Eataly Toronto takes diners to the North

Nestled within the Bay St.-facing strip of Eataly Toronto's second floor is a new, upscale dining experience designed to transport diners to Northern Italy.

Grey microsuede walls, contemporary pieces of art, mid-century lighting and vintage-inspired dinnerware paired with such menu items as L’Ossobuco with four saffron risotto and gremolata, help bring the spirit of Milan to life in the 76-seat full-service restaurant that opened on the second floor on Thursday.

For a more intimate dining experience, the restaurant--called Trattoria Milano--is set back from the food market and food stations that have drawn large crowds since Eataly Toronto's grand opening in November.

"Eataly Toronto’s Trattoria Milano will be a meeting place that celebrates Milano’s rich history and tradition through food, art and culture," said says Nicola Farinetti, Global CEO, Eataly, in a press release. "We want guests to come to the restaurant and be transported to Northern Italy, through every element of the space and menu."

Trattoria Milano is the fourth restaurant to open within Eataly Toronto's 55,000-sq.-ft. space in the city's Manulife Centre--a mix-use tower at the south-east corner of Bay and Bloor.  The store also features seven food counters, three bars and a cooking school that offers hands-on pasta-making classes and wine tastings.

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In keeping with Eataly's "eat," "shop," "learn" philosophy, Trattoria Milano will host talks featuring "cultural thought leaders" that will be accompanied by an authentic Milanese meal.

Trattoria Milano is currently only open for dinner, but Eataly plans to offer a lunch service later in February.