The Best Party Room Restaurants serving Italian food. Toronto, Ontario

The movies have taught us that Italian food is all about carbohydrates and alcohol-pizza, pasta, and wine. While this is partially true, Italian cuisine is much more defined by its fresh taste and colour. Its dishes are rich in history and have taken on a number of European and Mediterranean influences over the years; yet, Italian food has never truly been altered by the modernization of food processing.

Italian cuisine is governed by the quality of ingredients rather than the complexity of the recipe. Fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meats are used to create simple dishes rich in flavour. Most of these dishes only use five to eight ingredients. For example, Bruschetta is just bread seasoned with tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. The popular caprese salad is made with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil and oregano.

Traditionally, an Italian meal is comprised of three to four courses. It is normal to consume wine in moderation with dinner. The first course consists of a heavier carbohydrate dish like pasta or gnocchi while the second is a meat or seafood dish with a vegetable side. Finally, there is dessert. This can be a platter of fresh or dried fruit or some light cheese. Special occasions call for more decadent pastries like cannoli, tiramisu, or panna Cotta. Espresso, made of a blend of coffee beans, is typically served with the dessert course.

What makes Italian food unique is that it is regionally diverse. The same dish can be made in different parts of the country and produce equally different results. Because Italian cuisine depends largely on local fresh ingredients, the dishes can differ based on the food available at hand. Southern Italy is much warmer and therefore grows more tomatoes, olives, and other vegetables whereas Northern Italy specializes in homemade pasta. Austrian, Hungarian, Slovene and Croatian cuisines heavily influence eastern regional dishes. Meanwhile food from the West takes on a North African palate.

The one constant between the regions is the philosophy of good food and good company. Dinner can last hours, especially during weekends or special events. Italian food is meant to be enjoyed slowly, giving families and friends plenty of time to talk and catch up on the week's events.

MenuPalace has a great selection of Italian restaurants serving the finest Italian cuisine, including Ristorantes and Pizzeria's from all across the Greater Toronto Area.