Cucci: What is it?
If the real housewives of Oakville had their own show, this is where you would find them. Cucci delivers on all the fine dining staples – white tablecloths, an extensive wine list, thoughtfully plated dishes and attentive staff with intention behind every move. After trying to snap a photo of my meal at every angle, the server returned to find the plate askew and shifted it back to its initial position – now that's attention to detail. Best of all, the elegant atmosphere comes without the side of pretension that so often gets served up in high-end establishments.
Cucci: What's on the menu?
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Cucci's expertly prepared modern Italian cuisine is exactly what you would expect to find in an upscale, crowd-pleasing environment such as this one.
Start off with the mushrooms appetizer – grilled sourdough is piled high with wild foraged mushrooms, drizzled with truffle fondue and topped with shavings of parmesan. The tuna tartare comes plated so beautifully you'll be hesitant to break into it – until your first bite; after that it's no holds barred. The raw fish comes in a flavourful ginger soy broth on a creamy bed of cucumber and scallion-spun avocado with a kick from jalapeno yuzu crema.
When it comes to mains, expect plenty of pasta with the obligatory steak and seared fish entrées. Our favourites were the Atlantic lobster linguine with heirloom tomatoes and baby spinach, and the juicy rack of Ontario lamb crusted in herbs and mustard.
Cucci: Why it's worth the drive
Only a 45-minute drive from the city (outside of rush hour), getting to Bronte is just an easy cruise along the QEW. After you savour your meal at Cucci, saunter down to Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park for a stroll, spotting dozens of little sailboats docked in the harbour as you go. Then post up on a park bench, watch the sunset and soak in a serene suburban atmosphere that you won't find anywhere in Toronto.
119 Jones St, Oakville; cucci.ca
