#FOOD: FICOA, LITTLE ITALY TORONTO

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, Ficoa stands as a testament to Toronto’s rich cultural tapestry with its eclectic fine dining offerings. Chef Gerry Quintero, the visionary behind Ficoa, joins forces with co-founder Patricia Toro to curate a culinary journey that celebrates Toronto’s multicultural food scene. Drawing from Quintero’s Mexican roots and Toro’s Ecuadorian heritage, Ficoa stands out as Toronto’s premier destination for multifarious season-focused fine dining. Soft launched in March this year, Ficoa has quickly become synonymous with hospitality, drawing parallels to the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of dining at grandma’s house

About chef Gerry Quintero

Chef Gerry Quintero embarked on his culinary journey in Mexico, cultivating a passion for vegetarian cuisine and a philosophy centered on honouring each ingredient, leaving nothing overlooked. His early experiences in the kitchen with his family instilled in him the belief that every ingredient deserves reverence, a philosophy he continues to uphold at Ficoa. Quintero’s career spans across some of Toronto’s most esteemed establishments, including Scarpetta, Yours Truly, Torito, El Caballito, Linda Modern Thai, and Rosalinda. Notably, his time at Linda Modern Thai saw him co-found Alma y Gil alongside his partner, Mandy Sou. The renowned kombucha and produce delivery company went on to gain acclaim for their signature breakfast sandwich.

When Quintero crossed paths with restaurateur Patricia Toro, their collaboration was a natural fusion of their shared passion for culinary exploration and commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences. Their brainchild would become Ficoa.

“Patricia trusts the source. She knows when it comes to our eclectic menu, every ingredient matters to me. Patricia is a meat and potatoes kind of girl, but she understands that even vegetables can be exquisite in the right hands” says Quintero.

Trust forms the bedrock of Ficoa’s concept. Choosing Ficoa for a tasting experience means embracing a commitment to quality reminiscent of dining at grandma’s—a place where warmth, care, and culinary mastery converge to create unforgettable moments.

About Ficoa’s menu and programs

Ficoa’s menu is a reflection of Toronto’s cultural diversity, drawing inspiration from Ontario’s micro seasons to create personalized tasting menus that evolve with nature. At the heart of Ficoa’s culinary philosophy lies a commitment to sustainability and innovation, with a particular emphasis on fermentation, dry aging, and other advanced flavour development techniques. These practices not only enhance the depth of flavours but also underscore chef Quintero’s dedication to minimizing waste and maximizing the potential of every ingredient.

Guests at Ficoa can indulge in a variety of dining experiences:

The Ficoa Tasting Menu

This 7-course culinary journey comprises 16 plates that change weekly, reflecting the freshest seasonal ingredients Ontario has to offer for $200.00 per person. Guests can complement their meal with chef’s pairings for $150.00 or opt for wine pairings at $100.00, carefully curated to enhance each dish.

The Neighbourhood Menu

Available from 5:00 PM onwards, this 4-course tasting menu features 6 plates for $90.00 per person, highlighting Ontario’s microseasons with weekly menu updates.

À la carte

Offering personalized options that allow guests to tailor their dining experience to their preferences.

Exclusive memberships

For Toronto’s most discerning food enthusiasts, Ficoa offers memberships designed to provide consistent, unique tasting experiences. Members enjoy benefits such as credits convertible into purchases at the restaurant, priority reservations, and an elegant, seamless dining experience that includes skipping the bill process. Additionally, members receive priority access to exclusive events hosted at Ficoa.

Brunch at Ficoa

Ficoa hosts a special Alma y Gil pop-up brunch experience every Thursday through Sunday, with reservations between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM featuring the culinary creations of Mandy Sou alongside Ficoa’s distinctive ambiance.

Pachanga Happy Hour

Launching this August, Ficoa introduces Pachanga, a playful twist on the chef’s choice concept, tailored for happy hour. With each drink order, guests enjoy a curated selection of snacks that vary based on their beverage choice—whether it’s a classic cocktail, a custom creation, or a fine bottle of wine. Available every Thursday and Friday from 8 PM onwards, Pachanga promises an evening of culinary sophistication at Ficoa.

(Pictured left to right: Ficoa’s riff on the Old Fashioned using Spirit of York Rye; Rhubarb Fizz with Ficoa’s house rhubarb shrub, hibiscus kombucha and True Theory vodka. Photos courtesy of Ananta Gulati)

Ficoa’s Cocktail Program

As part of Ficoa’s Chef-driven experience, the cocktail program is built to seamlessly facilitate the marriage between food and drink. Complementing the vibrant flavours and themes of the seasonal menus, the cocktails ensure a holistic tasting experience. Infused with elements like kombucha, mushroom and citrus, the cocktail menu honours Ficoa’s playful approach to gastronomy.

Ficoa’s Interior Design

Chef Gerry Quintero meticulously designed Ficoa’s interior, comprising three distinct spaces: a welcoming lounge for 10, a dining room accommodating 20, and a bar seating 14. Throughout their visit, guests are gently guided through these spaces by the Ficoa team, reflecting Quintero’s commitment to genuine hospitality. Starting in the lounge and concluding in the dining room allows guests to fully immerse themselves in each unique environment, carefully crafted to complement every stage of their dining journey. This immersive approach underscores Ficoa’s ethos of providing hospitality akin to a cherished family gathering at grandma’s, where every detail ensures guests enjoy attentive care and exceptional food. In the lounge, guests relax under warm lighting, enjoying welcome snacks and homemade sweets that conveniently rest in a candy jar beside them, evoking fond memories of family traditions. Personal touches like family photos from Quintero and Toro’s Mexican and Ecuadorian backgrounds further enrich the ambiance, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere.

Moving into the dining room for the second half of their experience, guests are seated at minimally adorned tables, allowing them to focus on the exquisite food, its quality, and the company they share.

Quintero elaborates, “The idea behind this is to emphasize the food’s beauty and quality, and of course, to allow guests to connect with the person across from them. It’s a social experience as much as a culinary one.”

The dining room’s centerpiece is a captivating hand-painted mural by artist Nadine Ogle, depicting a larger-than-life street sign reading ‘Ficoa’—a tribute to Toro’s childhood in the neighborhood of Ficoa, Ecuador where streets are lined with beautiful citrus trees. This vibrant citrus-themed artwork celebrates Ficoa’s Ecuadorian roots, mirroring the flavours found throughout the menu.

Upcoming Events at Ficoa

Chef Gerry Quintero frequently curates special events that transform Ficoa into a haven for Toronto’s boldest food lovers. Members enjoy complimentary access to these events, which include exclusive menu previews, wine tastings, coffee tastings, fermentation workshops, and bespoke private gatherings tailored to enhance the culinary journey.

Reservations at Ficoa

To book a reservation at Ficoa, guests can visit the link HERE.