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Daddyo's Pasta & Salads
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
673 Spadina AveToronto, ON M5S 2H9
Neighbourhoods: University of Toronto, Downtown Core
(416) 598-5522
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Caters:
- Yes
20 reviews for Daddyo's Pasta & Salads
Review Highlights
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"There's a daily special - try the Southwest Chicken if you..." In 3 reviews -
"...pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauce creamy..." In 2 reviews -
"Jeffrey (the "DaddyO" behind the counter) is full of energy..." In 3 reviews
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20 reviews in English
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Review from Alana C.
3/23/2012
One of the best eats near campus. The pasta is fresh and made to order and there are so many options. A half portion will definitely be enough for lunch. Daddyo himself is a complete muffin and makes the experience even more enjoyable. He will always remember you if you're a regular, and probably remember you even if you are not. I've never had a bad experience here and the price and quality is a rare and good combination! Especially for poor students!
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Review from Grant P.
Toronto, ON
3/5/2012
the guys who work here seem to genuinely enjoy the work they're doing, which is cool. it's completely open concept, with the meal being prepared there right in front of you. i'm a fan of their pasta, but i don't really agree with the previous posts claiming the prices to be so excellent...
i only ever got The Original, which i think is the cheapest one, because the rest of the dishes looked pretty pricey to me. in all fairness, i was living on a student's budget at the time, but paying close to $13 for the relatively small amount of pasta one gets in each serving isn't all that excellent imo. but if money isn't such a concern for you, by all means, go... it's good pasta. -
Review from Susan G.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Daddyo's is a great place to get a great meal at a good price, close to the University of Toronto.
I love Daddyo's. There is a great environment, great service, and a large (but not overwhelming) menu.
I usually have the (delicious) Salmon Milanese, but have recently discovered that the daily special is totally the way to go! Not only do you get something different, but it comes with a little slice of french bread to enjoy it with!
If you're looking for a delicious, quick lunch, Daddyo's is the way to go! (AND they also deliver!) -
Review from Tony D.
Toronto, ON
9/29/2011
As a U of T student, I've walked by this place dozens of times, but only today did I actually go in. I'm glad I did. Inside is simple and cozy, the guy behind the counter (owner?) is friendly, and the place has a diner sort of feel about it. The menu was surprisingly vast for a "fast food" resto. Prices are reasonable.
I ordered penne pasta with spicy Italian sausage. It sure was spicy! The portion about right for the $8.99 price -- it left me full and satisfied. I really loved how the pasta wasn't pre-made or anything. The cook would actually toss your pasta in a pan and add the sauce and all, so it felt like a pretty REAL plate of pasta!
I'm Italian, so I'm accustomed to really great pasta. I won't say my lunch here could compete with my mom's pasta, but I still enjoyed it. I'll probably be back here. It's a good option for U of T students who are tired of the nasty/overpriced Aramark cafeteria-quality food all over campus! -
Review from eh B.
Toronto, ON
10/8/2011
Almost didn't go there the first time as the reviews seemed to suggest it was a student hang-out. Well, it is that, but it is so much more. It is a good restaurant.
How good is Daddyo's? Very good. It's really a 4 1/2 star joint, not a 4.
The standard Spadina washrooms are what keeps it below a 5. The stairs down to the washrooms are downright scary.
But we're going for the food. Awesome food - best of all is that you can choose the size of your serving for most choices. I'd be tempted to kill for their wasabi mayo recipe. The fries are really just a carrier for the wasabi mayo. Sooooo good.
I usually go for a half salad and half pasta - and share an order of fries with my regular concert/Daddyo's companion.
I'm a particular fan of the BLT salad, but none of them have been misfires so far.
On the pasta side, you choose your pasta shape, your sauce colour (red/white/olive oil), and the number of meatballs you want (if you want meatballs). Always check out the special - there's often something yum. I default to the red arrabiata sauce on fettucine if nothing else tempts.
The chef often has an interesting soup on offer. On those days, it's salad/soup and shared fries!
The staff has been consistently friendly, Daddyo is great to chat with, service is snap snap snappy.
Daddyo's - not just for students! -
Review from Jen S.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2012
Cheap and cheerful! I'll be back :)
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Review from Joanne S.
Toronto, ON
7/12/2011
Customer service is fantastic! Being so close to the St. George campus I expected there to be an attitude - you're just a poor lowly student, take your food and leave. But no attitude here. I also like that they ask if you want pepper and cheese on it before taking it to go. And the loving way they pack your food up with a fork and napkin (just like mama used to).
