The Blue Horse Cucina

The Blue Horse Cucina is an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant in Etobicoke, established in December 2025 by the team behind the former Kramer’s Bar & Grill. Founders Christian Chiari and Ben Toma, alongside executive chef Steve Birdwell, created this space to offer a relaxed, everyday dining experience that draws on their Italian roots. The restaurant occupies a cozy, intimate building on The Queensway, featuring decor that includes classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths and green foliage trailing across the ceiling. The name serves as a tribute to the iconic cobalt blue horse statue that once stood outside their previous Yonge Street pub, acting as a symbol of community and fun.

The menu focuses on northern and central Italian cuisine, highlighting handmade pastas and simple, fresh ingredients. Diners can expect dishes such as linguine alla pescatora and tagliatelle with braised veal shank ragù, alongside options like roasted chicken breast and steak. The kitchen pairs these meals with a curated selection of Italian wines, including lesser-known varieties like pecorino or corvina, with staff available to provide pairing recommendations. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and informal, encouraging guests to linger and engage with the owners and staff. While the restaurant has been well-received by the local community, it is advisable to check for reservation requirements, as the space is intimate and popular with both new neighbours and former Kramer’s regulars.