Located in the heart of the Fashion District, Oretta is a widely popular traditional Italian restaurant. So popular, in fact, that they have opened a second location in Midtown. Well known for their art deco style decor and their modern plating on classic Italian dishes, they have quickly become a Toronto hot spot.
My best friend had booked us the reservation at Oretta. This was the first time I would be meeting her new boyfriend, and she knew that the classier the restaurant is, the less likely I will say something rude or snarky. So, I arrived early to try and make a decent impression on my potential new friend (after all, her boyfriend may be entwined in my life for god knows how long) only to realize that my best friend and her new beau will be 20 minutes late. Oh, joy.
Now knowing I will be talking to myself and staring aimlessly on my phone for the next little bit, I decided to order a drink. I have never heard of an aperitivo before, but supposedly it’s a common Italian tradition of drinking before a meal to build up an appetite. I’m not one for traditions, but when it involves drinking at a discounted price - I am there!
After learning that tidbit and becoming an aficionado of aperitivo and all things Italian, I binged on $6 prosecco’s. Not too long after my third prosecco, my friend and her new beau had finally arrived. I’ll skip the gossip and focus on the meal, but what matters is that I wish them all the best in their everlasting, holy matrimony. We ordered the Burrata Pizza, Bucatini Alla Carbonara and the Pappardelle Alla Bolognese to split and share amongst ourselves. I am purely obsessed with the burrata that was on the pizza, just so creamy and fresh. It was a nice contrast to the acidic tomato sauce. The bucatini was also too good for words, the rich egg yolk mixed with the carbonara is truly delicious. We also grabbed a few more glasses of prosecco before aperitivo hour was over - because who can pass on $6 prosecco?
I would definitely recommend taking advantage of Oretta’s Aperitivo menu, which is only available Monday - Friday from 4pm to 7pm. I’d also recommend drinking by yourself when your anxious in public, while waiting on friends.