Ariete E Toro

What is Ariete E Toro? Occupying a minimalist storefront on Dundas West just west of Ossington, Ariete E Toro is veteran chef Matt Blondin’s homage to the classic Florentine sandwich counter. The compact space is built almost exclusively for takeout and delivery, designed around an open slicing station where colossal slabs of golden, olive-oil-brushed schiacciata flatbread are split and loaded to order. There is no sit-down dining room or patio seating here; instead, the focus remains entirely on precision-weighed charcuterie and punchy house condiments.

Ariete E Toro Menu & What to Order The undisputed heavyweight is The Enzo, piled high with mortadella di Bologna, creamy stracciatella, nutty pistachio pesto, and a splash of bright lemon-basil oil. For serious spice and acid, the Good Ol’ Estella layers Calabrese salami, pepperonata piccante, fior di latte, and black olive pesto, while the Don Bosco balances coppa di Parma against earthy truffle ricotta and zucchini sott'olio. Vegetarians can construct the bespoke Senza panino loaded with house cremas and marinated antipastos, washed down with a cold San Benedetto iced tea.

Know Before You Go This is a walk-in counter and online-takeout operation with no table reservations and no incoming phone orders. Lines routinely stretch down the Dundas sidewalk during the weekend lunch rush, and the kitchen shuts down early whenever the daily bake of schiacciata bread sells out. Place a mobile preorder via Ambassador before you head over, then walk five minutes south to Trinity Bellwoods Park for an outdoor feast.