The Place: Formerly an antique shop, the white-walled space is big and bright, with checkerboard floors and lofty ceilings. It’s decorated with an eclectic mix of salvaged finds and contemporary pieces, most of which were sourced from a salvage shop just down the street. A private dining room in the basement is equipped with a long harvest table and romantic marquee lighting.
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