A new spot for innovative Italian fare in Markham recently opened its doors, setting itself apart from other GTA-based spots with local and global partnerships that promise unmatched quality and hard-to-find ingredients.
For those in the mood for an intimate dining experience, Osteria Mattarello’s upscale menu features fine dining Italian favourites, a 100 per cent consignment wine list and an in-restaurant pantry. With capacity for just 60 guests — and only four tables on the small patio — the venue is a cosy spot for lunch or dinner, featuring modern, contemporary design elements and light, upbeat house music emanating from the speakers.
As evidenced by the tasteful-yet-approachable decor and the small but comfortable interior, the goal at Mattarello is not to overcomplicate things. Italian fare doesn’t need much to taste fantastic, and the team really focuses on taking simple ingredients that are staples of the classic cuisine and elevating the dishes with a combination of the best local and imported products.
“During COVID, there were constant shortages and delays with the supply chain of hospitality products,” Jaime Reid, a representative for the restaurant’s hospitality management group recalls. “We decided to take matters into our own hands and created the Chefs Pantry.”
The Chefs Pantry imports as well as works with boutique local suppliers to obtain the best and highest quality specialty products. Some notable products used in the dine-in recipes include cold pressed Italian olive oil from Puro Oil, fresh Perigord truffles and imported artichoke truffle sauce.
This wide array of high-quality, imported truffle products has quickly made the mushroom and truffle pappardelle a fan favourite during the short time the restaurant has been operating. The dish features truffle oil, truffle paste and fresh imported truffle shavings.
“I would also recommend the sweet carne pizza if you’re a meat lover,” says Reid. Combining a variety of flavour profiles, this pie contains spicy soppressata, balanced with the sweetness of a little rosemary-infused honey drizzle on a light and crispy crust.
As with most Italian spots, vegetarians fear not. Opt for the heirloom tomato carpaccio, a light and fresh appetizer. And to help you finish the night off on a sweet note, there’s a variety of desserts, including Delizia al Limone, lemon mousse, lavender cake, blackberry coulis or pistachio tiramisù.
Osteria Mattarello is located at 230 Commerce Valley Dr. E. and is open every day except for Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.