Terroni on Adelaide

The space that was once a boozy dance club has been radically fine-tuned into an elegant east side eatery, one that’s predictably and self-consciously reserved. Rows of draped tables, acres of carved woodwork polished to a high sheen and shelves of olive oil replace the service bars and dance floor that previously occupied the lower level of this Courthouse space. The traditional southern Italian fare of Terroni has also trumped over tinny top-forty beats and added an old-country charm – and aroma – to this hotspot in the heart of the Financial District.



The space, 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 many tenants come and go, but thankfully most of its historic details are still intact. 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 lower-level space has been Terroni-ized; basement jail cells are now wine cellars and a DJ booth has been carved into the grand staircase. Look forward to other Italian-inspired innovations, such as the enoteca (wine bar) located at the entrance.

I enjoyed Terroni on Queen St. West and on Balmoral so much that I took my parents to the Adelaide location on January 24, 2008 only to be disappointed about an experience I had been hyping up for a couple weeks.

We waited for about 50 minutes for a table in the front area where people were eating or seducing their partners at the bar. We felt tossed around like kernels in a popcorn bag until a small niche of space opened up where we would only be in the way of the staff who were not rude to us.

Very uncomfortable waiting area, we couldn't even make our way to the bar to help us numb the pain and loosen up the suffocating experience.

Finally, we were told our table was ready and were guided to the only high bench in the dining area only a foot and a half away from where orders are entered into the computer. They would not give us a better table because there was only three of us and not four (we watched the group of four as they were escorted to the comfortable and private booth). Reluctantly, we sat at the bench (which are cool at the Queen location when you're not with your parents).

We ordered two glasses of wine (not the three ounce glasses!), some bread and a three pasta dishes. Our server did not smile once, although she did confirm that cheese is mixed in to every sauce (Lactose intolerant issue) except the basic tomato and spaghetti dish, and they would not change anything. Fair enough, I'm not new to dining out or cooking, but the other locations did it for me and the food was great!

Again, our grumpy server came by with our pasta, bluntly asked us we "needed" cheese or pepper. The food was good, but not exactly satisfying. Dessert was apparently to die for - my parents ordered the flourless chocolate cake and devoured it. My espresso was room temperature to cold, and it would have tasted better if it was hot.

Our bill came, and overall, we walk out of Swiss Chalet on a Sunday evening with my grandfather more satisfied than we did from the uncomfortable seats, poor customer service and decent, but not exceptional food. $106.00 vs. $50 at Swiss Chalet...needless to say, our grumpy server was tipped as much as she served us.

I'll never go back to the Adelaide location, but will definitely go back to Queen and Balmoral.

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.

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!