Billing itself as an Italian steakhouse, this location is about as sexy as a GAP store, and it lures the same crowd. Pizzaiolo, taking over the space from Avalon, has traded the former tenant's minimalist look and feel for a flickering candle flame, faux Italian vibe.

For the menu, the chef has gone Mafia, offering selections like the Capone (Chicken Breast, Roasted Red Peppers, Mushrooms, Parmigiano), the Vittoria (Herbed Tomatoes, Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers), the Soprano (Sopressata, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Gorgonzola Cheese), The Godfather (a deep dish pizza with bacon, Italian sausage, pepperoni), and the Sicilian (real bacon, Italian sausage). Beware of khaki wearing horse heads.

While Pizzaiolo is opening new storefronts across the city in a seemingly Starbucks-esque frenzy, many pizza-lovers contend that this brand doles out some of the best pizzas in the city. The Pizzaiolo outposts - and there are many - serve up doughy, cheesy, tomato pies full of hearty ingredients such as Italian veal, grilled chicken and juicy steak to name a few. From the Capone, with chicken breast, roasted red peppers and pesto Sauce, and the Gianni Ola with pepperoni, mushrooms, bacon and mozzarella to the Meat Lover, with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham & ground beef and mozzarella, the slices are thick, spongy dough, surprisingly airy, with just a slight, appealing edge of char. 270 Adelaide Street West, 416-340-0002 (* there are 9 locations, with 6 upcoming openings).