“We came up with the concept during our honeymoon in Italy,” says co-owner Brook Kavanagh.
Noting the nonchalance of ordering fresh Italian food in Italy, Kavanagh wanted to create something that reflects modern Italian food.
“While in Florence, we visited a fresh pasta counter in the Mercato Centrale, wherein one takes a number, like at the butchers, and when your number comes up, you place your order. Within minutes you’re chowing down on a paper plate of perfectly simple noodles…the experience was so informal, so convivial, we loved it,” he says.
The party atmosphere of Sprezztura came from the same trip to Florence and takes inspiration from Italian nightlife.
“That same evening we were looking for a dance party, and found out the legendary Italo Disco producer, Giorgio Moroder, was playing an arena show to thousands of people. It was an amazing show, and we wanted to bring a taste of those experiences to Toronto,” he says.
This is the second foray into the GTA restaurant scene for Kavanagh and his partner, Lara Roberts. The duo is the force behind Season Six (an eatery focused on fast and fresh food) on Ossington, Ave.
Sprezzatura’s decor was created with cocktail parties in mind and is a popular spot for private parties.
“We designed the space, and the menu to really come to life for private bookings. Birthday parties have been extremely popular, with groups of up to 25 coming in to celebrate with a “Spaghetti Disco,” Kavanagh says.
Recently opened in August, this ‘Italian disco’ spot
is already popular on the party scene. The venue can create custom cocktail programs that include sourced ingredients from Italy along with a fully catered evening and entertainment. The restaurant can accommodate 45 people inside and has a private patio that can also hold 45 guests.
Sprezzatura’s meat and produce come from local Ontario farms with dry ingredients sourced from Italy. Call ahead for private party bookings and reservations Tuesday to Saturday, or visit the restaurant’s website for more details.