Bugigattolo

From the moment we entered Bugigattolo we knew we were home. It is our new favourite place and just hope that as it gains popularity that we will still be able to secure a table as we did a few Fridays back. Francesco was a delight in the kitchen and we explained that we were in no rush — we wanted good food and time to enjoy it. Francesco offered to cook for us rather than have us order from the menu. What an incredible experience! Bugigattolo will undoubtedly be packed once the summer rolls around and they are able to open the outdoor patio. The food was well-​balanced in terms of traditional flavours with a twist of new ideas. I can’t remember how many dishes we tried, but it was well over 8 – 10. Each dish came with an accompanying description from our lovely server, Patricia, and portions were very generous. Since we were celebrating a birthday, Francesco surprised us with a platter of desserts. Again, there was no rush to leave and «flip» the table, which is so refreshing! I am not a fan of social media, but felt compelled to write a review for Bugigattolo since our experience was unique and truly unparalleled to what you can find in the Toronto restaurant scene. If you are looking for a fast-​food experience, this is not the place for you. If you enjoy taking your time, trying multiple dishes and experiencing something a little closer to being in Nonna’s kitchen, then I recommend Bugigattolo.

I’m hesitant to write this review because of my inherent selfishness and desire for this restaurant to remain under the radar, should the hoards of TO food enthusiasts descend upon it once it gains it’s following and it subsequently requires reservations months in advance. This however conflicts with my instinct to shout about most good dining experiences that I’m lucky enough to have and therefore I choose to humbly serve Bugigattolo Kitchen (as they have served me delicious Italian food) through hopefully contributing to their growth and ultimately to a happier Toronto — and world.
For my second visit to the restaurant (my first was a brunch visit weeks ago, in which the service and food was equally impressive), I made reservations for my partner and I for Valentine’s Day dinner. Instead of an a la carte menu, the kitchen had prepared an evening that included 7 courses consisting of small shareable plates (mozzarella and prosciutto, frittata, arancini, foccacia and ricotta, pizza, and more) to begin and culminating in a main course of a rich lasagna, lamb stew and gnocchi. Attention and careful consideration was taken by the kitchen for every course, the food and ingredients were fresh, deliciously crafted, and throughout the meal the staff kept us in the know about what was coming, asking us about our preferences on customizable details and how things were tasting. This kind of attention to our experience as diners is completely unprecedented, especially in Toronto where amazing food is available around every corner, but a truly unique dining experience is hard to come by.
To finish, the staff provided tiramisu and coffee, as well as a few small special touches for Valentine’s Day. All in all a fantastic dining experience in a small and cozy restaurant tucked away from the bustle of Toronto’s main streets. Thank you Bugigattolo Kitchen for making our Valentine’s Day such a memorable one, and I can’t wait to return!

apparently now closed ;(
it had lots of of potential

Arrived for lunch with some friends. No tables but we sat at the bar/​cooking area. We were told that a table was going to be available in a few minutes. We waited about 15 — 20 minutes before realizing that we were probably going to have to eat at the bar so we ordered our food which was a bit of a drawn out process. Lasagna arrived first for two of my friends which I was told was good but lukewarm at best. Meatball sandwich came for my other friend next. It looked really good but I was told meatballs were stone cold. I ordered the BMT with a fried egg. Really just a sandwich. It never came. I was not very impressed and I made it known. I honestly have no problem complaining about poor service or bad food. It’s really my right as a customer, so I complained for everyone. I didn’t really want an apology because to me there is no excuse. They had almost an hour to make me a sandwich. Yes it was busy but the place barely holds 18 people. Plus some dude who walked in after us got his takeout order and left. The girl working there was useless to me and the «cook» didn’t know what he was doing. He tried to blame it on the fact that he was training someone. It is my understanding that there is an actual chef that works there or co-​owns the resto. He wasn’t there. I’m sure if he was I would have enjoyed my food. Such a shame because I was so looking forward to eating there and like anything else in this city, is totally overrated and run by people who don’t know the meaning of customer service.

