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Sotto Sotto Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
116a Avenue RdToronto, ON M5R 2H4
Neighbourhood: The Annex
(416) 962-0011
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5:30 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
28 reviews for Sotto Sotto Restaurant
Review Highlights
27 reviews in English
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Review from Rosie S.
12/8/2011
Another fine-dining favourite! I love this place. Like FIVE STARS love it, as you can see.
Great, cozy atmosphere - fabulous place to impress a date. AHEM!
Officially it's called "Sotto Sotto Trattoria", so you know what kind of food you're in for.
My favourite apps are the grilled wild mushrooms and the cheese plate. The bread is (obviously) fantastic too.
My fave salad is the Carlos, though I think I've tried most of them and they're all great.
I've had a bite or two of other people's gnocchi and it's fab as well. No real idea personally about the pasta or the meat entrees, but everyone always swoons over whatever it is they have ordered, so I think every option is a safe bet here. I've also thieved bites of various desserts, which are all impressive... especially the berry flambé... I have a weak spot for dramatics, what can I say?
But, really, three of these stars are for three simple words:
DELLA SPIGA RISOTTI.
Oh my dog it's good. Seriously. SERIOUSLY.
I would go so far as to say it may be the best wild mushroom/truffle risotto in the city (sorry, 2nd place Mistura, it's really close).
I just wish people took me out here more often!!! -
Review from Viviana M.
Toronto, ON
10/2/2011
Unfortunately I did not have a great experience at Sotto Sotto. Was there just a few weeks ago and received such a bad and snobby treatment from the host and waiters that I decided to leave even before they put some bread on my table. It was that bad.
I have been to sister resto Spuntini, and this is not the case, not sure why Sotto Sotto is such a snobby restaurant. What I do know is that I will never put up with bad service...and to their disadvantage they lost on a good review from me and for them to make it to the Foodies Inc. blog.
Viviana.Listed in: The Worst of TO
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Review from Randy B.
9/29/2011
EXPENSIVE - YES. AWESOME - YES!
Bobby, you know Dinero, yeah - we've dined here. Not together, but we like this place. It is THE place! A place to gawk at celebrities and the pretty people. A place to get both delicious and fresh food, made to order, with accomodating & very attentive service. They have an expansive wine selection, and offer two different dining area experiences. The top floor, with several window-view tables overlooking the busy Avenue Road...is more traditional dining and tends to be quiet. The downstairs area makes YOU feel like a celebrity. Loud, intimate, all action, a romantic-setting, and GREAT!
I had the pleasure of dining here several times, and would love to go back again (and again) when visiting Toronto. Love Sotto Sotto! -
Review from Dan W.
Toronto, ON
1/15/2012
Sotto Sotto is a great restaurant for a lively, classy dinner. I took a significant other there for a special occasion, wanting to try a new restaurant. The room was louder than I typically prefer, and there wasn`t much space (nearly approaching the packed feel of Fresh) but the positive energy of the restaurant and its patrons made the volume ok for me, once I adjusted my expectations away from a quiet dinner.
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Review from Zainab K.
Toronto, ON
1/29/2012
Excellent italian food!
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Review from mirz b.
Toronto, ON
9/23/2011
I probably like this restaurant a bit better than Spuntinis - only because their pasta, I find, is better. However, this is probably not the greatest way to pass judgement since I've eaten at Spuntinis multiple times while I've only been to Sotto Sotto once.
I went with a girlfriend of mine. Real simple review:
1. The bread was good
2. The pasta was really good
3. The service was meh - our waitress was a bit snooty for my liking.
4. The ambiance was good/romantic/dark-lit
5. I felt congested in there. Short ceilings.
6. Lots of noise, so if you're looking for a super romantic quiet dinner don't go here. But it's okay for a fun date night or girl's night.
I wouldn't mind going back. But I wouldn't mind if I never returned. -
Review from Tara A.
