CaFfinO

October 2, 2009 | No Comments

Tucked away behind an outdoor corridor and surrounded by those amazing old buildings that make up Liberty Village, CaFfino has established itself as a popular spot for intimate weddings. The Italian restaurant, which opened 15 years ago, has received many favourable reviews including this one from Dine.ca: “Caffino is the very essence of Italy in Toronto. It was established just for the joy of getting together, eating, drinking and having a good time in a purely European atmosphere. Its mosaic décor and authentic cuisine separate it from other Italian restaurants.” For me, the only obvious downside was the toilets – kinda small and definitely in need of an overhaul to bring them up to par with the rest of the space. The open kitchen and separate, and more casual, bar area create that buzzing, friendly atmosphere and we’ve heard couples often opt for a tent in the courtyard off of the dining room to increase the space.

This would be a great spot for a turnkey 30-100 person wedding. The restaurant’s manager, Gemma Muscillo, says most couples bring flowers for the tables but aside from that, the more casual bar area is already decorated to the hilt with photographs, mirrors and sconces on the walls and an eclectic set of distressed furniture, while the dining room, referred to as the ‘Opera Room’ has a beautiful neutral grey palette, massive windows and unique light fixtures that leave the space feeling complete, but not overdone.

The Opera Room

Snapshot

Name: CaFfinO

Location: 1185 King Street West (just east of Dufferin)

Contact: Gemma Muscillo, Manager, (416) 588-7920, gemma@caffino.ca

First Impression: Romantic, easy and warm in an urban environment

Age: The restaurant is 15-years-old but the building it’s situated in has heritage written all over it.

Price: Because the menus are all tailor-made, Gemma didn’t have a standard rate but dinner for 100 at $50-$60 per person is doable. Anything less and rental fees will be charged. Prices are based on food alone, there is no minimum bar tab.

Capacity: In the Opera Room, 80 can be seated nicely (leaving the second room for cocktails), with a tent attached to the Opera Room, 130 is the maximum.

Facilities: Being a restaurant, CaFfino has a full kitchen and bar, no special permits are necessary. They also have chairs, silver, stemware and linen if you choose, or they can arrange for rentals.

Great Spot for a Portrait: No matter where you situate it, it’s going to be hard not to have the backdrop of the incredible old architecture of the area.