Where: Toronto, ON

What: Restaurant; Italian

A discreet new elevated Italian restaurant recently popped up in Toronto’s trendy west end neighbourhood of Dufferin Grove. Its name? Giulietta, the brainchild of chef Rob Rossi and David Minicucci of L’Unita.

First, the decor. The interior was made to fit family-dining experiences, so this is the kind of place you want to bring more than one client, or perhaps a celebratory gathering of colleagues. Designed by architect Guido Costantino (whose pedigree includes Buca and Bar Buca), the setting features an exposed brick and beam frame, accented with Italian wool, oxidized red steel, and blonde wood.

The wine list is impressive and servers are well-versed should you require assistance in navigating their selection. They’re the kind of staff that can make a non-Chardonnay drinker like Chardonnay with a unique bottle to recommend. And the food? Impressive without pretense. Start with melt-in-your-mouth octopus cooked sous vide and then grilled, accompanied by cannellini beans and salsa verde. Mains of choice include the cacio e pepe, swordfish, and steak. You’ll also want to get beets on the side, which come with grapes, almonds, and vincotto – an idyllic balance of sweet, tart, and umami.

Finish with a selection of desserts, from a wildflower honey and pine nut tart to a tiramisu of custard, espresso and dark chocolate. Switch things up and explore outside of the financial core at this culinary west end oasis.