We love food. We love wine. We love racing. So we named Ascari Enoteca after one of our heroes, 1950's Italian racing legend, Alberto Ascari. He was as famous for his appetite for food and wine as he was for his talent for racing, earning him the nickname "ciccio" – Italian for 'chubby'. Ascari Enoteca is a neighborhood locale where people come to linger over a simple, delicious meal washed down by a superb bottle of wine (or two). Here you'll find homemade pastas made fresh in house every single day, plus a wine list featuring well-known varietals from across Italy and more than a few undiscovered gems.
"I found the service to be excellent. The ambience was comfortable and quiet on a Wednesday night, but there seemed to be no way to block out the sun shining into your eyes if you happened to be in the wrong spot as it set. The food itself ranged from delicious (chicken liver on crostini) to just mediocre,(the pasta dish I had). A little over my budget if I was out with my kids, but fine for a night out with a few good girl friends."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Love the intimacy of the room here - although quiet and romantic it is not. Energy is great and every time I've been here, the service has been wonderful. Sommelier is incredibly knowledgeable and I love the uniqueness and thoughtfulness of the wine list. Tried my first Georgian wine here (not the Georgia USA)..it was a huge surprise and a lovely mouthful of deliciousness. I wish they would update the menu a little more frequently - as a neighbourhood place the selection can get a bit ho-hum given that it is a pretty focused menu. Variety would be great. Otherwise, food is tasty and I love a night out here."
Dined on 1/22/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Great food and wine selection and our server was amazing. The space is enjoyable, a bit noisy and the music did NOT suit the ambiance but overall it was GREAT. We were there on a Wed night and there were about a dozen other people so please get out and enjoy a fantastic Italian meal and support having such a fine restaurant in the neighbourhood before it gets replaced by some trashy fast food joint."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"The place is a bit small but comfy. The energy is great, a little loud at times but I could still have a nice conversation. The food was delicious, very nicely presented. I had the brussels sprouts which were very good and my boyfriend had the spaghetti, as well as chocolate cake with goat cream cheese for dessert. All very tasty given in a reasonable amount of time. No complaints about the service, and the atmosphere was very relaxed."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"A reasonable selection of dishes and wines, although my girlfriend had the Puttenesca and it was pretty salty - other than that it was a great little place. I'd definitely go back again!"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I took my wife there for dinner and the design of the resto is great create a nice atmosphere.The menu is a bit limited but able to decide on some great apps and meals. Brussel sprouts were great and my wife live olives so bowl of olives a must. Ordered scallops and panchetta was delicious but only on and a slice of panchetta the size of a half a piece of bacon for the price not enough.My wife had the puttanesca and loved it fish a nice touch a bit spicy for her but delicious.I had the basic pasta and red sauce. Pasta was great cooked the way I prefer it. My one issue here and with a lot of resto's is that they embellish in the kitchen it's not on the menu and then you get it and sure enough you don't want it on your food."
Dined on 28/04/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"The only good thing was the pasta...everything else was pretty unpleasant...the salad was the worst I have had for ages, service was not attentive, wine was pretty bad. it was a big disappointment."
Dined on 23/04/2013
2012
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"We went on a Monday when wine bottles are 50% off, which is an incredible deal. Our server was very knowledgeable about wine and helped us pick a great bottle. We ordered both crostinis and they were alright, but both of our pastas were exceptional. Some of the best pasta noodles in the city served in very flavourful dishes."
Dined on 22/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This was our first visit here, and it won't be our last. The chicken liver crostini were great as was my wife's appetizer (forget exactly what it was; a large fried ball with some sort of meat filling and a tasty sweet sauce), but the highlight was my pasta main (the special of the night, pasta with lemon and capers). Wine pairings were also great. Overall a great meal and didn't break the bank. Definitely a place to return to."
Dined on 20/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"The food and service but, oh my, the noise level! We couldn't hear ourselves over the din. It's a small space so not much can be done about conversations but turning down the background music would probably help. No one can really enjoy it anyway, believe me."
Dined on 05/04/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Food is amazing! Avoid Monday nights of you're not into crowds and frenzy atmosphere! Monday nights are half price drinks, so the place read jam packed!"
Dined on 01/04/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Ascari Enoteca offers a unique dining experience. Although the menu is limited, the appetizers, salads and mains contain interesting ingredients and are well prepared and presented. The wine list is quite remarkable and the prices reflect that. Very good service in a comfortable environment!"
Dined on 30/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"A small, intimate restaurant in Leslieville. The noise level was very loud, not conducive to intimate conversations....if you are looking for lively, this is it. The food was served quickly, and hot. My only complaint is there isn't more variety on the menu. A fish course would be great."
Dined on 22/03/2013
2005
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"Love this restaurant. This is the real deal. Real Italian cooking and ambiance (better than my mother's cooking). There is nothing bad on the menu. Honestly there is nothing negative I can say about this place, except maybe don't sit by the door on a cold night. I only wish it was closer to my home! Good work guys and consider me a regular. BTW, I love the name and logo too!"
