Rating: NNNNN
NONNA’S (96 Tecumseth, at Adelaide West, 416-364-0312) With its straightforward northern Italian fare, this off-the-beaten-track bistro keeps things simple. Best: red-wine-stained lamb chops rubbed with rosemary chicken breast stuffed with roasted red pepper and black olives in a delicate artichoke-studded red sauce trattoria-traditional tiramisu. Complete dinners for $35 per person ($17 at lunch), including all taxes, tip and a glass of wine. Open for lunch Monday to Friday noon to 2 pm, for dinner Monday to Thursday 6 to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 6 to 11 pm. Closed Sunday and holidays. Fully licensed. Access: one step at door, small washrooms on same floor. Rating: NNN
SEVEN NUMBERS (343 Eglinton West, at Braemar, 416-322-5183) This 30-seat southern Italian trat blends old-school home-style cooking and casual but friendly service. Best: succulent slow-roasted rabbit in sweet homemade tomato sauce barely seared mahi mahi in same with capers smoky fire-roasted rapini simple desserts like sharp lemon tart in buttery pastry. Complete dinners for $30 per person, including all taxes, tip and a glass of wine. Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday 5 to 11 pm. Fully licensed. Cash only. Access: barrier-free, but crowded. Rating: NNNN
GERRARD SPAGHETTI & PIZZA (1528 Danforth, at Rhodes, 416-463-7792) It might be easy to write off this 35-year-old pizza ‘n’ pasta parlour’s 70s decor but there’s no ignoring its excellent pies topped with contemporary flair and baked with old-school skill on a skinny crust. Best: the Ricardo — roasted sweet red pepper over brushed tomato sauce, button mushrooms, sun-dried tomato, mozzarella, crumbled blue cheese and a toss of fresh basil leaves the Nancy — basil pesto base, mix of mild cheeses and toothsome sliced Yukon Gold potato slices home-grown and bottled hot peppers in garlicky olive oil. Complete pizza meals for $23 per person, including all taxes, tip and a glass of wine. Open Monday 4 to 11 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 11:30 am to 11 pm, Friday 11:30 am to midnight, Saturday 3 pm to midnight. Closed Sunday and holidays. Fully licensed. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNN
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