BKonthescene

By Sally Warburton

There’s a new restaurant in town! And it’s a hidden gem!  Raffaella Restaurant had its soft opening in December and its official opening in January 2025. Located just south of The Future Bakery at 296 Brunswick Ave just south of Bloor Street.  Walking distance from both St. George and Spadina TTC subways.  Beside the Annex Hotel on Brunswick Ave.

On a very cold Toronto winter evening, the restaurant’s cozy and comfortable atmosphere was very appreciated!  A fully stocked bar with very friendly bartenders and wait staff.  Art work decorates all the walls and adds to the warm atmosphere.  Chef Simon Vickerson started his restaurant career making pizzas and selling them from his car!  His business grew so much. So delicious and popular! So moving on to a restaurant was his next step! 

The menu of this Italian restaurant Raffaella is appealing and varied.  We had the chance to sample delicious red house wine. Vodka Chicken parm – with its vodka sauce and mozzarella recommended by the waitress was superb. Spicy mussel pasta was scrumptious!  A refreshing Arugula salad with parmesan cheese and lemon dressing to start along with antipasti of garlic cheese sticks and calamari served with Marinara and Calabrian aioli – to sample, were amazing!  Pizza looked absolutely delicious and was quickly gobbled up by guests at a neighbouring table!

We also checked out the Annex Hotel to which the Raffaella restaurant is connected.  Also a hidden gem! The Annex Hotel has a warm and comfortable foyer with a coffee bar, and a fully stocked bar, area to sit and chat with friends, or to relax solo. Very welcoming. 

 Raffaella Restaurant has welcoming staff, a spacious venue, delicious food, and an attractive restaurant.  It also has a space with a small stage-like area for presentations for groups and in another area a big table surrounded by curtains for a group to eat privately.   

In addition Raffaella offers a Family Style Menu with 3 courses.  Highly recommended for a special meal out!   
@raffaellapizza @simonvickerson  @annexhotels