#FOOD: NOTTE RISTORANTE OPENS THIS WEEKEND

Notte Ristorante opens January 10, 2026 at 9 Church Street with a clear intention: to create a restaurant that fits naturally into how people actually spend their evenings. Some nights begin with a drink after work and turn into dinner. Others start around the table and stretch longer than planned. Notte Ristorante is designed to support that rhythm.

Notte Ristorante marks the evolution of Amano Trattoria and Bar Notte. The same kitchen, team, and culinary standards remain, now expressed through a more relaxed, evening-driven approach. Aperitivo and happy hour set the tone early, dinner anchors the night, and as the evening unfolds the room shifts subtly. Lights soften, music lifts, and the energy becomes more social without losing its warmth.

At a time when dining out feels more considered than ever and Canadians are careful when and where they spend their money, Notte is meant to feel easy. The experience is built around generosity and flow, encouraging guests to settle in, order another round, and enjoy the night without overthinking it.

“Notte reflects how people actually want to spend their nights right now,” says Executive Chef and co-owner Michael Angeloni. “You come in for a drink, order a few things to share, and before you know it, you’re deep into dinner. The food is comforting and indulgent, but the atmosphere stays relaxed. It’s meant to pull you in naturally and keep you there.”

A Modern Italian Point of View

The menu at Notte takes a modern Italian approach, drawing inspiration from regions across Italy from north to south while reflecting Chef Angeloni’s background and perspective. Classic preparations are handled with intention and confidence, woven together with locally sourced ingredients and subtle personal touches.

Everything is cooked from scratch in-house using the best ingredients the team can source. By avoiding pre-made products and unnecessary shortcuts, the kitchen maintains both quality and control, allowing the menu to remain thoughtful and generous without becoming inflated.

Menu Highlights Include:

The Salumi Bar – a live-action station anchoring the main bar featuring:

Chicken Liver Mousse & Treviso Jam ($14)
N’duja & Straciatella ($15)
Prosciutto Parma & Compressed Melon ($18)

Roman Style Pizzas – crafted over 72 hours, made with five types of flour and high hydration for a light and airy with a crisp finish:

Crazy Calabrese: smoked provolone, spicy sopressata, hot honey, arugula, black olives ($24)
Bologna Pride: zucchini, arugula, pistachio, honey, mortadella & stracciatella ($25)

Handmade pasta – made fresh in house daily:

Spaghetti Allo Scoglio: PEI mussels, Argentinian red shrimp, clams, pangrattato, parsley, chili, garlic ($26)
Campanelle Con Funghi: wild mushrooms, braised leeks, white wine, toasted walnuts, pecorino ($25)

Large format signature dishes – perfect for sharing:

12oz Bone-in Veal Parm: panko crusted veal, 40 clove tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, parm ($56); add ball of burrata (+$10)

A Bar Program Built on Balance

Notte’s bar program is guided by a simple belief: great drinks should feel inviting, not excessive. The cocktail list focuses on well-executed classics, the amaro selection is expansive, and the wine program aims to become one of the city’s best values for premium bottles by emphasizing thoughtful pricing intended to encourage another round and return visits.

Two daily happy hours from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and later in the evening help frame the night, creating natural moments to drop in and stay a little longer. As the evening unfolds, the room takes on a more social, energetic pace while remaining grounded and welcoming.

Notte Ristorante also introduces the Notte Social Club, a complimentary membership designed to reward regulars with an even more generous experience. Benefits include complimentary bread service, late evening pricing on select dishes, including a $99 bistecca fiorentina, a 32oz T bone steak designed for sharing, and simple flat pricing across the amaro selection. The Social Club reflects Notte’s belief that hospitality should feel fair, welcoming, and personal. Membership is free and open to guests who want to be part of the rhythm of the room.

Independent, Involved, and Intentionally Personal

While Notte Ristorante brings a new energy to the space, it retains all that was loved about Amano. The same care, sourcing philosophy, and attention to detail carry through, now expressed through a more fluid evening experience.