Dined on 15/03/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"This was our first visit and we were very pleasantly surprised. Annette greeted me with a very friendly smile and we got the table we asked for in our online reservation! Since we had recently been to Monaco and Italy we had quite a bit to talk about as the restaurant is based on the life of race car driver Alberto Ascari. The appetizer bowl of olives was fabulous and well displayed. The lady who seemed to be in charge of wine came over and explained the selections and suggested a pairing with what I was ordering for my meal and it was perfecto! Our dinners were nicely displayed and my linguini pasta with a gentle sausage was absolutely delicious !! We shared a chocolate dessert which was also wonderful!! Thank you, we will return!!"
Dined on 15/03/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"The food was good, not remarkable at all but decent. Appetizers arrived at different times and came before our beverage order did. Was seated closer by the front entry and my back was chilled throughout the entire meal. They should install a forced flow heater above the doorway to minimize the cold winter draft coming in."
Dined on 16/03/2013
2013
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"We were three women out for a girls night and had a wonderful time at Ascari. The food was very good and the service was fantastic. We had a wonderful time and would all recommend the restaurant."
Dined on 15/03/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Very good, limited, menu with a daily special. It differed from what was on their site, but it mattered little—all the options sounding incredible. Primarily pasta as mains, but when it's fresh made like this, there's no reason to order anything but.
Small room, with a friendly and attentive wait staff.
Everything really was grand with the tiny exception that I thought it was a tad bright given the intimacy of the space. We arrived at 7:30 and they dimmed the lights at 8, but it was still a bit bright.
Highly recommend."
Dined on 12/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"This is our second time at Ascari and it didn't disappoint. The food is good. The menu is small but there is a nice variety. The appetizers are the best. The broccolini fritto is outstanding and always tastes like more. The super light and crispy coating tossed with loads of lightly grated parmesan - delicious. It is really the service and the great, reasonably priced wine list that is the draw. My husband ordered a pasta that he felt was way too salty and he couldn't eat it. As soon as he said anything the waitress took it away, apologizing profusely, and rushed a new order without question. That is the way it is supposed to be done. It was a lovely experience and I will definitely be back."
Dined on 06/03/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Exceptional! Had the pasta special made with chicken liver...so yummy! Only complaint is the lack of variety of white wine, but what was available was scrumptious!"
Dined on 07/03/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Went to Ascari Enoteca for a belated Valentine's day dinner. The ambience was great (busy and tight but very comfortable) and the staff was very friendly and prompt in getting our table ready. The Tuscan Crostini with Chicken Liver and the Lamb Ragout croquette were delightful to start and the Lasagna Bolognese was to die for. A great cocktail list and a perfect desserts don't disappoint. One of my new favourite spots in Leslieville."
Dined on 22/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"It was our first visit to Escari. We live in te neighborhood and decided it would be better to have an earlier dinner then previously reserved (initially for 9) We call around 630 to see if it was possible. The staff were so friendly and tried their best to accommodate us however were fully booked. They said we could change coming around 8, and have a drink or appys at the bar to start an hope a table would open sooner. We walked over around 8 and on our way, recieved a personal call from the restaurant that a table was ready and waiting for us. The service was amazing and the food delicious! Our server even brought my husband, homemade pumpkin donuts on the house to try. Well be back!"
Dined on 16/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"First time there. Took my girlfriend there for valentines day. She loved it and also thought it was really romantic. I usually stray from fine dining restaurants for the high price tag and they end up offering less than par food. This was entirely the opposite, I notice the effort and precautions made when making the food and the taste reflects it. Would eat here again!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Although I was disappointed to see that the Tuscany Beans appetizer had disappeared from the menu, they have incorporated them into a yummy tuna topped bruschetta, which is perfect for sharing - they will even add an extra piece so neither of you is fighting over the last piece. This would be a great place for a group of people - as a couple, we had to yell across the table at each other, the noise level is off the charts. Food is consistently fresh and delicious."
Dined on 15/02/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"It was Valentines and everything was perfect. The seating was cost, the food delicious and the wine superb. Everytime we go this restaurant does not disappoint."
Dined on 14/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"One of my new neighborhood fav's. Menu is small, but changes which will keep you coming back. Antipasto plate was very good. Pasta was very flavorful and fresh. Only down side is the space is very small and cramped, therefor noisy."
Dined on 16/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Seating is realy tight which is the only drawback to this place I can think of. The staff are great, friendly knowledgeable and attentive but not overbearing. The wine list is interesting with wine from a number of countries/regions I wouldn't necessarily think of for wine. Staff can help if you're unsure though. Food is fantastic."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"My husband and I loved sharing the awesome Brussel sprout appetizer & grilled octopus salad. Both of our pasta dishes were delicious and different. My wine was great and my husband loved the house made soda water. My adult son doesn't like olives so didn't share the 'sharing' plates, didn't like the Italian beer, ordered the plain tomato sauce spaghetti against my advice and didn't eat much of it, mainly because it arrived laden with parmesan though he wouldn't mention it to the server, who by the way was very pleasant and attentive. I'll definitely go back, next time we'll leave the son at home!"
Dined on 30/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Had my first experience at Ascari based on a drive by looked super cozy for a cold Jan tuck in. Was very pleased with food just yummy goodness. If looking for a great spot in the Beach/Leslieville area look no further you just found your place. Enjoy!"
Dined on 24/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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