Maléna

Steps from their sister restaurant L’unità; is a Mediterranean restaurant Maléna, an Ionian coastal cuisine with flavors of Greece and Southern Italy.  We were fortunate to take part to try their new spring menu put together by their head Chef, Doug Neigel with wine paired by their Sommelier, Zinta Steprans.

While we’ve dined at L’unità, this is our first at Maléna, it is obvious owner David Minicucci share the same friendly hospitality and rustic approach in their food.

We were presented with five types of antipasto – Warm roasted olives & feta; Sardines ‘in scapece’; Sea urchin crostino, Grilled octopus and Fritto misto.  It’s definitely my first having sea urchin serve in a Mediterranean style with avocado and black Cyprus sea salt – very interesting blend of flavour and texture.  The Sardines were beautifully presented – layered with parmigiano and pancetta. The fritto misto is a platter of lightly bread and fried calamari, prawns and halibut cheeks – a definite crowd pleaser.

For the main, Joe had the Berkshire pork chop served with truffled celery root mash, swiss chard & apple caponata – very juicy and flavourful.  I had the whole grilled sea bream served with tomato braised gigantes, horta & cucumber tzatziki. A firm fish that is easily de-bone due to their large flakes of meat. Served grilled so you can taste the sweetness of the fish. Portion was very generous, if we had known the size, we would of shared one main.

To finish off the evening, we were served with three types of desserts – Lemon phyllo tart; Greek honey ‘loukoumades’ and Mascarpone cannoli (their signature dessert at L’unità). The lemon tart was light and lovely, perfect even for a full stomach.  The loukoumades was served with pistachios and cinnamon crema was delicious, I can totally see this can make a great midday snack.

On our way out, we were given a goody bag, among the most notable item is the bacon jam which we can’t wait to try.

Maléna Restaurant
120 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON  M5R 1R2  » view map
t. 416.964.0606