One of the best meals I’ve had in a while. We were celebrating our 3 year anniversary and wanted to try something new but not pretentious and this place was perfect. Everything is house made and fresh. We had their arancini, meatballs, kale salad, zucchini lasagna (al dente and super creamy), and pizza with fiore di latte — all delicious. They can make substations to your taste (unlike terroni. Service was outstanding and welcoming. I honestly have nothing to complain about this place. Even the coffee and cannoli were good. Such a nice neighbourhood gem!

Wonderful food and service — simple but careful and definitely worth the wait. I went in this morning for a coffee and an Uova Affogato (a poached egg with ricotta and n’duja on toasted ciabatta). It was my first time at Bugigattolo but Francesco and Tricia treated me like I was a regular. The other customers were just as chatty and friendly, which highlighted the cozy neighbourhood café atmosphere.
The ciabatta hadn’t arrived yet and Francesco didn’t want to stick me with the day-​old bread. I had the choice between returning when the bread was in, or going with another entrée. Francesco helpfully suggested alternatives without any pressure. Then, as I considered ordering an Alla N’duja pizza for an early lunch (why not, right?), he offered to add an egg to it. Now it would be an Alla N’duja Alla Bismark — brunch pizza! — and it sounded fantastic.
It tasted fantastic as well. I had the pleasure of watching it being made, almost like a cooking lesson. Francesco explained what he was doing differently with this pizza versus the Uova Affogato (making the ricotta creamier, mixing it with the n’duja, adding fior di latte upon my agreement). While the pizza was being made I had a great Americano and a delicious cannoli. I admired all the family photos and telegrams posted to one of the walls.
When the pizza was done, Francesco topped it off with fresh basil, black pepper and salt. Beautiful. Was I at Bugigattolo longer than expected? Sure, but what an experience (and if I’m in a rush in the future, I’ll see if I can place my order by phone before heading over to the restaurant). I will certainly be back — and if you haven’t gone there yet, you should.

Finally, with the opening of Bugigattolo Kitchen, a cozy and intimate ‘hole in the wall’ spot graces the busy streets of Liberty Village. Bugigattolo literally means ‘hole in the wall’, which perfectly suits this authentic Italian kitchen nestled away on 54 Fraser Ave. From the outside, I could barely tell that I was walking towards a restaurant until I saw the sign painted upon the layered bricks. The inside is quite small and it definitely reminded me of one of the many cicchetti bars I wandered into while visiting Venice this past summer. The inside sits 18 people, but there is also a 25 seat back-​patio that is heated and covered for the colder months.
Bugigattolo aims to change the food game in Liberty Village by providing the community with eclectic Southern Italian fare, a certain contrast to the very pub-​grub ridden locale that currently exists. Executive chef, Quin Josey, has put together a detailed menu full of pizzas, pastas, paninis, soups, salads, pastries and much more.
I went to the media launch of Bugigattolo so I had the chance to try many different food items from the menu. Italian food is one of my favourites, so I was really excited to see what they had to offer.
My favourite dishes were the Pasta alla Birra and the Butternut Squash Soup. The Pasta alla Birra was rich, creamy and absolutely delicious. I loved the gracious amount of parm and black pepper sprinkled on top to really enhance this dish. The butternut squash soup was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. I have no idea how they perfected this soup, but they did and it’s something I would come back here for, time and time again, especially on a chilly day.
Each dish I tried was quite tasty and thankfully nothing disappointed. I did wish that we had a chance to sample some of the desserts, but I will make sure to try a cannoli or two on my next visit.
If you’re looking for a different taste in Liberty Village, I highly recommend popping by Bugigattolo for authentic eats, unpretentious clientele, and a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Bugigattolo is currently open for full day breakfast and lunch (8 am to 6 pm) and will be open for dinner starting January 2016

Came for a media event to celebrate the opening of Bugigattolo.
Got to try some pasta dishes like the Lasagna alla Bolognese and Margherita pizza. Margherita being my favourite.
The place is a small, 25 capacity. During winter they have a small back space with heater and during summer, I expect their patio will be a hit. They are still working on their liquor licence so don’t expect a full drinks menu until January 2016.
I would suggest owners also update their online map with specific directions. I came on a dark rainy night with my friend and we were wondering around for a bit lost despite using google map.