Following a successful 20-year run, popular Italian restaurant Mezza Notte is shutting its doors at 5304 Yonge St.
Thankfully for the trattoria’s long-time customers, the restaurant will reopen in a new space approximately 20 minutes from the original location.
According to co-owner Robert Savonarota, the restaurant is moving to a former Bank of Montreal located at 3169 Dufferin St. The current strip mall the restaurant has called home for more than 20 years, is being redeveloped to make way for a 33-storey building with 265 units with retail on the ground level and more than 100 parking spaces. The new digs will be roughly the same size as the current location (approximately 2,500 square feet) with seating for 120 diners.
There will also be a private dining room in the basement — as opposed to the main floor. “We did a complete renovation and completely gutted out the space,” Savonarota says.
The Yonge Street location is slated to close by the end of March with plans to reopen in the new space around April 11, following Easter weekend.
Although the restaurant won’t see a complete overhaul, Savonarota says there are some changes coming as they want to stay true to their roots. “We are going to introduce some new dishes and there will be a slight change to the menu,” he says.
As for the decor of the new restaurant, Savonarota says that the space will have urban, industrial and modern elements where guests can enjoy all the classics while listening to traditional Italian music. In the warmer months, diners will be able to enjoy dining alfresco, thanks to a patio that will be located on the side of the restaurant.
And fans of the eatery’s extensive takeout menu need not fear: Savonarota says the restaurant will be able to keep the current delivery area relatively intact.
If all goes according to plan, in the summer of 2024, plans are in the works to add a rooftop patio. Savonarota says that all of the structural work has already been completed.
Until March 25, diners will have the opportunity to dine at the restaurant owned by siblings Robert and Gus Savonarota. Over the last 20 years, the brothers have built a large and loyal following of diners, thanks to their menu of classic Italian fare, including pizza, panini and pasta dishes, like fettuccine Siciliana and orecchiette aromantica. Mezza Notte is also known for its extensive wine menu, which pairs perfectly with any dish, as well as its hand-crafted cocktails and a variety of beer.