Baldini: a true Italian cuisine. A simple sub shop was bought and turned into a popular fine-dining restaurant, and since 2006 it has been an appealing addition to the Trendy Leslieville Gem. Baldini presents guests with a pan-regional selection of dishes from Northern and Southern Italy, along with home-made pastas, breads and sauces.
Executive Chef Sal, the sole owner, with over 20 years of experience, ensures that ingredients are fresh from local markets and are prepared only in the finest Italian tradition to ensure the best possible flavour.
Executive Chef Sal, the sole owner, with over 20 years of experience, ensures that ingredients are fresh from local markets and are prepared only in the finest Italian tradition to ensure the best possible flavour.
Services
Linguini with black tiger shrimps, scallops, calamari, mussels, leeks, garlic, chardonnay tomato sauce. Tiger shrimps, scallops, mussels, calamari & fresh fish of the day, garlic, leeks, fresh herb chardonnay tomato broth. Please let us know if there is anything you'd like to customize or substitute, or if you have something special in mind that we can help with*.
Reviews (23)
Liisa Donaldson
Aug 14, 2021
Report
Ariel Leavitt
Jul 18, 2021
Report
I don’t mean to be rude but I don’t want others to make the same mistake as I did. One of the most terrible meals I’ve had in a long time. I went with my family, a party of 6, and we all got different entrees that were somehow all equally bad. Out of 6, 4 had to be sent back with no follow up order, as such I would be confident in saying nothing on the menu is any good.
We should have known gotten up and called it a night when all the appetizers came drenched in sweet balsamic glaze but unfortunately we saw it through.
Please don’t go, force them to reconsider their menu or let someone
We should have known gotten up and called it a night when all the appetizers came drenched in sweet balsamic glaze but unfortunately we saw it through.
Please don’t go, force them to reconsider their menu or let someone
Noori Kim
Jul 14, 2021
Report
Caroline Yeh
Jun 08, 2021
Report
John Montany
Dec 17, 2020
Report
Upscale Italian with Outstanding Service
Disclaimer: Due to COVID-19 I only got to experience the restaurant from the outdoor patio, although being dog-friendly, it made the experience more enjoyable as countless cute pups walked by.
I am reviewing from the Prix-Fixe menu, which I highly recommend.
Service was outstanding, staff are amiable and answered any questions I had regarding the food and top picks without hesitations. I unfortunately broke a wine glass and was immediately provided a fresh glass, free of charge (thank you!).
I have zero complaints about the food. Calamari is the most
Disclaimer: Due to COVID-19 I only got to experience the restaurant from the outdoor patio, although being dog-friendly, it made the experience more enjoyable as countless cute pups walked by.
I am reviewing from the Prix-Fixe menu, which I highly recommend.
Service was outstanding, staff are amiable and answered any questions I had regarding the food and top picks without hesitations. I unfortunately broke a wine glass and was immediately provided a fresh glass, free of charge (thank you!).
I have zero complaints about the food. Calamari is the most
Noah Ditkofsky
Oct 16, 2019
Report
Excellent food at an affordable price in a warm and intimate atmosphere. Their pasta con Pollo is second to none and their Angelotti is always a favorite. Their waitstaff (Patrick particularly) are excellent and friendly. A wonderful place for date night but also a nice place to take the family for dinner. They are both welcoming and accommodating of children and willing to whip something up for the less refined paediatric palate. If it was possible to give a restaurant Six stars, I would.
SlushiePie
Sep 25, 2019
Report
One of the best dinners I’ve had in a long time. We mostly had the whole place to our selves. The food was terrific, but the best part by far was our waiter. Patrick is probably the best waiter ever, super friendly, lovely to talk to, and just really sweet. He even made a special warm drink from his mother’s recipe for my mother’s throat because she was a little sick at the time.
I think it's the first time since getting a phone that I haven't just sat there doing useless things on it while waiting. (not including times where my phone was dead)
The whole restaurant has this super cozy warm
I think it's the first time since getting a phone that I haven't just sat there doing useless things on it while waiting. (not including times where my phone was dead)
The whole restaurant has this super cozy warm
Greenwood G.
Sep 06, 2019
Report
So glad we bought the groupon and got to try this wonderful neighbourhood spot. The room was warm and comfortable. We tried the antipasto and calamari and both were delicious and generous. The veal dish was excellent, it was very tender. and flavourful. The pesto pasta with it was perfectly al dente and had great basil flavouring without being overpowering. My husband loved the chicken supreme and my son's spaghetti carbonara was the best any of us have ever had. Tiramisu was both rich and light at the same time. Plating was elegant and service was phenomenal! We will be back for sure.
Megan B.
Apr 11, 2019
Report
Stumbled upon this restaurant while looking for a new dinner spot. Everything about this restaurant yells comfort. The lighting is inviting, the ambiance cozy, and the seating spacious for a small place. The server was exceptional, everyone should take a lesson from him on how to be a great server.
Now onto the good stuff: the food did not disappoint. We both got appetizers, and I have a soft spot for pâté (if it's on the menu I will try it). It didn't look fancy, but who needs fancy when it tastes this good. Best I've had.
