Pastalia

What is Pastalia? Situated along Queen Street West near Dufferin, Pastalia reimagines Italian comfort food by swapping white tablecloth pretense for a high-energy, fast-casual pasta bar. Founded by three hospitality industry friends, the bright storefront centres around an open kitchen where fresh, handmade fettuccine is tossed directly inside a massive 35-kilogram wheel of imported Parmigiano Reggiano. Casual dine-in counter seating and high-top tables make it an easy, dog-friendly stop for locals wandering through West Queen West.

Pastalia Menu & What to Order Every bowl starts with scratch-made egg pasta that gets finished to order in either pocket-friendly "Teaser" portions or generous "Showstopper" sizes. If you prefer a tested combination over building your own, order "The Truffle Trouble," which comes coated in truffle mushroom purée, tender grilled chicken, and roasted mushrooms. The beef bolognese and fiery arrabbiata also shine when paired with Italian sodas, and the kitchen readily customizes bowls for dairy-free diets. Save room for their addicting housemade tiramisu, or grab a pup-safe pasta bowl topped with liver dust for your four-legged companion.

Know Before You Go Pastalia is strictly walk-in and counter service, meaning lines move briskly even during weekend rushes and peak lunch hours. The restaurant is easily reached via the 501 Queen streetcar between Gladstone and Dufferin, with metered street parking scattered along Queen West. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. on Mondays and at noon Tuesday through Sunday, running until 10:00 p.m. most nights.