Located at the edge of Toronto’s High Park, Vivo Avanti brings refined Italian dining to the neighbourhood. The experience is shaped by thoughtful details, generous hospitality, and food that honours tradition while embracing refinement. Handmade pastas, carefully sourced ingredients, and a warm, familial spirit come together in a welcoming space that invites diners to linger, rather than rush.
Vivo’s executive chef Nick Ruggiero has curated a menu that blends time-honoured Italian recipes with modern culinary craftsmanship. The menu is made up of classics that include pizza and pasta, but if you are watching your carbs, it also includes mains like pan-seared cod, chicken and beef. The menu was the ideal size – enough selections to satisfy most eaters unless you are specifically looking for vegan options.
I was recently invited to dine at Vivo Avanti* and am sharing everything that you need to know about the experience at this elevated Italian restaurant:
Vivo Avanti Location and Reservations
1832 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario (if taking transit, it is a close walk from Keele subway station)
For reservations, click here
Website: www.vivoavanti.com
The Food
Antipasti
We started with the Insalata di Radicchio with honey vinaigrette, shaved fennel, orange, shaved Grana Padano. I know what you are thinking – a salad is a salad. Personally, I love salad and this was no exception. A good restaurant can make a salad surprising and Vivo Avanti did just that. The radicchio was charred slightly, giving the salad some smokiness. My friend and I couldn’t put our finger on what the unique flavour was and when our server told us, it made perfect sense.
Pasta
We continued with the Spaghettoni Alla Nerano with zucchini, aglio e olio, lemon, Pecornino, Grana Padano. This was a nice dish – it’s a simple classic. It wasn’t as memorable as the pizza though.
Pizza
Speaking of which, the Il Fugo, a white pizza with Gorgonzola cheese, figs, pistachio, and honey, was the next dish. I admit to not being a Gorgonzola fan, so when I saw that this is what we would be served, I was a bit underwhelmed. If you are wondering what the difference between Gorgonzola and traditional blue cheese is, it’s quite simple. Gorgonzola is softer, creamier, and a bit milder tasting. It is only produced in Northern Italy (with PDO status) and blue cheese can be produced anywhere.
Now, you may be wondering how the pizza tasted. It was FANTASTIC. It made a believer out of me. While I won’t actively be buying Gorgonzola for household consumption, I would order this pizza again. My friend felt exactly the same way. It was the combination of the honey and figs with some texture from the pistachios. It was delicious and a perfect balance of flavours. Truly one of the best pizzas I’ve tried.
The Main AKA Secondi
We then shared the Meluzzo – pan-seared cod, Pesto Siciliano, pickled shallot, stewed cherry tomato, lemon with a side of rapini. At this point, I was overly full (no, we didn’t eat everything) but the fish was cooked perfectly. It wasn’t over-seasoned or under-seasoned – it was balanced so that you could taste the fish. Rapini is polarizing – some people love it, some hate it. I’m firmly in the love it camp. If you are with me and want a lighter dinner, this is ideal.
Dessert
Finally, we ended at dessert – the Cheesecake Soffice which is mousse, cornmeal crumble, berry & Balsamic compote and raspberry sorbet. It was light and delicious. It wasn’t a heavy cheesecake. Honestly, as much as I love Nutella pizza, when I go back to Vivo Avanti, I would order the Cheesecake Soffice. It’s worth it.
The Atmosphere and Service
The dining room is spacious, but not so big that it feels like you are at a chain restaurant. I loved that it felt warm and inviting. The decor was cheerful with a white/green colour scheme. It wasn’t full the night we went, mostly because of the weather, so there were no issues with the noise levels.
The bar looked fun, with plenty of seating and a lively atmosphere. Our server was great – she was knowledgeable about the menu, explained everything well and was friendly. I always observe other diners to make sure that they are getting the same type of service and they were.
Final Thoughts
The true test of a good restaurant, if you are a reviewer, is whether you would make a reservation and pay to go back. I absolutely would. It was a warm, inviting place with great food and no pretention. Italian food is supposed to be simple, fresh and delicious and Vivo Avanti delivered on all counts. Although reservations are always recommended, you may be able to walk in to get a table. If you do, try the Il Fugo – you will thank me.
*Dinner was hosted, but opinions are my own.
