My partner and I had an amazing time here. The food was exquisite, the service was great from start to finish, lovely host, and ambiance was classy and vibrant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rafaela Pimenta
Before going to Contrada, I had high expectations about their service since almost everyone makes a comment about how it is. And I can tell with confidence that it exceeded my expectations. Service was so caring and kind, food was unbelievable and the vibes were the best. We had the crostini, shrimp and crudo to start. Then we shared two pastas: agnolotti (duck confit) and tagliatelle (seafood). They were both unforgettable. To finish, we had some very carefully chosen amaro and the olive oil cake, simply delicious!! We left Contrada so happy and sure that we’ll come back!
Amazing place, the service was impeccable and the food was next level. Arguably the best beef carpaccio we’ve ever had. Great a unique flavour combinations. We will definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric
I love this place! Stay away! I don't want you taking my seat at the bar with Rod.
Unreal menu!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fany Saldivar
This was one of the best meals I ever had Totally perfect 😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carmelo S
Last night my wife and I slipped into Contrada on College for a much needed, last minute date after a stressful week and it was exactly what we needed.
We were seated in a cozy, romantic corner and walked through the features right away, which we love. We started with the mackerel crostini and lobster crudo, then shared the cavatelli with braised beef cheek and an Ontario strip loin with crispy oyster mushrooms. Every dish was thoughtful, balanced, and beautifully executed.
Dessert, their take on a chocolate bar, tasted like Ferrero Rocher, banana, and pure excellence.
Fair pricing, warm service, and a truly memorable evening. Thank you Graham and Patrick. We will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Natasha Burrow
Cozy space with attentive and friendly servers. Happy hour is a favourite of my partner and I in this neighbourhood and the food is always lovely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bryce
This was one of the best meals and culinary experiences we have had in Toronto in decades. Patrick and the team are welcoming, extremely attentive, and provide the comprehensive dining experience we all hope to have when we look for high ratings and positive reviews. The idilic setting in Little Italy and decor to match relaxes you at the door. Welcoming invitation, paired with locally sourced produce prepared to share perfection is nothing short of brilliance. Just magnificent! A gem that cannot be missed. Thank you to the entire Contrada Team we will see you again very soon.
Nicolas Aldea
Contrada had been on my radar since it opened in 2023. My wife and I had even considered it as a potential venue for our wedding before ultimately downsizing our plans. Still, the professionalism and warmth we experienced during our correspondence stayed with us, and we knew it was only a matter of time before we returned - this time as dinner guests.
We decided to take my mother for dinner as a Christmas gift and, after a collective dry January, booked a table in early February. It was an exceptionally cold winter evening, which made the dining room feel all the more inviting. The tall ceilings lend an understated elegance, while the décor strikes a perfect balance: cozy without feeling stuffy.
Upon arrival, a staff member kindly took our coats - a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the evening - and showed us to our table. We ordered aperitivos and settled in, chatting comfortably before placing our food order. We were never rushed, which made for such a relaxed and welcome start. Cocktails were spot on: balanced, refined, and beautifully presented.
The menu felt tailor-made for bitter winter weather. It certainly leans in favour of carnivores - which suited our table fine - though more staunch vegetarian diners may find the selection somewhat limited.
To start, we shared dressed olives and fried oyster mushrooms, both fantastic small plates that delivered bold, satisfying flavours. For mains, the duck agnolotti and braised beef cavatelli were rich and comforting, while the whole sea bream was expertly prepared and classically plated. Sides of creamed corn and garlicky broccolini rounded out the meal. Portions were generous, pricing felt fair, and every dish was cooked with precision.
We lingered over excellent glasses of wine through our mains and into dessert. Rather than overindulge, we opted for two simple scoops: classic vanilla and blood orange gelato. Each was delicious, pure, and a refreshing, understated finish to a wonderful meal.
Service throughout the evening was attentive without ever being obtrusive. The staff worked seamlessly as a team, moving with precision and grace. We had arrived to a quiet dining room, but by the time we left, the space was buzzing. Even at full capacity, the atmosphere remained upbeat yet effortlessly cool.
We left thoroughly impressed and are already looking forward to returning in warmer weather to enjoy the patio and explore their spring and summer offerings.
Bravo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anne N.
This has quickly become one of my new favourite restaurants in the city. My partner brought me here to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and we immediately loved the intimate space and relaxed, quiet atmosphere — it felt perfect for a special night out.
We started with the bread and fried mushrooms, then ordered the duck ravioli, pesto gnocchi, and pork chop for our mains. Every dish was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious.
