Food & Drink

Introducing: Rome’n Chariot, a new truck serving Italian-Canadian comfort food

Introducing: Rome’n Chariot, a new truck serving Italian-Canadian comfort food

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Rome’n Chariot parked at Queen and Jarvis (Image: Karolyne Ellacott)

Johnny V. knew the food truck life was for him after Eat St., that Food Network Canada ode to mobile eating, reeled him in with its visions of life on the road. Born in Canada but “Italian built,” as he puts it, there was no question as to what type of nosh he’d be serving in his Rome’n Chariot: Italian comfort food. “The women in my family are my biggest fans and inspiration,” he told us. “These recipes have been passed on from generation to generation.”

Hard to miss, with a huge image on its side of a gladiator making his way past the Coliseum, the chariot sleeps in Mississauga, but can be found roaming anywhere from Toronto to Niagara. When we stopped by, Johnny was in good company at a Queen and Jarvis parking lot, joined by Blue Donkey Streatery and Buster’s Sea Cove, with his crew (including wife Theresa V.) looking buff and bronze in their Milanese aprons. Customers are able to peruse the eats on offer through the display menu under the order window. “We eat with our eyes!” Johnny announced energetically, noting that his is the first truck in town to have one.

While some of the goods are procured locally, others—including the pasta, cheese and biscotti—come straight from Italy. Johnny aims to serve dishes that remind him of coming home from school, and the veal on a bun is his favourite. Featuring caramelized onions, sweet peppers, mozzarella, parmigiano-reggiano and the house marinara sauce, the sandwich’s veal is lightly breaded and deep-fried before being stuffed into a soft Italian kaiser ($8). “It’s off the chart!” he exclaimed. Other options include an eggplant version ($7) and penne primavera with marinara sauce, parmesan and parsley ($6). Carnivorous patrons can add a meatball for $1.50. Drinks include Italian coffee ($3), Orangina ($2.50) and Brio ($2). At the day’s end, any leftover food is given to the hungry. We’re pretty sure Nonna would be proud.

Rome’n Chariot, 416-665-7474, romenchariot.ca, @RomenChariot

Topics: comfort food food trucks Italian New Restaurants Openings Restaurants street food Toronto

7 thoughts on “Introducing: Rome’n Chariot, a new truck serving Italian-Canadian comfort food”

  1. I dislike the very idea of foodtruck kitchens from a hygeine and lifestyle perspective. This is a rather fun spin on the idea and the family aspect is charming. Credit to the owners for pricing their food where it should be – low.

  2. Dear Henry,
    I welcome you on board the Rome’n Chariot’s state-of-the-art kitchen-on-wheels! Everything top to bottom is custom fitted & stainless steel! Its $100,000+ kitchen that is scrubbed before, after & during every service! We have a strict code of hygenine ethics everyone must follow on board! Join us for lunch, it will be our pleasure to serve You!

  3. Thankyou Theresa for clarifying the hygeine of your truck. I wish you all the best in your business venture and well done on the design of the truck!

  4. I think this food truck is a fabulus idea.Italian gourmet food on wheels.The truck is the state of the art fantastic and the food is to die for.I have tried all on the menu and recommend everything.Bravo!!!!!!!

  5. What a super idea. I am British-born, but love Italian food!! I live out of town, so please tell me how do I know where you will be located, when I do come into Toronto?
    Do I call your number or do you have a schedule of locations where you are from day to day? So looking forward to veal on a bun, yummie. When I lived in TO, I was a constant visitor to Commisso (pardon the spelling)Bros. for veal on a bun. Thank You.

  6. Hi, this is Shirley again. I must congratulate you for having such kind hearts, to give your leftovers to the less fortunate!! Good for you!

  7. As a customer I would confirm that their food truck is absolutely spotless in terms of cleanliness. It isnt anything like a dingy hotdog cart littered all over Toronto. This is a mobile commercial kitchen.

    The food is at the same quality you would get in an actual sitdown casual restaurant (but at a cheaper price).

    Top notch service, food and smiles.

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