Toronto has no shortage of restaurants serving delicious, authentic Italian eats. But a late-night spot serving up Italian-inspired cocktails is a bit harder to come by.
Situated in the St. Lawrence Market District, Bar Notte is serving Italian-inspired cocktails and a variety of wines that complement both small and large Italian dishes and is an extension of the popular Amano Trattoria.
“We took this great opportunity to just do something fun, and do something for the neighbourhood — something a little bit different,” says Adam Teolis, partner and operator of Bar Notte and Amano Tratttoria.
In partnerhip, Teolis is joined by Yannick Bigourdan, who brings his experience from being at the helm of other major high-end European restaurants in the city, including the recently opened Lucie. Executive chef and owner Michael Angeloni has also brought his signature Italian flair over from Amano Trattoria, providing the same quality flavours in a more casual atmosphere.
When Amano opened nearly two years ago, the owners had already secured extra space for the new intimate lounge. This area has consistently served as the workshop for hand-making Amano’s pasta dough. You’ll notice the pasta maker positioned near the bar; although it may seem decorative, it’s actively used every day..
After establishing itself as a refined destination for Italian cuisine in Old Toronto, Amano Trattoria decided to expand its space. The primary goal was to offer a venue where high-quality food is available beyond the usual 9 or 10 p.m. closing hours commonly observed in the neighbourhood.
“We thought it was a good idea to put something together that really carries the DNA of what we’re passionate about which is the Italian-inspired food and drinks served at Amano but done in a more casual and playful way while still keeping [Chef] Mike’s unique flair on Italian cuisine and ingredients,” says Teolis.
Bar Notte doesn’t just offer classic cocktails; their menu includes a variety of specially crafted cocktails curated by bar manager Marco Santangelo. These are categorized based on whether you’re unwinding after a workday or enjoying a luxurious city vacation. Each cocktail is designed to present a twist on a popular Italian drink or evoke images of the lifestyle and culture of Italy.
“Depending on where you go in this city, there’s a lot of fantastic cocktail bars, but some lack a distinct identity. They’re doing really cool stuff, but there’s no cohesive theme,” says Teolis. “We have a huge appreciation for the different Italian amaros, the different bitters and all the different products that come from Italy that aren’t really being used. We wanted to infuse the entire cocktail list with these elements”
One of the most popular drinks in the L’Orto Di Mama — gin cocktail featuring Frangelico (a herb-flavored liqueur), cucumber, mint, basil, lime and aqua faba. The infusion of fresh cucumber and a hint of mint gives the feeling of a relaxed, hot summer day in Nona’s garden, explains Teolis.
People appreciate its presentation, making it the ideal cocktail as we transition into the fall season, especially with that subtle hint of thyme,” he explains.
For the more adventurous drinker, the Robusto stands out as another popular drink, strong in flavour (and alcohol!) with mezcal, Altos tequila, vermouth, coffee and chocolate-infused Campari, port, and absinthe. Teolis describes the smoky drink as one of the more “intense” on the menu.
As for the food offerings, on the beef tartare cannoli is a popular shareable item on the small plate menu, along with the marinated octopus and ceviche. Teolis explains that the ceviche is prepared in the Italian style, emphasizing capers and olives. Making Bar Notte unique in the city, the cocktail bar offers just two slices of pizza, rather than the whole pie, to really give customers that chance to try out more menu items.
Adding a playful element to the menu, Bar Notte offers a secret shot as a reward for customers who finish the bone marrow. The dish combines fernet (an Italian bitter) and Campari, taken straight from the bone marrow.
“That’s something we’ve always liked to do with friends in the industry,” says Teolis. ““Pouring the shot down the bone marrow allows it to pick up the juice and flavor of the bone marrow. It’s just a fun tradition for us.”
Bar Notte is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 11 Church Street.