The service truly elevated the experience. There was always someone attentive and present without being intrusive. We did have a small mix-up with one of our pasta dishes, but as soon as we mentioned it, the team was incredibly apologetic and quickly brought out the correct order. Their professionalism and care did not go unnoticed.
We’re already looking forward to coming back again soon.
Amazing food and cocktails. Warm service. Farm to table or Organic options would make it perfect.
Lea
The Valentines set menu was delicious, each course was perfectly prepared and presented. Excited to come back for the full menu!
Michele Lortie
Did not like the food or the presentation Won’t go back
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Dylan
They are doing something special here. Cozy, great service and the food is on point.
sammysando
Took my partner here for her birthday. About three hours before our reservation, I received a call saying no pastas would be available due to a kitchen malfunction. Obviously unfortunate, but I understand that these things happen. Since I’ve heard good things about Contrada, we decided to keep our reservation and give it a chance.
First off I must say the hostess was amazing. Appropriately checking in with us, filling water frequently, asking how things were. For food we started with the mackerel toast, crudo, carpaccio, and gorgonzola olives. The overall theme across the appetizers seemed to be big, bold flavours — lots of sweet, savoury, and acid. The mackerel toast was the standout, followed by the crudo. The carpaccio was disappointing: it was covered in a sweet-and-sour, semi-viscous miso-like dressing that completely overwhelmed the dish. The olives had a nice flavour profile, but were served with crunchy corn nuts. Since the olives had pits, this made for an awkward eating experience — crunching corn nuts while being careful not to bite into an olive pit.
For mains, we split the steak, which was cooked well and tasted great, along with the sautéed greens, which were solid. I asked for a dessert to be brought out for my partners birthday and chose the blood orange sorbet, which was pleasant.
Overall, the food was decent but nothing memorable. It’s worth noting that we didn’t get to try any pasta, which seems to be a major part of their identity. Given the inconvenience of not having any pasta available, we had hoped the restaurant might do something small to acknowledge it — comp an appetizer, a drink, or even the $6 birthday ice cream — but nothing was offered.
We could have chosen another restaurant, but decided to stick with Contrada and give them the benefit of the doubt. I might return in the future to try the pastas, but this experience was underwhelming. Had there been even a small gesture to offset the situation, I probably wouldn’t have felt compelled to leave a review.
My partner and I had an amazing time here. The food was exquisite, the service was great from start to finish, lovely host, and ambiance was classy and vibrant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Before going to Contrada, I had high expectations about their service since almost everyone makes a comment about how it is. And I can tell with confidence that it exceeded my expectations. Service was so caring and kind, food was unbelievable and the vibes were the best. We had the crostini, shrimp and crudo to start. Then we shared two pastas: agnolotti (duck confit) and tagliatelle (seafood). They were both unforgettable. To finish, we had some very carefully chosen amaro and the olive oil cake, simply delicious!! We left Contrada so happy and sure that we’ll come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Olive Oil Cake, Crostini, Shrimp on Polenta, Spanish Mackerel
Amazing place, the service was impeccable and the food was next level. Arguably the best beef carpaccio we’ve ever had. Great a unique flavour combinations. We will definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this place! Stay away! I don't want you taking my seat at the bar with Rod.
Unreal menu!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was one of the best meals I ever had
Totally perfect 😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Last night my wife and I slipped into Contrada on College for a much needed, last minute date after a stressful week and it was exactly what we needed.
We were seated in a cozy, romantic corner and walked through the features right away, which we love. We started with the mackerel crostini and lobster crudo, then shared the cavatelli with braised beef cheek and an Ontario strip loin with crispy oyster mushrooms. Every dish was thoughtful, balanced, and beautifully executed.
Dessert, their take on a chocolate bar, tasted like Ferrero Rocher, banana, and pure excellence.
Fair pricing, warm service, and a truly memorable evening. Thank you Graham and Patrick. We will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cozy space with attentive and friendly servers. Happy hour is a favourite of my partner and I in this neighbourhood and the food is always lovely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was one of the best meals and culinary experiences we have had in Toronto in decades. Patrick and the team are welcoming, extremely attentive, and provide the comprehensive dining experience we all hope to have when we look for high ratings and positive reviews. The idilic setting in Little Italy and decor to match relaxes you at the door. Welcoming invitation, paired with locally sourced produce prepared to share perfection is nothing short of brilliance. Just magnificent! A gem that cannot be missed. Thank you to the entire Contrada Team we will see you again very soon.
