La Vecchia - GREAT Italian at an affordable price.

I always have a hard time going out for Italian fare, knowing that there are some pretty decent pizza places in the city and more specifically, making homemade spaghetti or lasagne, isn’t all that hard, nor all that bad. It is therefore, really nice for me, when I do find gems like La Vecchia that serve-up authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy and romantic ambiance. Not only is the food really good and priced reasonably, but the staff are extremely friendly, attentive and remind those who do not like eating out, why it’s sometimes fun to do so.

Open since 1994, La Vecchia has proved that it’s here to stay. Head Chef Aurora Stranges, hailing from the mother land of Italia, has no question, created a unique Italian menu that attempts to differentiate itself from most other Italian restaurants in the city. With a long list of appetizers and antipasti’s, some odd (but yummy) pasta and risotto combinations, along with an extensive seafood selection, I can assure you that there is a little something for everyone on La Vecchia’s menu.

The food is hearty, healthy and fresh. Fan favourites include: Beef Carpaccio (thinly sliced and marinated in a truffle oil, served on a bed of arugula and parmigiano); Antipasto Casa (that includes a medley of marinated veggies, salmon, prosciutto, goat cheese and warm focaccia); and a long list of Risotto’s (including a kiwi risotto in white wine and garlic lemon sauce, topped with jumbo shrimps).

At my most recent visit to La Vecchia, our favourite was the White Wine and Shallot Mussels, where my company and I proceeded to compete over the left-over broth in the bucket. It was so good, I could have had a cup of the jus for dessert!

Cost: 4 Appetizers, 3 Mains, 3 Glasses of Wine, Tax + Tip included, $140.00
Hours: See website, hours vary, 11:00am to 12:00am
Location: 2405A Yonge St (at Eglinton)
Website: http://www.lavecchia.ca/home.php