The food is freshly prepared and fantastic. I love that the pasta comes al dente and the non-traditional items actually taste good. I've tried the Italian Sausage - it was deliciously spicy, I just wish the sausage pieces were larger but there was a good amount; Cajun Chicken - serious spice on it, loved every bite, very good amount of chicken. Chicken Veggie Pesto was not as filling as I'd hoped but if you want a light lunch definitely get this.
There's a daily special - try the Southwest Chicken if you have a chance. They don't do half orders for the special but omg, that southwest chicken was AWESOME.
I appreciate that they have 1/2 and full servings, it makes life a lot easier and cuts down on wasting. The only thing I felt that wasn't worth my money was the Tomato and Boccocini Salad, it's nice to have while you're there but I could make the same thing at home for a lot less.
Definitely stopping by tonight before my late class. You definitely cannot go wrong here.Listed in: Lunch Time Escapades
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Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Friendly, fast, cheap food just steps from UofT? Count me in! After having dined on convenience store sandwiches every day on campus for weeks on end, I was looking for something for lunch that would be fresh and soul-warming, but wouldn't break the bank. DaddyO was definitely it.
First off, the proprietor (DaddyO himself?) was super-friendly and nice. He was great about answering the myriad questions about the menu that I and my dining companions had. I also love that they offer half-portions, which is just the right amount of food to fill me up but not so bloated that I would have needed to request a ride back to school in a wheelbarrow. I had the Tettrazini with whole wheat spaghetti (y'know, so it's healthy). The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauce creamy without being too rich. Best yet, the food came out fast, and my dining companions and I were in and out of there in less than an hour. My half portion of pasta, can of soda, and side order of bread with "magic oil" (olive oil with herbs and whatnot) came out to about $10. Not a bad deal, and I was perfectly satiated 'till well past dinnertime.
Ambience is pretty basic: plastic chairs, cheap tables, paper napkins. Fine dining it ain't. But if you're looking for a decent lunch, can't bear another crap campus meal, and are on a budget, DaddyO's is where it's at.Listed in: The University of Toronto
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Review from Sharif A.
Toronto, ON
3/3/2011 3 photos
I went there a few days ago and I can confidently say I'm satisfied. The location is convenient for anyone studying at Robarts library or anywhere on the UofT campus. The exterior is simple with a decent seating arrangement inside. The service was pleasant by the cook/cashier and was very quick. I felt very welcomed.
I ordered the original spaghetti with their signature sauce. The spaghetti was cooked well and the sauce had all the rudimentary ingredients you would expect from a competent tomato sauce with chunks of tomato and garlic sprinkled in.
Check out the photos for an idea! -
Review from Angela L.
2/11/2011
I imagine that the lunch hour is when Daddyo's gets the busiest and that is exactly the time I was taken there for a recent lunch date. Despite the jam packed room of hungry students and nearby workers, the cooked-to-order pasta was actually delivered to the table quite soon after we ordered and paid at the counter from Jefferey who is Daddyo himself.
Our saucy pastas arrived steaming hot with the offer of freshly ground black pepper. My white mushroom garlic rotini was served in a smaller portion than I would imagine that another diner would like, but suited my midday appetite just right. My enthusiastic lunch date, who happens to work nearby and frequents Daddyo's has apparently tried almost all of the dishes and sings nothing but praise for them all.
The decor in the bright and high ceilinged, but small dining room is ultra casual with tables that cluster to suit different sized groups. The large windows facing Spadina make people- (in the summer) and streetcar- (in the winter) watching a good distraction if you don't come prepared with a book, colleague, or date of your own. -
Review from Michael M.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2010
Food here was decent, but I don't think it's deserving of all the glowing reviews. I might be a little biased coming from an Italian background, but I don't think there's anything special.
Everything was prepared quickly and the staff was friendly. But the menu is quite boring and the food didn't really leave me satisfied. In fact, I might just head to the kitchen and cook up some more right now.
Still, if you're looking for reasonably priced Italian fare near U of T, Daddyo's is definitely worth a look. -
Review from Dennis L.
Toronto, ON
9/1/2010
I have only been once to date, but I have literally been craving this place since I went. I've tried to go again three times but it's been closed every time I went (too late or a holiday I forgot about). Don't get me wrong- normal enough hours, I'm just all over the place meself.
So, Daddyo's? Brilliant. The penultimate take-out pasta place.
