Circa 79

This was an awesome meal.
The restaurant only has 7 tables so reservations are a must as 2 other groups were rejected at the door without one. Our reservation was for 6 30 and we were one of two tables seated but by 7 30 the place was full.
The head chef/owner, Jeremy Hill also played waiter and maitre d' along with two support staff.
The ambiance was very nice with white walls, low lighting, and an assortment of eclectic art ranging from a James Dean mirror to Steve McQueen posters to black and white modern art, in addition to the chef/owners accolades and accomplishments (degree's from George Brown culinary school etc.). The comfortable seating and comfy waiting area made the environment very warm and friendly
The food was hot and tasty and the complementary pizza muse' was delicious and we even got seconds!
The owner is very friendly and has no problem detailing each dishes preparation (which we experienced for nearly every dish as a pair of elderly ladies were being rather picky across the room). Our table was prepped with cold ice water before we even walked in the door, and Jeremy was hot on our heels with his rolling wine cart as opposed to a wine menu which added an extra dash of hospitality. The best dishes were definitely the wild mushroom soup which (though standard enough) managed a taste i have been unable thus far to create in my own kitchen experiments and the ossobuco, which was smothered in a rich red wine tomato (+ red pepper? i think) reduction, was accompanied by heavenly fried gnocci; paper thin crust with a light yet rich center (almost like a potato croquette)... very tasty and I cant wait to try it out in my kitchen. All in all 3 people ate for a grand total of $150. Not cheap, but definitely not breaking the bank compared with similar restaurants in downtown Toronto or Montreal
Our order broken down:
a. calamari
smoked turkey, bacon and asparagus rigatoni
mocha tartufo with raspberry coulis
beerx2
coffeex1

b. calamari
meat lasagna (handmade noodles)
mocha tartufo with raspberry coulis
gingeralex2

c. wild mushroom soup
ossobuco (very non traditional)
pecan tart with handmade vanilla ice-cream
beerx1
winex1
coffeex2
+tip +tax = $156.70

We have been to Circa '79 several times and have enjoyed each visit. The atmosphere keeps getting better as with nice lighting and jazz music in the background. The tables are spaced well. The pasta is homemade and great. I loved the flatbread that comes prior to dinner and our muse of asparagus and sausage. Our dinner was great. My soup was fantastic and the spaghetti sauce was made with ground sirloin not just ground beef. We usually have dessert but we were just too full this time. Thanks for a great evening.

What a great place, wish we found it sooner! The food was wonderful by my tastes and my fiance was quite satisfied with her meal too. Portion sizes were really great and its not terribly pricey either. For what you get it's worth it. Most meals seem to range from about $14 - $22. The pasta bolognese was absolutely perfect, I strongly recommend it. The service was really good, no complaints at all! We really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and personal touches to our dining experience. Looking forward to our next visit. Thanks again Jeremy!

I was there a few months ago and I still can't stop thinking about that gnocci. It was the best I have ever had. My husbands risotto was perfectly cooked. The sausage stuffed calamari was a unique and wonderful experience. Can't wait to go back next week!

Tonight we dined at Circa, and the food and service were phenomenal. If there were ever a person to say there was no bread at dinner, they must have missed out on the amazing homemade bread we had with spinach and pesto. If I didn't have dinner, the bread would do!. Chicken parm, was unique with cheese inside, and not too overpowering...excellent flavour, and I highly recommend it. Knowledgeable staff that will explain all menu items, and even bring a cart of assorted wines to portray the assortment of tastes (vintages) and styles. If you have not tried this restaurant, you are definitely missing out on great food in a quiet romantic atmosphere!

Took my friend for her birthday dinner and we both loved the meal. The server, Janie was attentive and knowledgeable. The presentation of the meal was excellent with the Caesar served in a radicchio 'bowl'. It was the best chicken parmigiano I've had in a very long time and the dessert .......... to die for!
Can't wait to go back!

We will never come back. When we complained the waitress argued with us - not appropriate. Relatives from England treated us to dinner. We eat out several times a week and Circa 79 was a real loser. All four pasta servings were overcooked and inadequately seasoned. Who ever heard of Italian food with no bread served with it?

Boy, oh boy! Please some seasoning....I go out to eat so I don't have to eat the plain home stuff...please something with some excitement...open face pasta ends...booo!

I am never disappointed at this restaurant. The chef/owner (Jeremy) is always attentive and his specials are always excellent. His wine selections and suggestions are always right on. My husband and I have never had a bad meal here.
As for turning people away - make a reservation!!! It's a great small restaurant - one should expect to require reservations - especially on a weekend!

Fish was off and my 2 year old could make a better salad!!!