King West Italian staple Oretta has a new chef and a new lunch menu to boot—and it’s rich with truffle

Written by Christina Gonzales 

Location: 633 King Street West, Toronto ON M5V 1M5

Must-try eats:  The ravioli e funghi, which is filled with fluffy ricotta and floats amid a creamy porcini sauce. Topped with truffle oil, of course.

Libations: Pick up the Fuoco di Paglia, a balanced cocktail made with Don Julio Blanco, Aperol, passion fruit juice, lime juice and spicy water, and ideal for lunch.

Where to sit so you’re in-and-out in 60 minutes: The best thing about Oretta is that it’s airy and spacious; you can’t go wrong with a banquette seating, right next to the exit.

VIBE

Considered one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in the West-downtown core due to its millennial pink walls, gold accents, and Mediterranean-inspired patterns, Oretta’s vibe is surprisingly relaxed. Lunch here with an old friend, or take a new client for an informal business meeting. The wait staff knows exactly how often to come by, with food, or to re-fill your drink, so not to interrupt you mid-conversation.

FOOD

At Oretta, you stick to the classics. Our top pick is the ricotta ravioli in a porcini mushroom sauce. It’s indulgent and rich, and comforting on a cold fall day. For a lighter option, opt for the Chitarrina al Pomodoro, a traditional tomato-sauce-based dish with basil. Then there’s the pizzas (Oretta now offers gluten-free dough) where you can’t go wrong.

DRINK

If you’re feeling like a cocktail, your 12:00 pm go-to is the hot, sweet, and sour, Fuoco di Paglia. It’s a drink reminiscent of brunch, though this is a workday (sigh). The wine lovers should try a glass of the 2015 Barbera del Monferrato, a savoury wine that pairs well with game-y meats and truffle.