Hugely popular Italian restaurant opening new location in Toronto’s east end
Published October 24, 2024 at 1:56 pm
A growing chain of stylish Italian restaurants appears to be preparing to open a new hotspot in Toronto’s east end in the not-too-distant future.
Recently, a post appeared on a Leslieville neighbourhood group suggesting that Piano Piano, a chain known for its pizza and pasta, plans to open a new location in the space formally occupied by Gare de L’est on Dundas Street East.
While the brand has not confirmed the news on its website or social media, job ads for positions at a new 1190 Dundas Street East restaurant have appeared on Indeed.
According to job postings, the company is looking for a chef de cuisine and a sous chef.
As of now, Piano Piano operates four restaurants: Three in Toronto and one in downtown Oakville.
The brand, helmed by Chef Victor Barry–who many may remember as the owner of now-closed fine-dining mainstay Splendido–has quickly grown into a popular choice for diners seeking elevated but casual Italian fare in stylish (and even dramatic) dining rooms marked by classic art, eye-catching floral murals and sensual lighting.
Calling its offerings “deeply satisfying food,” the chain offers prosciutto croquettes, whipped ricotta, marinated olives, burrata, pizza (you can even purchase Piano Piano-branded frozen pizzas in some grocery stores), pasta, veal parm, boneless ribeye, octopus and more.
Beyond food and eye-catching interiors, the chain is also known for hiring local designers to add some colour and flair to their dining rooms.
“All of our restaurants have been brought to life by working with amazing and talented Toronto-based designers,” the restaurant’s website reads, adding that its Harbord Street location was ‘brought to life’ by designer Tiffany Pratt with assistance from Claire Gilbert. Alison McQuaid of Future Studio designed its Mount Pleasant, Oakville, and Colborne Street locations, as well as its sister restaurant, Piccolo Piano Pizzeria.
All locations feature graffiti rose garden facades designed by Alexandar Bacon.
YourCityWITHIN has reached out ask about an official opening date.