Cafe Roma

What is Cafe Roma? Holding down a relaxed strip of St. Clair Avenue West in Wychwood, Cafe Roma operates with an effortless split personality: an espresso-fuelled neighbourhood daytime cafe that smoothly pivots into a warm, candlelit Italian trattoria by dusk. Inside, rich wood accents and snug table arrangements foster an unpretentious, romantic dining room, complemented by sidewalk patio seating during warmer months. It strikes that elusive balance between a reliable weeknight standby and an intimate setting for date night.

Cafe Roma Menu & What to Order Start with the suppli—golden, crisp risotto croquettes packed with tomato sauce and molten fior di latte—or flash-fried carciofi served alongside bright lemon aioli. The kitchen shines across Roman pasta standards and blistered crusts, but the silky pappardelle al ragu d'agnello and the punchy 'Oh Roma!' pizza layered with house-made sausage and spicy nduja are perennial table winners. Don't skip the abbacchio alla scottadito, featuring four ash-rubbed Ontario lamb chops seared to medium-rare tenderness, before finishing with freshly piped, honey-sweetened ricotta cannoli.

Know Before You Go Reservations are strongly advised for prime Friday and Saturday dinner slots, though spontaneous neighbourhood walk-ins can usually grab a table earlier in the evening or during the afternoon cafe service. Arriving via transit is painless thanks to the 512 St. Clair streetcar stopping steps away, while Green P street parking is available along St. Clair. Doors open daily at noon, transitioning into full dinner service straight through until close.