Notte Ristorante is independently owned and operated, with its partners closely involved day to day. Chef Angeloni is in the kitchen nightly, shaping the food and the rhythm of service in real time.

“Amano was always a place people loved, but we saw room to let it evolve,” says co-owner Adam Teolis. “Notte Ristorante keeps the heart of Italian hospitality intact, with a stronger pulse and a more generous point of view. We wanted to create a place that still feels special and elevated, but without making guests feel priced out of enjoying the night fully. A place where guests feel comfortable ordering another drink, another dish, and coming back often.”

For more information and updates follow along @notte.ristorante.

Some highlights:

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Michael Angeloni Notte Ristorante Yannick Bigourdan

#FOOD: THE BERCZY TAVERN OPENS FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2024

The much-anticipated grand opening of The Berczy Tavern is set for July 18, 2024, at 69 Front Street East in the heart of Old Town Toronto. Brought to life by Chef Michael Angeloni and his partners Adam Teolis and Yannick Bigourdan, the new locale promises to be a standout destination for locals and visitors alike with its vibrant live music, new American Bistro cuisine, and historic charm.

“We are thrilled to establish The Berczy Tavern in such a historic and vibrant part of Toronto,” said Adam Teolis, co-owner of The Berczy Tavern. “Our goal is to create a space that feels both timeless and contemporary, where the community can come together to enjoy great food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.”

Located at the intersection of Front and Church Streets, The Berczy Tavern occupies a heritage building across from its namesake, Berczy Park. The restaurant has undergone significant renovations to preserve the building’s historic charm while introducing contemporary elements. Guests will be greeted by a 20-foot tall marble bar, brass detailing, and a grand piano – set to create an unforgettable atmosphere with live performances every evening. 

Chef Michael Angeloni has a personal connection to the building, having frequented it during his culinary school days when it housed a Japanese restaurant. This deep-rooted affinity for the location, combined with a desire to create a unique, owner-operated establishment, is at the heart of The Berczy Tavern. Chef Michael is in the kitchen, and Adam is on the floor, ensuring a personal touch in every aspect. 

“Toronto needed a destination where people could go for unique experiences. Food and beverage is one thing, but adding music to the mix elevates it to another level,” added Teolis, “The Berczy is a combination of everything we love—perfect dining room, ambiance, and music. We aim to create that dinner party feel with music, warm lighting, and a lively atmosphere where tables aren’t too spread out.” Guests can enjoy live performances by local talent on weekdays starting at 8:00 p.m. and on weekends (Friday and Saturday) beginning at 9:30 p.m., featuring a mix of classic and contemporary jazz, big band tunes, and some of the city’s best piano players.

The restaurant offers a New American bistro menu influenced by the culinary traditions of the South of France, North of Italy, and Spain. The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase the rich flavours and techniques from these regions, blending them seamlessly with contemporary North American cuisine. Highlights include snackable favourites like crab cakes and grilled oysters, as well as shareable plates like octopus and rack of lamb. The beverage program is equally diverse, boasting over 50 wine labels, a selection of local and foreign beers, classic and contemporary cocktails, and a dedicated whiskey nook.

“Old Town Toronto’s unique blend of history and modern vibrancy makes it the perfect home for The Berczy Tavern,” said Chef Michael Angeloni. “We’re excited to contribute to the neighbourhood’s rich culinary scene with a menu that reflects the diverse influences of my culinary journey. We want every diner to leave our restaurant feeling proud of living in Toronto, as the food, drinks, and atmosphere work in harmony to create an unforgettable experience.”

The Berczy Tavern caters to a wide range of dining preferences and occasions, offering a refined dining room at the back for romantic dinners or family celebrations, while the front area provides a more casual bar environment with live music. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Excitingly, there is plenty in the works as the team prepares to open for lunch and brunch in the near future.

For more information, visit www.theberczy.com or follow us on @theberczy. 

See some highlights from a Media Preview we were so lucky to attend:

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