Two nights ago, we had dinner at Malena, the new Mediterranean fish restaurant by the people who brought you l'Unita. What can I say? It was absolutely fantastic.
The restaurant opened only recently, and is fairly modest on the outside: a set of stairs lead to the door of a townhouse, the only indicator of a restaurant is the insignia on the window. But what a restaurant it is. An all-driftwood paneled hall leads to the dining room done in a cool palette, with Louis XVI chairs and a banquette line one wall, and a bar and staircase the other. Our server was quick and very attentive; warm bread and cold water brought right away. The menu boasts everything from ricotta agnolotti to grilled spiced quails and lots and lots of fish.
I began with a half a dozen oysters - three East Coast and three West. They were plump and delicious, and came with two unique sauces, one was agro dolce and one 'Bomba,' which was slightly spicy. Now, call me old fashioned, but I missed a nice bit of cocktail sauce, even if these were original for a change.
I had the very nicely pan-fried trout special, perfectly pink with some nice greens on the side. This is not the sort of place where you will have to borrow your date's glasses in order to see your entree, nor is it the sort where you will be afraid that your pasta will eat you; the portions are perfect.
Finally, we split the chocolate cannolis, whose crumbling shell and slightly coffee-flavored ricotta filling were the perfect end to a great Italian meal.
BTW: sorry about the lack of pictures, when I go to a restaurant, I try to find pictures online, because I don't like taking them while I'm there, but the website didn't have any.
Malena:
120 Avenue Road
(416) 964 - 0606
www.malena120.ca
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