FOOD: ITALIAN IN THE CITY

I love food, especially healthy food. And anyone who knows me can vouch for this.

Lately, because of the truck load of homework that has barraged its way onto my little lap (and the small amount of time I now have for myself) I've been eating really crappy. I crave good, authentic, Italian food.

And yes, I am Italian....despite how French my name sounds.

So I decided to make a list of some of my top Italian eateries in and around Toronto; from pizza to icecream.

FOR A SPECIAL EVENING:

Rosa's Place
This little gem is a bit pricey and so you might want to reserve it for special occassions. The first time I came here was for my sister's bridal shower 11 years ago and it has since been a family favourite. Don't forget to check out the wall of fame where you'll see pictures of Al Pacino and Andrea Boccelli.

Their veal parmigiana is yummy!

The Doctor's House
Though not directly in the city of Toronto (it's in Kleinberg, just north of the city), The Doctor's House is still one of my favourite Italian restaurants so I have to include it. Again, save this place for a special occasion.....or just tell your special someone to take you there and surprise them when they see the price ;) Just an option.

WHERE THE PRICE IS RIGHT:

Quattro 4 Ragazze
Not many people know about this place, but if you can make it here you won't regret it. The food and service are both amazing! It's a family-owned restaurant and all the food on the menu is traditional and home-made. Leave room for their espresso, trust me!

Pizzeria Libretto
Anyone who loves pizza as much as I do should think about making a trip here. Hands down, Pizzeria Libretto is one of the best pizzeria's in downtown Toronto. The pizza is authentic, Neapolitan style. It's so delicious! My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

If you like it simple: Try the margherita pizza. Fresh tomatoes, basil and lots of mozzarella!

If you like it hot: Try the hot pepper and sauage pizza. Fresh tomatoes, home-made hot sausage and mozzarella.

If you like meat: Try the salami and gorgonzola pizza. Roasted peppers, salami, gorgonzola and mozzarella

La Paloma
I scream, you scream, we all scream for gelato!

There are two locations, one downtown on St.Clair and the other north of the city in Woodbridge. I like going to the one on St.Clair because it brings back memories from when I was young. In the summertime, my dad used to drive us there late at night for a special treat. He rarely did this so we appreciated it when he did.

And their serving portions are pretty generous. I always get (to this day) limone and banana in a cup. It's my favourite...a little bit sweet; a little bit sour (Pistaccio and Torone are also very good). I'm very nostalgic when I think about La Paloma. No other gelateria compares.