Mr. Ciao offers Italian classics such as Rigatoni Bolognese and Margherita Pizza, but throws in some fun new twists with Fried Bruschetta and Peking Duck Pizza. Located in the heart of Gerrard Chinatown, this family-friendly restaurant offers Riverdale and Leslieville residents affordable comfort food.more...See more text
In a neighbourhood where Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine have been entrenched for decades, passersby can be excused for doing a double-take upon reading Mr. Ciao’s business sign. The popular Italian greeting brings a Mediterranean flavour to East Chinatown. “We wanted to do something that was Italian using quality ingredients simply prepared, something people would like and are be familiar with, with a little twist here and there,” says Tiziano Pivetta, one of the two co-owners.
Tiziano and Racquel Youtzy are no stranger to the city’s restaurant scene. Since joining forces as business partners in the late 90s, they have launched a string of restaurants. They opened Mr. Ciao near Gerrard and Broadview in 2014 after Racquel’s maternity leave was over. New parents who need a night out will find the 75-seat dining room convenient because there’s a small play area at the back to keep the little ones occupied.
This relative newcomer is not only nestled in a child-centric neighbourhood (Riverdale/Leslieville), it was designed with kids in mind.
The whole back area of the restaurant is for the little ones - a blackboard wall allows their creative side to come out, and a play area lets imaginations run wild.