After a fire alarm sprinkler malfunction left Figo Toronto waterlogged, we waited patiently to find out what would happen to one of Toronto's top Italian restaurants. To our delight, Figo reopened a few short weeks later, reinvigorated with a whole new menu and a new lease on life.
Figo Toronto: What's the vibe
Nestled right in the heart of the entertainment district, Figo is one of the best downtown Toronto restaurants for easy, breezy dining inside or on their excellent patio. Its prime location makes it an ideal spot for after work drinks and bites or a full meal before a night out downtown. Unlike some of the more in-your-face new Toronto restaurants and bars, Figo is the kind of place where you could comfortably bring friends, family or a date.
Floor-to-ceiling windows brighten up the already white-washed interior where light wood, soft green banquettes and a delicate ceiling mural of large blossoming flowers warm up the space. A unique curving backbar, steeple-shaped wine cabinets and an open kitchen add charm to the large, lofty dining area.
The wrap-around corner terrace is quite spacious considering it's smack dab in the middle of downtown at the corner of John and Adelaide. Maybe it's all the green cushions and ferns combined with the cutesy white bistro furniture, but even in the thick of the city with pedestrians and cars passing by, Figo's patio manages to feel relaxing. We quickly settle in after a long day at the office, ready to shake off the stress and imagine we're soaking up the last of the heat in Italy — but with the CN Tower and city skyline in the backdrop.
Figo Toronto: What's on the menu
There's plenty of familiarity on Figo's menu of Italian dishes, with a few twists as well. When the Zucchini Fritti arrives at our table, it's not what we expect at all. A twirl of thin, tempura-esque zuchini spirals around the plate and on top of itself forming a crispy mountain covered in a lip-smacking lemon crema. The crunchy, savoury snack is an excellent companion with drinks and chatter.
The Polpo is another interesting dish. It's reminiscent of patatas bravas with small chunks of octopus mixed into a medley of potatoes and red pepper relish.
The mains are more in line with what we envision: Agnolotti al Mais is wonderfully creamy with loads of truffle and chanterelles while the Bistecca is a juicy steak sliced for easy indulging (or sharing) and drizzled with zesty salsa verde. On the side, roasted, oniony mushrooms (yes, more mushrooms!) and charred broccolini topped with large shavings of parmesan round out the meal.
Figo Toronto: What to drink
Perfect for a hot summer day, the cocktails at Figo are on the refreshing, spritzy side of the spectrum. Made slightly sweet with thyme-infused hibiscus syrup, the Rosa Italia with gin and limoncello goes down almost too easily. Meanwhile, the Figo Spritz is like a jazzed up Aperol spritz. The mixture of Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, blood orange juice and prosecco is just begging to be enjoyed outside.
While the cocktails are quite nice, we're quickly sucked in and taken away for the rest of the night by glasses of lambrusco. The Italian sparkling red wine pairs perfectly with the summer heat and our juicy steak.
Before we know it, the sun has set on this lovely Toronto evening. It's easy to arrive at Figo after the working day is done and while away the whole evening on the serene patio in the heart of the city.
Dinner and drinks for two: around $115 before tax and tip.
