September may be knocking on the door, but we’re not answering. Patio season isn’t over in our books, and with TIFF upon us, there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had. We’re ready for celebrity sightings, red-carpet glamour and a prosecco (or two) firmly in hand. And with King West as the backdrop, we can’t think of a better place to people-watch than Cassius and its new streetside patio.
Cassius on King West Launches New Patio
The patio brings a little taste of Capri to Toronto. Tall, lush greenery adds privacy and grounds the space. Flanked by warm wood and red brick, a massive marble bar signals a distinct European feel. That is the intention with Cassius now offering Dopolavoro, a take on happy hour.
The restaurant offers the apertivo menu seven days a week for al fresco dining. It’s elegant and exciting. Cassius likes to dial the drama all the way up. The main dining room is an often-photographed backdrop for Toronto nightlife. The stairs are sexy- is that even possible? Under the right lighting, you feel more like a runway model than a middle-aged spanx-strangled woman trying to squeeze into this season’s Artizia’s whatever. Bellissima!!
Upscale Italian Dishes 🥂 Smart Cocktail & Drinks Menu
Needless to say, the space has a spicy energy that instantly makes you feel like you’re part of it. Cassius’ new patio brings more daytime buzz to this downtown district. Moreover, the food menu is stuffed with all our Italian favourites, priced right. Pizzas, a burger and steak frites add depth, but the real stars are all authentic.
Like the Gnocchi alla Nerano ($16). The portion size is grande on his pillowy bowl of gnocchi, studded with a basil blend and roasted zucchini. Handmade pastas on a happy hour menu normally wouldn’t feature this level of luxury, but here, Executive Chef Michael Frigo is insistent on offering such decadence.
Burrata on Toast ($12) and Insalata di Rapa ($11) showcase its seasonal approach and respect for top-quality ingredients. Let the ingredients shine; show restraint from overcomplicated plating and garnishes. The plates are perfect for sharing, and the pizzas at Cassius are also remarkable.
Crispy, crunchy Calamari Fritti ($14) is another well-executed dish. Often you taste heavy breading or greasy oil, but with this fish dish you only note the quality of the squid. You can tell everything is done in-house here.
Inside, the full menu experience (read more here) offers more complex and extravagant dining.
Notably, and I think heroically, cocktails like Spritzes and Margaritas are all priced at $10. A special Flight of Martinis is only $25. Other shareable formats, like pitchers of Sangria, offer more value. Bar rails and beers are $8.
The King West clubhouse is a guaranteed hotspot next week when TIFF comes to town.
Cassius is located at 624 King St W.
Follow Cassius on King @cassiusonking.
All images by Libby Roach.
Thank you, Cassius, for hosting!
