Buca

Pasta is the superstar at this Old World Italian eatery, where high ceilings and brick walls enclose nothing short of a pending experience in exquisite dining. On-line reviewers swoon over the homemade pasta and pizza, and collectively scoff at the notion that one might find anything pedestrian to eat at this innovative King West spot. The frequently updated menu is date-stamped, to demonstrate its recency, but staples like nodini (little fists of bread brushed with olive oil, sea salt and rosemary) and parmigiana di melanzane (layers of preserved tomato, fried eggplant and cheese) are perennial favourites. Buca's wine list is respectable; the cocktail selection is inventive and the service is stellar.