Toronto Free Press Restaurant Guide

Donatello Restaurant

A cut above the crowd

A jewel on Elm St.

Donatello Restaurant 37 Elm St. Toronto 416-595-5001 Hours: Monday - Thursday Lunch 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dinner 5 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday: 11-2:30 & 5-12 Saturday: 5-12 Sunday: 5-11

By Pamela Bloom

Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto, Donatello is the perfect place for a business lunch, a party, or a romantic dinner for two. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with fresh flowers on every table, gentle music playing in the background, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The elegant décor is highlighted by the lovely furnishings and stunning marbleized walls.

Owned and operated by  head chef Giacomo Rauti and his wife Filomena, Donatello has been  a fixture  on Elm St. since 1993. Conveniently located just steps away from The Delta Chelsea Hotel, and a short walk from either College or Dundas subway stations, their Northern Italian cuisine is conveniently located for all to enjoy.

For the first course, my guest ordered the Grilled Calamari and I chose the Shrimps With Perno Sauce. The calamari was served on a bed of salad with an extra virgin olive oil and garlic sauce, and it was accompanied by the most scrumptious roasted peppers I have ever tasted.  The calamari was grilled to perfection, tender  and delicious.

 The Shrimps With Perno Sauce was served with a sautéed diced tomatos and cream sauce. The shrimps were fabulous, but the best part of this dish was the sauce. It was light and mild with just a hint of anise. This dish is new and not yet on the menu, so be sure to ask for it. Your taste buds will thank you.

For the main course, my guest had the Vitello Americana, sautéed veal and shrimps in a white wine and tomato sauce. The veal and shrimps were soft and succulent, and the subtle sauce enhanced their flavor.

I had the Gamberoni and Scallops for my main course. This dish consisted of tiger shrimps and scallops sautéed in a white wine and garlic sauce. As with everything else at Donatello, it was mouth-watering! The seafood was fresh and flavorful, and the sauce was marvelous. Both of the main courses came with either pasta or fresh seasonal vegetables. The pasta was Fettuccini Alpena, which is similar to Fettuccini Alfredo, only lighter, and more original.

We both had the house white (Umberto Fiori) with our meal, but Donatello also has an extensive wine list , with quite a few vintage wines from around the world. Lucy, the hostess, was extremely well-informed and helpful in explaining their selections.

 As for dessert, always my favorite part of any meal, I chose the Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffle Cake, and it was the best decision I made all day! The cake was rich and creamy, but not too heavy.

My friend ordered the Chocolate Raspberry Tartuffo, and was thrilled to find out that it came with white chocolate ice cream on request. Not being a fan of ice cream, I had no idea that white chocolate ice cream was such a rarity.  The ice cream was very smooth and topped with light, fresh whipped cream. Both desserts were served on plates that were artfully decorated with chocolate and raspberry syrup. In fact, all of the dishes at Donatello were exquisitely presented, with generous portions, and if you want something that isn't on the menu, they will be happy to make it for you.

If you are looking for a special place with courteous service, appetizing dishes, and a great atmosphere, then Donatello is the place to go. And when you do go, be sure to end your meal with a Special"  Cappuccino or Espresso. I've never had anything like it and it's quite a treat!