A celebrated Toronto restaurant that completely overhauled its entire concept last year is about to do the same thing all over again.
It’s only been a little over a year since Vinoteca Pompette — previously Pompette — debuted its pared-down menu of French cuisine and extensive wine menu, but the winds of change are already calling once again.
The restaurant, a sister to the endlessly award-winning Bar Pompette, has been a hot reservation ever since it opened, thanks to its menu of simple yet elegant dishes and refined atmosphere.
Even still, Vinoteca Pompette’s reign in Little Italy is one that’s destined to be short and bright, as the team confirms that, come the new year, the restaurant will be transforming into another new concept.
“Vinoteca Pompette becomes Bar Allegro,” a post made to the restaurant’s Instagram account on Dec. 6 reads, describing the new venture as a “new aperitivo bar from the Pompette team.”
The caption of the post describes Bar Allegro as a spot for “sharing plates” and “elevated snacks,” a “refined version of ‘hanging out with friends at home.'”
“Bar Allegro brings us back to our original 2020 idea: a bar focused on cocktails, wines, and snacks to share,” the team goes on to explain. “Covid pushed us into a restaurant format. Now we return to what inspired us from the start.”
At the time of publication, Vinoteca Pompette’s ownership has not responded to blogTO’s request for further comment on the rebrand.
So, with Bar Allegro set to usurp Vinoteca Pompette in “early 2026” (no official opening date has been announced as of yet), we’ll just have to wait and see whether it was a worthy swap after all.
Vinoteca Pompette will remain open through Jan. 4, at which point it will close down to undergo the transformation. If you’ve been meaning to make that reservation, now isn’t just the best time: it’s your last chance.
Vinoteca Pompette, soon to be Bar Allegro, is located at 597 College St.
Dining and Cooking