Casa 73 is a sprawling, swanky destination with a menu of rustic dishes that reveal its Italian nonna soul.
Opened in May, the family-run restaurant marks a first foray into the hospitality industry for owner, Sonny Mahal. Owing to his background in custom home construction, and connections to MLSE, the spot’s luxe look and Scotiabank Arena-adjacent location come as no surprise.
“Sonny designed this whole space,” explains general manager, Chelsea Mahal. “It was his vision from the beginning. He’s had this dream for a really long time, wanting to be in the hospitality scene.”
Transposed from fantasy to reality, the restaurant engulfs a vast swath of the Waterpark Place complex’s first floor. Somewhat subdued, from outside, its interior is alive with gilded finishes, ornate wall embellishments, sparkling chandeliers, and a ruby-hued tree that’s perpetually in bloom over the bar.
“I definitely wanted it to be fine-dining Italian because, until they opened Ariana, there wasn’t one in this neighbourhood,” explains Sonny. As for the cuisine of choice? It’s simple, he says: “Who doesn’t like Italian food?”
Still, despite the room’s upscale look, the goal, adds Chelsea, is to appeal to a range of diners. “We want to be something for all types of people, whether that’s a business lunch or pre-concert event or post-concert cocktails.”
The way to hit that mark? With a veteran executive chef (Michael Fronteddu), and a broad menu of traditional Italian eats, from stone-oven fired pizzas to weighty, chargrilled tomahawk steaks.
The kitchen team works diligently to make every dish from scratch, which only adds to the appeal. “Everything is made in-house: our pastas, our pizzas, even our pastries, all our desserts,” explains Chelsea.
From a menu of salads and starters, Crispy Crab Cakes ($20) and Baked Eggplant Parmigiana ($17) are crunchy, golden first bites.
Sweet with seafood, the former is offset with zippy remoulade. The latter, sided by pools of perky, herb-laced marinara sauce, is big enough to share amongst a tableful of friends.
Order a selection, along with drinks from the restaurant’s extensive cocktail list.
A collection of classics and trendy sips, it jumps from a floral and refreshing Cucumber Gimlet ($17) to a mezcal-fired Smoked Pineapple Margarita ($17).
Saucy and sweet, sans alcohol, La Perla Rosa ($14) is an innocent blend of grapefruit juice, grenadine and lemon capped off with a frothy lid of egg white foam.
The sole beer on tap, crisp Peroni lager is available by the pint or in spritzes ($22), brightened up with Aperol and orange juice or a simple citrus blend.
Casual gatherings lend themselves to lighter mains and pizzas, such as the savoury, mildly piccante Diavola ($28).
More formal occasions? They demand the languid allure of more intricate dishes, such as satiny Fettuccine with Smoked Chicken ($29).
Fragrant with a gloriously vivid hue, Saffron Seafood Risotto ($34), combines tender grains with a wealth of fresh seafood, from shrimp and mussels to scallops, and more.
Though tiramisu and gelato hew more closely to the Italian theme, house Dulce de Leche Cheesecake ($14) is a tempting reason to stray. Plush and velvety, with a scene-stealing Graham cracker crust, it’s a fitting final destination on the restaurant’s comfort food journey.
Casa 73 is located at 20 Bay Street.