Old-World Pizza on the Danforth
Review of Pizzeria Libretto
By Anoja Muthucumaru
I have the good luck of reporting a taste bud-altering encounter with pizza at Pizzeria Libretto. Pizzeria Libretto is an Italian inspired restaurant that opened on the Danforth November 2011. The atmosphere is friendly with an air of laid-back sophistication. The restaurant is packed with regulars like local families, professionals, and students, so seating is limited.
The open kitchen anchors the dinning area with two Naples-made wood burning stoves at the back. The centre of the pizzeria is packed with seating and comfortable red booths at the far right. There is an espresso and wine bar to the left.
I ordered from their lunch specials, starting with an Arugula salad ($9). The arugula was topped with sliced pear, roasted walnuts, with a light shaving of aged-piave, and a soft dressing of Ontario gamay vinaigrette. For the main I ordered a Margherita D.O.P. ($13). When the pizza arrived the dough was charred to a light browning and covered with San Marzano tomato sauce and topped with Fiore di Latte Mozzarella. I dived into my first slice; the Mozzarella was stringing off as I removed a slice from the rest of the pizza. The crust served as the perfect complement for the sauce and mozzarella, like good crust should. I took my first bit and was delightfully embraced by the tangy sweet flavors of the San Marzano tomato sauce and the melted Mozzarella, and the thin toasted crust that held together the flavors.
For dessert I ordered the Almond Biscotti ($3) and a Latte ($3.75). The Biscotti was warm, fresh, and homemade. It was crunchy like it was supposed to be, but also warm and soft to bite into. The frothy latte was a perfect compliment.
Head Executive Chef Rocco Agostino motto for Pizzeria Libretto is “simplicity and quality,” and these two values are executed really well here. At the heart of Greektown, Pizzeria Libretto serves great Italian-inspired pizza to the neighbourhood. With it’s thoughtfully sources ingredients, fine wines, and warm energy this pizzeria is a gem for food-lovers on the Danforth.
