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Paisano's Italian Garden Cafe
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
116 Willowdale AveNorth York, ON M2N 4X9
Neighbourhood: Willowdale
(416) 222-5487
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
11 reviews for Paisano's Italian Garden Cafe
11 reviews in English
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Review from Victoria B.
Midhurst, ON
3/2/2012
I had the opportunity to first visit Paisano's a couple of years ago based on my grandparents' recommendation. They used to frequent the restaurant. Being a lifelong lover of Italian food, especially pizza, I was very excited to try their restaurant.
WOW. I was blown away.
This place has the BEST Italian food I have ever had. This is miles above your standard pizza place. In fact, it seems downright insulting to even compare. Paisano's is in its own league. Situated in a quaint little building, it feels like a home of sorts. Comfortable and familiar.
They have an extensive menu consisting of pizza's, pastas, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. I've been there a handful of times now, and every time I order the same thing because it's guaranteed to be delicious: their "basic" pizza. I know what you're thinking, a basic pizza? Why not try something else? Something more extravagant? Well, there is nothing basic about their "basic" pizza! It's the highest-quality pizza I've ever had the opportunity to taste; it's the perfect blend of tomato, sauce, cheese and crust. To die for! Highly recommended. I'm confident I will continue to order and enjoy my basic pizza for years to come. -
Review from John F.
North York, ON
3/1/2012
This is Italian food for hosers, with not even an attempt at authenticity or hominess. I'd give it one star but the service was reasonably polite.
As for the rest: Atmosphere is nondescript and boring. The bread was pasty and machine-cut and served cold with little packaged butter containers rather than olive oil. Bruschetta was on the same icky bread and had way too much onion. A Caesar salad had lettuce that was reasonably fresh but appeared to be sliced with a knife rather than torn and cheap tasting dressing that seemed like the kind that comes out of those little plastic packages at fast food restaurants. An order of penne arrabiata was not spicy enough and was seriously overcooked. Eggplant parmesan was not bad tasting, but in no way authentic It came with a side of mushy looking frozen veggies and nondescript linguine. Manicotti was rubbery and tasted like they has heated up some packaged frozen stuff and bathed it in sauce. And speaking of sauce, it tasted like sour and cheap bottled pasta sauce without the slightest attempt to dress it up.
Better leave this place to the existing patrons who seem to crowd it. My Italian housemate noted that there was not one face, either among the staff of the patrons, that actually looked Italian.
This place might get by in some small town where the word Italian is pronounced eye-talian but I think in Toronto one can find much better offerings.
Laura T., you CAN do better at home. -
Review from Laura T.
2/16/2011
You know those Italian restaurants that are better than you could have made at home, but don't absolutely blow your mind? That's sort of how I felt about Paisano's. One step up from average, in the most endearing way possible. I would give it 3 and a half stars if I could!
They have a fairly lengthy menu (all the usual salad/app/main suspects) and really friendly and prompt service. Recommend Melissa H. if you're in there, she's especially fantastic. I ordered the manicotti, which was tasty but SUPER filling. As you would assume with a pasta shell stuffed with ricotta...
The pizzas also looked delicious, so maybe next time.
The decor is typical older Italian restaurant, but it seems to always be busy! Like I said, it's pretty good. Not QUITE 4 stars, but I'd go again! -
Review from J R.
North York, ON
1/7/2012
Good food, like the service in restaurant, but will never order pickup or delivery again. They always get it wrong, never apologize and never make it up to you.
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Review from Ariel G.
11/10/2010
We went there at the behest of family for a small belated post municipal election celebration. There were 5 of us in the party, and we had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated. This is one busy and popular place, and that, at least for me is a good indicator. Our dinner companions had been there numerous times and they said they really liked the place.
The menu is laid out in a slightly quirky fashion for the entrees, with a bit of repetition. But its all there except for one of my favorites Putanesca Sauce, which is absent.
I chose as an entree the Veal Aliolio, which was tender and well prepared. I also tasted my wife's Veal Marsala which was also well prepared. The meat used did not need to be tenderized (as many establishments do), and the preparation was good.
Our table was dominated by a large screen TV which enabled two of our dinners to follow a hockey game.
This a good local place, well attended and well liked. They have something here. We will return from time to time. -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2010
Years ago, this place was a small, mostly take out pizza place at Bayview Village Mall. They expanded there and became an Italian hot table that was very popular and very good.
They closed down a number of years ago, and after a short interlude, opened in this out-of-the-way location on Willowdale Ave., N of Sheppard in North York.
It is very popular and very busy, and doesn't take reservations on Saturday night, but our group of 8 got lucky, arriving just before 6:30.
Our server was fast and friendly.
The menu is large and varied, and the portions are very generous. They have 3 vegetarian dishes (2 eggplant and one risotto) and many vegetarian pasta options.
I had the Eggplant Bocconcini, which comes with linguine and veggies, and it was pretty good, if not a bit too tomato saucy (but some would like that). The bruschetta was very tasty, but their choice of bread is a bit weird. It was like sliced sourdough bread, and it is the same as the regular bread they bring to the table, and is also used for garlic bread.
Others were happy with their meals, but no one raved. No one had it, but the pizza would probably be a good choice. It was excellent back at Bayview Village. My wife and I plan to go back to give it a try. -
Review from Sharky L.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2010
A friend was raving about this place. Went in and the place looks cozy and has ambiance. Good for a date or romantic dinner. We were told they had the 3rd best lasagna in the city and the waiter recommended the Parmesan Chicken.
We ordered the Parmesan chicken, lasagna, and meat ball spaghetti. While it was decent and the portions were large it didn't blow me away. The Parmesan chicken was fried in heavy oil, more so than what I would like. Might consider going back if I'm in the area.
The price was very reasonable $20 per person. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
12/2/2010 6 photos
Can't imagine Paisano's Italian Garden Cafe can be that busy on a Tuesday afternoon. We were here after having lunch at Inakaya and wanting to have some desserts and coffee.
There were no dessert menu.. so basically they offer desserts of the day which were Creme Burlee and Tiramisu . The nice waiter said they were both home made and he likes Tiramisu better...
Cappuccino ($3) and Tiramisu ($5)
- Tiramisu that served in a bowl like custard was quite good! Tons of firm non mushy lady fingers inside.. The cream is just rich and creamy enough mixed with the liquor! hmmm went so well with my Java!
Services here is nice and friendly! But Paisano's is more like a casual Italian Family restaurant, don't come if you want a quiet, romantic dinner. BTW, the portions here looks huge! Maybe I have to come back here when I have any urges for pasta and be loaded with carbs!
There is a small small parking lot at the back of the restaurant, but don't expect to find one! When you come in the afternoon there are some meter parkings along Willowdale.. but if you try parking on the residential streets you will get a ticket unless it is after 6 pm!
They accepts all credit cards! -
Review from Amy K.
North York, ON
2/11/2011
Nice casual restaurant with great italian food. I love their beef and veal dishes. Pasta with lemon sauce is delicious as well. Best to go during off peak hours as they do get busy. I definitely will be back when I'm in the mood for italian food. Nice patio in the summer and lots of free parking.
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Review from Laurie G.
North York, ON
11/14/2011
One of the few Italian restaurants I like. You can randomly order anything on the menu and it will be good. The parking lot is very small, though.
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Review from Secyw W.
Richmond Hill, ON
12/26/2010
I organized a 20+ people Christmas party at this venue and it was quite nice. They do not take reservations on a weekend and parking is on the streets. The food is very good. I had the Chicken Carbonara and it was delicious. The prices are decent. Although some people were disappointed as their desserts menu wasn't spectacular; however I believe the pasta made it all.
