 tep into what was previously The Courthouse’s lower-level dance club, and you’ll see that the space has been radically re-jigged into an elegant east side eatery, one that is somewhat self-consciously reserved. The traditional southern Italian fare of Terroni has trumped over the tinny top-forty beats and has added an old-country charm – and aroma – to the rugged space.
 This Terroni - located within the Greek revival-style building which was originally the York County Court House - is gleefully large and absolutely gorgeous. Constructed in 1851, the space has seen tenants come and go, but thankfully most of its historic details are still intact.
Terroni owner Cosimo Mammoliti has embraced the beauty of this heritage site while shaping his own style into it, resulting in a unique blend of old and new culture. One doesn’t have to look hard to spot how the space has been Terroni-ized; basement jail cells are now wine cellars and a DJ booth has been carved into the grand staircase. There are other Italian-inspired innovations, such as the enoteca (wine bar) located up front, acres of carved woodwork are polished to a high sheen, and shelves of olive oil line the shelves.
The next note of happiness is that the menu, in line with Terroni’s other locations, is considerable. The familiar list is divided between a lengthy list of starters and entrées, and is a flyover of its other locations, with favourites like traditional thin crust pizza, flatbreads, seared tuna, calamari, and shrimp and grits.
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57 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, ON
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9 Reader Reviews
I just tried Terroni's for the first time, after hearing great things about the food. We asked 3 waiters for fresh grated parmesan cheese for our pizza (which was supposed to have parmesan on it already, however we could not see any), and each time, were told that we could not have cheese for our pizza, as the dishes are all served in a very particular way. We eventually complained to the manager, who agreed with us that they are losing customers over this "policy", however did not wish to resolve the situation. He mentioned that Terroni's stopped leaving the cheese graters on the table 2-3 months ago, because people were using it on their pizza! We explained to him that denying a customer parmesan cheese is like denying them salt and pepper, and he stated that "no fine dining establishment provides salt and pepper". His comment is certainly lacking validity, as I have yet to be refused salt and pepper in any kind of restaurant! And after today's experience, I can't understand why he thinks Terroni is a "fine dining restaurant". His only attempt at rectifying the situation was offering us a "seafood dish" instead. At this point, I am still unsure what that would have solved, as we went to Terroni specifically for pizza!
I should have left the pizza and walked out, however I ate it anyway, and paid for it, however for the first time ever, I left exact change with absolutely NO tip!
There are many other wonderful restaurants in Toronto that actually appreciate and try to please their paying customers - Terroni is NOT one of them! Do yourself a favour and spend your time and money elsewhere!
Disappointed's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Yes the food is good here, but this is a case of when poor customer service really deters you from visiting. I think Terroni's popularity has gone to its head because they certainly don't care for their customers. I visited there with a friend, and they practically rushed us out of there, grabbing our food and drinks before we were finished.
Judging from some of the other experiences, I am not alone on this. Interesting that on their website, Terroni does not have a customer service or feedback section.
Do not visit Terroni.
Tom's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Food is generally ok, but the place is way too noisy for carrying any semblance of a conversation. Service is hit and miss: some waiters/waitresses are on the ball, but others are duds that don't bother bringing the wine until after the food arrives (happened twice already!).
TY's Rating: 2 Stars |
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I ordered the veal special and was not happy with the side dish. I made a request to have something instead and was told "we don't do that". When I complained to the manager, I was told that is our policy. As it turns out the manager was the owner.
Very poor customer service!!!
I will not go back!
Ty's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Crowded, loud... and worth the trip. They need to cut the pizzas for us though.
Randy Williams's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Oh, how I wish I could love terroni. I had such high hopes after reading all the rave reviews from my fellow martiniboys people, but I was incredibly disappointed. Food... rushed service... and the loud room, our evening was par-average.
Susan Blakely's Rating: 2 Stars |
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Two co-workers made me come here for lunch yesterday. Woah. Goodbye Lettieri, I am now a Terroni girl! What a great space...makes my head spin...and as soon as I can have bread agai. I am so hitting up their pasta selection (some great, some not so much). And they have big salad selection. Sold, sold, sold! The party music is a bit much, but...you need to shake that sandwich through you afterwards anyway.
Angela R.'s Rating: 3 Stars |
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Fair warning. It's way too easy to overindulge. I will shamelessly order too much and/or drink too much. Tonight both happened until it hurt. Thankfully, my stomach has its limits. Something about the place turns me into a weak, undisciplined wreck. Nice place though.
W. Bell's Rating: 3 Stars |
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It's nice to see conversions in the city, I enjoyed the atmosphere and my dinner, however, what made the night really poor was the water issue at the end of the night. Teronni reues the water bottles, without washing the outside or the inside of the bottles. First of all, they refill unused water bottles from customers without cleaning the bottles. This was done in the middle of the restaurant, by the communal table. If someone went to the washroom and forgot to wash their hands, if someone has a cold or a virus, if anything is airborne and falls into the water, including food - what is wrong with this picture already. Also, the lids mostly sits on the table - which is not clean. If you think of wine or bread - in no way would I like to receive any of these from a bottle or basket that someone else drank or ate out of. When I brought it to our waitress attention, she said in a sarcastic voice - no one drinks from the bottle - I went on to say - how do you know this - her reaction was - well I don't and here is your bill. Pretty much - get out. I was going to let it go, but for health issues, I won't. I am speaking to a manager today and hope to resolve this, but it wasn't a one time thing - other staff was doing the same thing as I was leaving. All I have to say is don't drink the water!!!!! I am discusted with this.
Allison's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Terroni on Adelaide |
57 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, ON
416-203-3093
Downtown
Italian
Restaurant
Daily: 9:00am - 11:00pm
$$ (Affordable)
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American Express |
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MBO Toronto :: Toronto Restaurants & Dining Guide
