Where to Eat in Toronto: Oretta

I have to admit - I source restaurant ideas from Instagram, especially based on the aesthetics of the interiors and photogenicity of the plates. More often than not, if the restaurant has Insta-worthy decor the food does not disappoint either. 

I had a few places saved on Instagram for my two-and-a-half weeks in Toronto, but because of the tundra-like climate here I have only been able to make the trek out to one restaurant at the top of my list - Oretta on King St West. 

Inspired by the Italian way of life, Oretta delivers authentic Italian cuisine in a modern setting. The menu is pretty comprehensive in terms of the Italian classics, and it is open for coffee in the morning, and for lunch, aperitivo, dinner and even brunch on weekends. I went during the lunch hour (late-ish) on a weekday and was surprised that it wasn't packed - most likely because it's situated a bit away from the core financial district so doesn't really cater to the working crowd, which means all the better for amazing interior photos, right? It was quite refreshing actually to be in a restaurant that wasn't jam-packed and where you have to nudge elbows with your neighbors like in New York - I appreciated that I could enjoy a spacious 4-person booth with my friend. The service was amazing as well, serving sizes are moderate, not huge but not petite so perfect for lunch. 

I strongly recommend a visit if you live in Toronto or are visiting (hopefully when it's not -30 outside). 

Two special tips: 

1. If you are not in the mood for a full meal and just want some coffee and a quick bit, check out Oretta Cafe that's adjacent to the restaurant - there's a side entrance. It's just as cute and a bit more casual, and can be a great alternative to Starbucks. 

2. If you're looking for a good shot of the restaurant, head up to the second floor where the washrooms are (if you're American make sure you ask for the "washroom" not the "bathroom"), and take a photo overlooking the first floor from the balcony. The elegant round bar and lighting show up really nicely in an overhead shot. 

Drop me a comment if you went or if you have any questions!