7/27/2011
I tried with all my might to go here during the film festival but alas, no such luck. (I was really in the mood for star gazing... of the hunky brad pit kind). So, instead, I booked a table for 12 for my birthday a few weeks ago. The table was great, we were all able to look at each other (as opposed to a long ass awkward table). Let me tell you, finding a place that didn't take a minimum and didn't make me offer my first born in order to have a table for 12 was a HUGE challenge and Sotto Sotto was so brilliant about it.
I really loved my meal. I have the Beef Carpaccio to start which was delish!! The pasta dish I had (which had a garlic sauce... amazing) was outstanding. The service was really wonderful as well. Our server stayed on top of making sure everyone had what they needed and never let a glass go dry.
This place truly is a little piece of Italy within Toronto. The decor is very quaint and with the kitchen exposed to the customer, you know exactly what's going on!
Also, even if it's not the film festival, you never know who you may run into here... I got the honours of rubbing shoulders with a few of the Toronto Blue Jays (if you know my BF, you will know this is a BIG DEAL!)
This place will definitely because a regular go to restaurant for me as I can't remember a better birthday dinner experience.Listed in: My Favourite Finds of 2011
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Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
6/20/2011
This used to be my 'good restaurant' of choice for a few years. Great place for romantic dates, anniversaries and the like until everyone else started using it for the same, which is not a bad thing. Well, it was for me as I noticed the prices creep up a bit.
The locale is set underground in a basement, however they have given it a very cave like feel. A very well addressed cave mind you. With low-ceilings, lots of yellow lighting and a level service which never disappointed me, I can only give this restaurant high praises.
The chairs are wooden and the tables have an old world vibe. Funny enough, the decor strikes me more as Mediterranean than strictly souther Italian as I once was at a restaurant in Sevilla that looked just like this place.
Now, the restaurant is on the small side so expect to feel it a little cramped on Friday and Saturday nights when is generally packed. For some privacy, I recommend the small room on the north-east side of the restaurant on the room on the right. Only a few tables there and a bit less server traffic.
The wine selection is very good and their pastas & desserts (their forte) can achieve levels of culinary orgasm -- sometimes. Either way, expect the Italian style meal where you will have an aperitivo, antipasti, primo, secondo.. etc all the way to Caffè or Digestivo. So by the end, expect to be feel full & satisfied.
Of course you pay for it, so for a great meal for two, expect a good $200 as base. I very much recommend Sotto Sotto to anyone who wants a semi-authentic rustic Italian meal.
Fun fact: Even though Sotto Sotto's menu is Italian, the place is basically run by Spanish people. Hola!Listed in: My Reviews
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Review from Nunya B.
Toronto, ON
6/2/2011
i went there for my birthday a few years ago. the food was decent enough, but not what I was expecting. The menu was a bit expensive for what I would pay, and I felt they may have skimped on the fresh ingredients.
Overall....just okay. Would only go back if the prices dropped. -
Review from Alicia T.
Toronto, ON
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Deee-licious. I had one of the "best meals ever" here. I love their steak.
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Review from Kelsey P.
3/8/2011
As you can probably tell by now, I eat out A LOT and I love good food. I'm happy to indulge in expensive meals, if they are worth it.
And Sotto Sotto is worth it. Every time.
This is a very traditional Italian restaurant:
- The ceilings are low.
- The waiters are genuine and friendly (and yes, they clean the crumbs off the table!)
- The lighting is dim.
- The patrons are quiet and discreet.
- And most importantly, the food - i.e., PASTA is INCREDIBLE.
Food selection can be tough as the menu is large and everything looks good. I'd go for:
- Antipasto to start
- Capellini or Pappardelle pasta dishes as mains
- Tiramisu (without a doubt) for dessert.
Enjoy! -
Review from Brett A.
Pickering, ON
5/16/2011
I was pleasantly surprised with my overall experience at Sotto Sotto.
The experience started as such: made 9:45pm reservations, but i was not seated until after 10pm. I was less than annoyed at that but I did not let it get to me. The place appears small from the outside, but it is certainly not very small on the inside... and rammed!
My date and I started out with bruschetta which was fantastic. I ordered the Valpolicella to drink. For the mains, I had the Vitella Della Nonna (Veal with eggplant). Everything about this main was to die for! My date ordered Pollo in Carrozza (Chicken topped with prosciutto and mozza). To me this tasted a bit bland, but the date really liked it. We opted for dessert - Foresta Nera. O. M. G. Can't go wrong with chocolate and raspberry! -
Review from Peter N.
