This restaurant location has been around for 35 years. But a recent reno under new management has turned this once coffee shop into a cool New York-style bar and restaurant. Yorkville-ites have been known to venture off the beaten track to chow down on one of their famous Italian sandwiches. And now, it's even open for dinner.

Source: toronto.com

REVIEW

Italian music, the twinkle of cozy candlelight and fresh, classic Italian fare lure Annex regulars to this chic but unpretentious trattoria. An entire page of daily specials rivals the main menu in variety and flavour. Honey-roasted walnuts and parmesan add flair to a succulent plate of carpaccio. Seven thin-crust pizzas feature adventurous combinations, such as apple, caramelized onion and foie gras. Pizza Mercurio is a little slice of heaven, with mozzarella, mushrooms and prosciutto over rich tomato sauce. From four pasta dishes comes truffled duck ragoût pappardelle. (Many gluten-free dishes are available, from pizzas to pasta.) One hundred interesting bottles on offer, mostly Italian; all wines $45 and under are available by the glass. House-made ricotta cheesecake makes a sinful finale. Save room for a glass of Averna on the rocks. Unhurried but attentive service.

Source: Toronto Life Magazine, November 2005

REVIEW

The service is personal, the atmosphere is warm and intimate, and the food -- truffled duck with ragout pappardelle or homemade gnocchi, for example -- is perfection, all for a reasonable price. Italian ambience.

Source: The National Post, March 2007