Drake’s personal chef opening brand new Italian restaurant in Toronto

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Published November 7, 2024 at 12:04 pm

Occhiolino Toronto

Toronto will soon be getting a new Italian restaurant from two top chefs. One has worked at one of the best 3 Michelin star restaurants in the world, and the other was once Drake’s personal chef.

Occhiolino translates to “wink” in Italian, and is helmed by Luke Donato and Nick Manzone.

Donato ran his own restaurant, Bacchanal, before working for Drake from 2020 to 2022 and then transitioning to become the corporate executive chef for restaurant group Ascari. Manzone has been cooking for over 20 years and has worked at 3 Michelin star restaurant Piazza Duomo in Italy as well as Buca in Toronto. He’s also behind Pastificio Double Zero, which supplies fresh pasta to dozens of restaurants in Toronto.

The pair have known each other for 15 years and first worked together at Campagnolo in Toronto.

A wide variety of pasta highlighting multiple Italian regional specialties will all be made on-site by Manzone. The menu will be rounded out by piattini (small plates) like spiedini di mortadella and carne cruda al’albese (a kind of Italian take on steak tartare). There will also be an accompanying list of fine Italian wines and apertivo-inspired cocktails.

The restaurant will also encompass a retail space stocked with Occhiolino’s signature fresh pastas and sauces plus merch like totes, hats and clothing.

The clean minimalist space with an open kitchen where diners can watch pasta being made was designed by Guido Constantino, which is also responsible for the look of iconic spots like Forno Cultura and Osteria Guilia. The space was originally a turn-of-the-century carriage house, and a horseshoe that was found during construction will even hang on the wall.

“Opening this restaurant has been a dream of mine for years,” said Occhiolino co-owner and executive chef Nick Manzone. “I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my craft and handmade pasta, and I can’t wait to finally share it with the public in this way. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people enjoy the food that comes straight from my heart and hands.”

“Accessibility was a key priority when designing the menu at Occhiolino. We wanted to create a space that everyone, no matter their budget or time constraints, could enjoy. Whether you’re dropping by for a quick, delicious bowl of pasta at the bar or looking to linger with friends over a leisurely meal, Occhiolino welcomes all,” said Occhiolino co-owner and general manager Luke Donato.

Occhiolino at 499 Bathurst St. should be opening this fall.


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