iva Italia! Il Fornello's Church street location, in the heart of the gay village, aims to offer authentic Italian cuisine to Toronto urbanites. Taking over the old Inspire space, this location features marble floors, a cocktail bar, puffy banquets and a very cool moveable storefront that transforms the front section of the restaurant into the ultimate open air patio lounge – great for people watching on Church Street when late-night rolls around. Designed by Toronto architect firm Giannone Associates Architects Inc, who also created the interiors of the two new restaurant/bar concepts recently opened by the Il Fornello group, Lago and Strada.

Being Italian, you can expect plenty of pastas and pizzas on the menu, but the Church location is lucky enough to have some special meals unique to the resto. Some notable mentions include the Roast Veal Striploin with rosti potatoes and winter vegetables in a cognac peppercorn jus and the Chicken with Chevre that is presented with a sweet potato strudel. Seafood is somewhat absent on the entrées with only a Salmon dish offered, and a mussel appetizer.

While this is not the ultimate Italian restaurant in the city, it is a reliable standby for friendly service and average Italian dining.
- D.E.