Oakville, ON
12/11/2011
Absolutely outstanding Italian. Have been there a few times, and have never been disappointed. Even the angel hair pasta was al dente... Perfect. And reasonably priced as well.
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Review from Melissa M.
Etobicoke, ON
11/12/2010
I HIGHLY recommend Sotto Sotto. The service was amazing, aside from the waiter forgetting my Tiramisu and latte at the end of the meal, but whatever; between appetizers and main he cleaned the crumbs off the table! I've never seen that before.
I'm constantly on the search for the best "Caprese Insalata", and I think I've found it. Sotto Sotto's Bufalo Caprese was melt-in-your-mouth fantastic! The mozzerella was so fresh and soft that when you cut into it, it sort of oozed out all over the tomato... (pardon me while I drool in rememberance).
I had Butaccini Al Pomodoro for my main, and the tomato sauce was simple and classic but incredibly flavourful. It might have been the perfect sauce. I also sampled the Gnocci with Quatro Formagio sauce, and that was really good too, considering I'm not a big Alfredo fan.
For dessert I had the best Tiramisu of life, and was lucky enough to have a taste of the Dolce de Leche Cheesecake. I'm glad I didn't order it because it was sinfully good and would have taken me hours to finish, because I would have savoured every single particle of it. -
Review from Andrei P.
Toronto, ON
8/29/2010
Been wanting to go here since I got an awesome recommendation from a friend several months ago. Now, I am kicking myself for not going here earlier. It basically blew me away. It's listed under Annex neighborhood, but really its bordering Yorkville and the Annex.
Took my girlfriend there for dinner. The place was very cozy and romantic. The decor and atmosphere reminded me of a couple of restaurants I been to in Italy. They have an impressive collection of photographs of famous people that dined there.
Service was very friendly and attentive. And the food was to die for. We had an appetizer platter to share, main course and a desert each. Portions were generous and we felt satisfied without feeling bloated or heavy, must be the quality ingredients used to prepare the dishes.
Finally, considering the neighborhood, Sotto's reputation, and high quality of food served the prices are very reasonable. I would highly recommend it and would return to this restaurant again. -
Review from Scott W.
Toronto, ON
3/23/2009 1 photo
I've usually just taken dates to Sotto Sotto, and I've never had anything but fantastic meals and service.
This past weekend, I took my 8 year old daughter and I will say that I had as great an experience with her than I have had with anybody else...needless to say, our relationship will last far longer than that with anybody else! ;-)
This restaurant is not "kid friendly" in the sense that there is no children's menu, and the restaurant is expensive...but If you're up for spending the money, you will not be disappointed.
Luckily, (or unfortunately because I was paying) my daughter has my appetite, so we were able to order individual appetizers and entrees.
Abigail started off with a gingerale, and I opted for a dry gin martini. From there, she decided on Mussels (with white wine as she doesn't like tomato chunks in her sauces) and I went with the beef carpaccio. She was really digging the mussels, but of the two she let me have, they were succulent, large and delicious. My carpaccio was fantastic, and she really enjoyed the sample I gave her...until I told her what it was and then she just kind of glared at me. Luckily that blew over quickly and our entrees arrived.
I ordered a half litre of Cesari Valpolicella Ripasso ($28.50) to go with the rest of my meal. I guess at this point I should mention that we were staying at the Intercontinental Yorkville and within walking distance just to ensure the teetotalers of Yelp.
Keeping in mind her aversion to tomato chunks, I ordered her (my absolute favourite on the menu) the Rigatoni Al Quattro Fromaggio, and I had one of the featured dishes, Pappardelle w/Meatballs (or if you're familiar with the restaurant, Mamma's meatballs). You can't go to Sotto Sotto, hear a feature dish with meatballs, and not order them...you just can't.
Both of our entrees were absolutely fantastic. The food here is so consistantly good that, as I had mentioned, I have yet to be disappointed in many visits over the years.
