Taverniti's Trattoria

What is Taverniti's Trattoria? Anchoring a vibrant stretch of College Street on the cusp of Trinity Bellwoods and Little Italy, Taverniti's Trattoria is a classic family-run Calabrian standby founded by Domenic Taverniti and built on recipes passed down from matriarch Rosina. The room leans heavily into warm, rustic trattoria nostalgia with exposed brick, weathered wood paneling, low lighting, and a modest streetside patio in the summer. It runs with an energetic, neighbourly hum where servers know regulars and tables turn briskly over carafes of wine.

Taverniti's Trattoria Menu & What to Order The kitchen turns out generous, scratch-made Southern Italian staples that prioritize rich flavours over modern trends. Start with the housemade polpette braised in pomodoro or crisp, mozzarella-stuffed arancini, followed by thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas like the Diavola topped with nduja, hot soppressata, and hot peppers. The handmade pastas shine brightest—order the pillowy gnocchi tossed in gorgonzola sauce or the spicy rigatoni alla vodka, washed down with an Aperol spritz or a bottle of full-bodied Calabrian red.

Know Before You Go While walk-ins are welcomed, the compact dining room fills quickly from Thursday through Saturday, so advance reservations or an early evening arrival are recommended. Street parking along College is competitive and heavily monitored; riding the 506 Carlton streetcar to Manning Avenue or Euclid Avenue drops you right outside. The kitchen operates for dinner nightly starting at 5:00 p.m., opening early at noon on Saturdays for long weekend lunches.