What's the vibe?
Rob Leclair likes to say "There's always room for pizza!" Having tried the executive chef's new joint Masseria – which means "farmhouse" in Italian – we're inclined to agree. A crisp, sleek interior with large communal tables stretched across the room, there are bundles of fresh basil to be picked at your leisure, and the smell of toasty dough wafting through the air. The restaurant boasts the efficiency of a quick-service counter along with all the tradition of delicious Southern Italian food.
What to drink?
A short and snappy list of premium Italian beverages makes picking drinks at Masseria both easy and delicious. From a crisp pinot grigio to an earthy Barbaresco, these wines would satisfy any discerning King West palate. If a cold one is more your speed, there's a combination of local brews and the very Italian classic lager Peroni. What about a digestif while you're um, digesting? Choose from its amaro bar and pair with a rich and expertly crafted espresso.
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What to eat?
With a 22ft oven centre stage, you bet Masseria is all about pizza. The menu, designed for quick service, offers 12 classic pre-designed pizzas along with an array of fresh made-to-order sandwiches, salads and sides. If you're in the mood to be your own pizza master, choose from a seemingly endless selection of premium local ingredients and classic imports from Italy. The Boscaiolo features woodland mushrooms, caramelized onions, pecorino and a healthy dousing of truffle oil and sits atop a carbone crust. Blackened dough, from the addition of a vegetable carbon, brings an earthy flavor and makes for a very sexy pizza. Feeling indecisive? Chef Rob will pop over to your side of the counter with a delicious strip of 24 month aged Prosciutto to try (there was no need to twist our arm)! Italian classics like the Fagioli Toscani, red kidney beans, oregano and chili, is a simple yet show-stopping side dish. Oh, and if you ask nicely, they'll whip you up a cinnamon roll pizza, from the dessert menu that is currently under development.
577 King St W, 416 263 9999; masseria.ca