I had tried the meaty Bolognese and got a Tomato+Bocconcini salad. The pasta was rich, thick and packed with juices. Every bite was a pasta god-send and when I finished I swear a tiny tear rolled down my face- I had always wondered about "that little place between Bloor and Harbord" and now that I know what I've been missing, I'm salivating to return. The salad was good, but after the pasta, everything pales. They have lots of options for pasta too, so there's something to keep everyone busy.
I was thinking after- all these take-out places are for Burgers, Shwarma, Sandwiches, Crepes, Poutine, Fish & Chips, etc... but I've never really found a PASTA place I've been head over heels for... until now. I love the little patio, but I can't help but think of this place as a great take-out spot (granted, I literally live down the street).
Also of note, the owner is a super-friendly guy and the best part is smelling them make your food. -
Review from Desmond F.
Toronto, ON
11/9/2011
I can't believe I didn't find out about this place for 33 straight months while living at Innis... glad I did.
Great place to get a quick and tasty meal. -
Review from Dishan W.
3/7/2010
You get a lot in terms of quality and quantity for what you pay for here. Jeffrey (the "DaddyO" behind the counter) is full of energy and makes you feel very welcome as soon as you step in.
They have a daily special (outside the listed menu items) that has an interesting mix of ingredients as well. Saturdays are also "tax free Saturdays". Garlic bread is also a must try and they have a massive helping of ice cream on top of a brownie if you still have any room left after the meal.
My favourites are the italian sausage, tettrazini, jerk chicken and the classic spaghetti and meatballs. Their seafood options are good as well, non-pasta options are homemade lasagna (meat and vegetarian).Listed in: Cheap Good Food Around UofT
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Review from Nick A.
Toronto, ON
9/16/2009
Daddyo's is a small, comfortable place that, as it's name suggests, specializes in pasta. You place your order at the front and pretty soon the very friendly staff bring it out to you. The friendliness of the staff at Daddyo's is definitely a draw as it almost always ensures a pleasant experience.
There are a variety of choices on the menu but my personal favorite is the pesto. An aspect I like is that you can choose the style of pasta to go with the sauce you want.
What prevents me from giving Daddyo's five stars however is that I often find the portions to be too small. Maybe I just have a big appetite but I often find myself wanting more. Regardless Daddyo's has some pretty good pasta and a very friendly atmosphere. -
Review from CalamityJane T.
Toronto, ON
9/29/2011
If you're looking for a quick, cheap, and delicious lunch for under $10, this is the place, especially if you're on the UofT campus. I had it for lunch today but have been a handful of times already, and I always leave there happy and full. The ingredients are fresh and they don't skimp. I also like that they offer half portions of pasta because I can't get into too much carbs so early in the day and still be functional.
The guys who work here are really nice and accommodating, and Daddy-O too is a friendly guy. The place is small but there is a good number of tables and it does get busy at lunch but no need to fret as the turnover is high due to the speed of the service.
I have only had the pastas (both red: tetrazzini, and white: carbonara) which were very good, but I'm sure their salads are as fresh and bountiful. There are maybe five types of pasta to choose from and endless sauces. The menu is quite extensive for a place this small and busy but that's a good thing, unless you're a really indecisive person. Either way, there are options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. I can't remember what else they have on the menu but I'm sure it's available on their website. Anyway, do check it out! -
Review from ILLAN K.
Toronto, ON
9/16/2009
Food here is good (not great), but it's inexpensive and served with a huge smile. Seriously, the guy behind the counter (should we call him "daddyo?") makes the visit worthwhile.
Just watch out for the arrabiata sauce; it's very spicy -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
9/14/2009
Great staff, great food, great atmosphere.
What else needs to be said?
A little more expensive than most cafeteria style places but rightfully so, it always tastes great and is ready in minutes.
I attend often, highly recommend. -
Review from Martin W.
5/19/2011
I've only done the delivery option here but I was very impressed. The guy on the phone was friendly and helpful. The delivery was exceptionally fast, like the fastest ever. Like the Flash or something. It was as if I got off the phone, sat down on the sofa, and he called and said he was here. It was odd. The food was hot, tasty, fresh and very affordable. I was very full. Definitely will be ordering from here in the future.
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Review from Zeb T.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2009
The food here is tasty, prepared quickly, and reasonably priced. One of my favorite things is that they're always willing to make dishes vegetarian, including the jerk chicken pasta (in fact, the vegetarian jerk chicken is one of my favorite dishes). The arrabbiata sauce is my other go-to dish, although it is very spicy so it may not be for everyone (they'll usually warn you when you try and order it for the first time). The other main draw of this place for me is that they have the friendliest staff I've encountered in Toronto.