For dessert, Abigail had the chocolate mousse, and I went with the Banana Gelato w/strawberries. A double espresso to top it off, and we were finished.
The service is very friendly, and reservations are an absolute must. We had a 6:30pm reservation (couldn't get later with 5 days notice) and upon confirmation, they reiterated that my table would need to be free by approx. 8:30pm. Two hours is a perfect window when dining with child anyhow.
Everything before tax was ~$156...taxes and tip brought us to an even $215. For a fantastic meal and an experience that my daughter will always remember, I'd definitely do it again...it was worth every penny! -
Review from Christie C.
6/30/2011
This review is long overdue, but the fact that I am still posting it is a testament. I live in LA now, so I haven't been back for almost 7 years, but this is hands-down one of two places that serves the best tiramisu I've ever had in my life. In fact, I'm afraid to order tiramisu on anyone's menu now because I feel like anything else will pale in comparison. I don't remember what I had for dinner specifically (although I do remember it being delicious), but I DO remember how creamy and pudding like the tiramisu was. To DIE for.
It is small and crowded and somewhat loud because of it, but that is part of the charm of this place. That is what makes it cool. 2 snaps up in a circle, baby! -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
2/23/2010
I ate dinner here with my parents and we all enjoyed our meal very much. A respectable wine list, good service and good food. While this may not seem like something to write home about, unfortunately, in so many of these allegedly "high end" places, it is.
The price was right for what we had and despite the movie star cliental the wait staff lacked that arrogance so common in Toronto. -
Review from Paul J.
4/14/2011
I own two restaurants in USA and I'm always looking for the hidden gem!! Sotto sotta is just that!! I stayed at the Hazelton and I was hungry abit late and the conciege phoned sotto sotto and they were closing but kept the kitchen open for me and fed me like I was family. Grandma even câmera out of The kitchen to meet me. Since then i go there everytime I'm in toronto and refer all of my friends. Service, food, ambiance all A+.
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Review from Mary K.
Scarborough, ON
8/25/2011
This is the perfect place for a perfect date! The food was good. The servers know when to come up to your table.
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Review from Ron P.
8/24/2011
i'm surprised this is not a more reviewed place. it's pretty great. good room, nice staff, good wines, great food. i always go there when in town.
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Review from A J.
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Mouth watering food but super expensive. I would give it 5 stars if it was slightly more affordable. The Dulce de Leche Cheesecake is to die for.
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Review from James B.
5/23/2011
Really, really, really, good- friendly service, romantic (although I ate alone, and they were very nice!), great authentic, rustic Italian food. PErhaps a little pricey, but that's what you get when you have limited seating and great food. I stumbled into this place on a walk and would highly recommend it.
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Review from Su B.
8/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
We celebrated our wedding anniversary at Sotto Sotto over the G20 weekend and a very stormy evening. Despite the weather and the city being under siege the place was pretty crowded and although I had made reservations in advance we were seated at a table next to a large rambunctious party and our table was all wobbly. The food was great. We ordered the sea food platter as appetizer and shared it and then ordered the seafood risotto and shared that as well (yes we love seafood). I can't remember the dessert we had as it was quite unremarkable. I had mentioned that we are celebrating a milestone anniversary but there was no acknowledgement. The restaurant lacks attention to detail and finesse. Since I am not a celebrity junkie, I don't see any reason to return.
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Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2008 1 photo
This is one of the most high end restaurants in Toronto. It's also a favourite among celebrities. You always hear some story of some star eating there during Film Festival. It's super small and cozy and kind of off the beaten track because it's up Avenue Rd. instead of right in the heart of Yorkville. They have valet parking and it's some of the best Italian food you'll ever have. Be prepared to spend a lot of money and it's near impossible to get a reservation during Film Fest. Two stars that are ALWAYS there are Sharon Stone and Coin Ferrell. Just sayin'.
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Review from Ed W.
4/29/2010
Had a wonderful client dinner. Service, food and wine were terrific. The intimate setting was wonderful too.
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Review from Linda M.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2011
Good food. Terrible at accommodating reservations.
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