Old-school downtown Italian spot Little Anthony’s to receive Volos-like facelift
After successfully transforming Mediterra into the upscale Greek spot Estiatorio Volos, Andreas Antoniou has turned to another of the Richmond Street eateries formerly run by his restaurateur father, Bob. Little Anthony’s Italian Ristorante will re-open in March as Little Anthony’s Italian and Bar, in an overhauled space and with a new menu. “It’s similar to moving from Mediterra to Volos,” Antoniou told The Dish. “We want to take traditional dishes and present them in a clean fashion with really nice flavor combinations.”
To fill the role of executive chef, he’s tapped Aaron Foster, who has completed stints at Deq at the Ritz-Carlton and Crush Wine Bar. Antoniou has also called upon Volos designer Marc Kyriacou (also behind the Spoke Club and Brant House) to completely change the look of the place. “We know there’s a lot more competition for Italian than there is for Greek,” Antoniou said. Because of this, he embarked on an ambitious renovation that will involve tearing down walls to open up the space, moving the corner entrance to minimize draughts and highlighting the stretch of 12-foot-high windows that run along the front of the restaurant. When finished, the space will accommodate 170—meaning Antoniou will need to drum up enthusiasm from nearby Bay Streeters to fill it up.
Little Anthony’s, 121 Richmond St., 416-368-2223, littleanthonysrestaurant.com
 to completely change the look of the place. “We know there’s a lot more competition for Italian than there is for Greek,” Antoniou said. Because of this, he embarked on an ambitious renovation that will involve tearing down walls to open up the space, moving the corner entrance to minimize draughts and highlighting the stretch of 12-foot-high windows that run along the front of the restaurant. When finished, the space will accommodate 170—meaning Antoniou will need to drum up enthusiasm from nearby Bay Streeters to fill it up.
Little Anthony’s, 121 Richmond St., 416-368-2223, littleanthonysrestaurant.com){kind=link}
A reno’s probably a good idea for that space, as Little Anthony’s was a bit of a bummer in the decor department. It just makes me sad that that once used to be the home of Toronto’s one and only Trader Vic’s. Today a place like that would be wall to wall with hipsters had it survived.
I don’t remember it there, I remember it in the 70’s in what is now the Hilton. Way before Ruths’ Chris
Ah, you are correct sir/ma’am. I had my corners mixed up. I was only a kid at the time so I can be forgiven, yes? For some reason I have a memory of there being something more vintage 60’s/70’s in that space before it was Little Anthony’s, but I could be wrong. Anyway, thanks for the clarification!
Once a regular customer, I have tried the new “re-invented” Little Anthony’s three times now. Unfortunately, everything that made it a favourite with my co-workers and me is now gone. Gone are the attentive waiters. Gone are the linen tablecloths. Gone is the extensive wine list. Gone is the extensive menu. Now you have bright orange chairs, glass and mirrors everywhere, hardwood stained green tables, and a cafeteria atmosphere. Waitresses are casually dressed, difficult to flag down, and are clearly there only on a part time basis. The menu is under 20 items (including appetizers, deserts, and coffee!!!), and if you don’t want one of the three or four wines listed, you’re out of luck. In my three meals there over two weeks, I found inflated prices, a limited menu, extensive use of salt (so much so, each time, I found my lips feeling like they were dusted with salt for an hour or so afterwards), and the complete inability to hold a conversation due to the large number of tables crammed onto the restaurant floor. Additionally, it would appear as if they think it’s trendy to serve your food on an oversized plate, while reducing portions at the same time.
It’s my opinion that LA’s is going down a path of no return if they continue this business model. I give them 18 months, similar to their short-lived foray into Bavarian cuisine in the now closed venture next door. This is a sad time for anyone who remembers what Little Anthony’s was prior to the “rennovation”. What a shame.