Contrada had been on my radar since it opened in 2023. My wife and I had even considered it as a potential venue for our wedding before ultimately downsizing our plans. Still, the professionalism and warmth we experienced during our correspondence stayed with us, and we knew it was only a matter of time before we returned - this time as dinner guests.
We decided to take my mother for dinner as a Christmas gift and, after a collective dry January, booked a table in early February. It was an exceptionally cold winter evening, which made the dining room feel all the more inviting. The tall ceilings lend an understated elegance, while the décor strikes a perfect balance: cozy without feeling stuffy.
Upon arrival, a staff member kindly took our coats - a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the evening - and showed us to our table. We ordered aperitivos and settled in, chatting comfortably before placing our food order. We were never rushed, which made for such a relaxed and welcome start. Cocktails were spot on: balanced, refined, and beautifully presented.
The menu felt tailor-made for bitter winter weather. It certainly leans in favour of carnivores - which suited our table fine - though more staunch vegetarian diners may find the selection somewhat limited.
To start, we shared dressed olives and fried oyster mushrooms, both fantastic small plates that delivered bold, satisfying flavours. For mains, the duck agnolotti and braised beef cavatelli were rich and comforting, while the whole sea bream was expertly prepared and classically plated. Sides of creamed corn and garlicky broccolini rounded out the meal. Portions were generous, pricing felt fair, and every dish was cooked with precision.
We lingered over excellent glasses of wine through our mains and into dessert. Rather than overindulge, we opted for two simple scoops: classic vanilla and blood orange gelato. Each was delicious, pure, and a refreshing, understated finish to a wonderful meal.
Service throughout the evening was attentive without ever being obtrusive. The staff worked seamlessly as a team, moving with precision and grace. We had arrived to a quiet dining room, but by the time we left, the space was buzzing. Even at full capacity, the atmosphere remained upbeat yet effortlessly cool.
We left thoroughly impressed and are already looking forward to returning in warmer weather to enjoy the patio and explore their spring and summer offerings.
Bravo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This has quickly become one of my new favourite restaurants in the city. My partner brought me here to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and we immediately loved the intimate space and relaxed, quiet atmosphere — it felt perfect for a special night out.
We started with the bread and fried mushrooms, then ordered the duck ravioli, pesto gnocchi, and pork chop for our mains. Every dish was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious.
The service truly elevated the experience. There was always someone attentive and present without being intrusive. We did have a small mix-up with one of our pasta dishes, but as soon as we mentioned it, the team was incredibly apologetic and quickly brought out the correct order. Their professionalism and care did not go unnoticed.
We’re already looking forward to coming back again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing food and cocktails. Warm service. Farm to table or Organic options would make it perfect.
The Valentines set menu was delicious, each course was perfectly prepared and presented. Excited to come back for the full menu!
Did not like the food or the presentation
Won’t go back
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
They are doing something special here. Cozy, great service and the food is on point.
Took my partner here for her birthday. About three hours before our reservation, I received a call saying no pastas would be available due to a kitchen malfunction. Obviously unfortunate, but I understand that these things happen. Since I’ve heard good things about Contrada, we decided to keep our reservation and give it a chance.
First off I must say the hostess was amazing. Appropriately checking in with us, filling water frequently, asking how things were. For food we started with the mackerel toast, crudo, carpaccio, and gorgonzola olives. The overall theme across the appetizers seemed to be big, bold flavours — lots of sweet, savoury, and acid. The mackerel toast was the standout, followed by the crudo. The carpaccio was disappointing: it was covered in a sweet-and-sour, semi-viscous miso-like dressing that completely overwhelmed the dish. The olives had a nice flavour profile, but were served with crunchy corn nuts. Since the olives had pits, this made for an awkward eating experience — crunching corn nuts while being careful not to bite into an olive pit.
For mains, we split the steak, which was cooked well and tasted great, along with the sautéed greens, which were solid. I asked for a dessert to be brought out for my partners birthday and chose the blood orange sorbet, which was pleasant.
Overall, the food was decent but nothing memorable. It’s worth noting that we didn’t get to try any pasta, which seems to be a major part of their identity. Given the inconvenience of not having any pasta available, we had hoped the restaurant might do something small to acknowledge it — comp an appetizer, a drink, or even the $6 birthday ice cream — but nothing was offered.
We could have chosen another restaurant, but decided to stick with Contrada and give them the benefit of the doubt. I might return in the future to try the pastas, but this experience was underwhelming. Had there been even a small gesture to offset the situation, I probably wouldn’t have felt compelled to leave a review.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
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