We also tried the grilled calamari. We will be back for
Now onto the good stuff: the food did not disappoint. We both got appetizers, and I have a soft spot for pâté (if it's on the menu I will try it). It didn't look fancy, but who needs fancy when it tastes this good. Best I've had.
We also tried the grilled calamari. We will be back for
Jc L.
Dec 30, 2018
Report
I'm really surprised at how the reviews for Baldini Restaurant are so inconsistent. I've been here three times now and each time, the meal and service have been terrific.
I had the prix fix last night. I'm a fan of the calamari and the Atlantic salmon and pasta. Dessert was shared with my dining companions--tiramisu made on the premises.
Really enjoyed the food and appreciate the fact that they are in Leslieville.
I had the prix fix last night. I'm a fan of the calamari and the Atlantic salmon and pasta. Dessert was shared with my dining companions--tiramisu made on the premises.
Really enjoyed the food and appreciate the fact that they are in Leslieville.
Stephanie A.
Oct 25, 2018
Report
Baldini's is the old-school Italian restaurant you used to go to with your parents as a kid. It's on the quieter side, not pretentious, but the food is great. Prices are still downtown, but definitely more reasonable than what you see as the 'trendy' spots. It's one of those restaurants when you're pretty sure no matter what you order it will be good. That's a hard thing to come by! Clientele seems to be more local types which I love. I have had many great conversations with my husband here about life. Definitely recommend!
Matt Moncur
Oct 10, 2018
Report
Cozy little spot on the Queen East strip. There isn't a lot of space for seating, but a decent place if you are looking for Italian. The service was really good, and the waitor was very friendly. The food was nothing special though, and the quality wasn't great. The pizza crust was overcooked, and the pasta sauce was pretty salty.
G. W.
Jul 16, 2018
Report
Purchased a groupon and had an amazing Sunday night dinner with the family.
Atmosphere: small intimate restaurant and suggest you reserve ahead of time. Felt like there was no air conditioning but we were okay even thought it was hot outside.
Food:
appetizer - we all had the grilled calamari; it was perfectly grilled with the a bit of crunch on the exterior but super tender.
Main - we had the stuffed chicken breast, grilled salmon which is served with angel hair pasta, and pasta carbonara. The food was piping hot which we love (hate lukewarm food). Chicken was juicy and crispy and balanced
Atmosphere: small intimate restaurant and suggest you reserve ahead of time. Felt like there was no air conditioning but we were okay even thought it was hot outside.
Food:
appetizer - we all had the grilled calamari; it was perfectly grilled with the a bit of crunch on the exterior but super tender.
Main - we had the stuffed chicken breast, grilled salmon which is served with angel hair pasta, and pasta carbonara. The food was piping hot which we love (hate lukewarm food). Chicken was juicy and crispy and balanced
Glennie M.
Oct 06, 2017
Report
Arora S.
Sep 19, 2017
Report
Gluten-free review:
Baldini's has a number of gluten-free options, including most of their pasta dishes which they substitute with gluten-free pasta. I was in the mood for something creamy so I went with the Penne alla Vodka, which I was told was made with potato vodka. It was delicious and I did not have a reaction. They charge an extra $3 for gluten-free pasta (standard practice but I think it's stupid), so the dish came to $25. In terms of gluten-free beverages they have a decent wine list along with standard non-alcoholic drinks - water, pop.
While I enjoyed the food, I found the
Baldini's has a number of gluten-free options, including most of their pasta dishes which they substitute with gluten-free pasta. I was in the mood for something creamy so I went with the Penne alla Vodka, which I was told was made with potato vodka. It was delicious and I did not have a reaction. They charge an extra $3 for gluten-free pasta (standard practice but I think it's stupid), so the dish came to $25. In terms of gluten-free beverages they have a decent wine list along with standard non-alcoholic drinks - water, pop.
While I enjoyed the food, I found the
CheSooJung
Sep 11, 2017
Report
East-end gem! Great selection of seafood, meat, pizza and pasta dishes. Started with the CROSTINI MOUSSE (chicken liver pate on crisp baguette) which was delicious. GAMBERI LIMONE (buttery tiger shrimp on a bed of mixed greens) were a bit overcooked but very tasty. The ANTIPASTO (for 2) is a generous portion and beautifully presented (the grilled calamari was cooked perfectly!). CAESAR salad was the only disappointment - lettuce was limp and yellowish and croutons were hard as stone, but the dressing was quite nice.
SPAGHETTINI CARBONARA was VERY rich and very tasty. BOLOGNESE was a generous
SPAGHETTINI CARBONARA was VERY rich and very tasty. BOLOGNESE was a generous
Pooya Delshad Khatibi
Aug 03, 2017
Report
Good food and cosy environment. Inside was so dark and was difficult to see the food 😉
A bit mix-up with our reservation which caused a bit tension with the waiter. But he made it up with a great service. Overall, good experience and fair pricing. We used our Groupon coupon which was a good deal.
A bit mix-up with our reservation which caused a bit tension with the waiter. But he made it up with a great service. Overall, good experience and fair pricing. We used our Groupon coupon which was a good deal.
Demitri H.
Feb 16, 2017
Report
Baldini's is a quaint little Italian place that fills a nice Niche in the area. The food is traditional Italian and what you'd expect. Pizza, pasta, salad, steak, fish with a slice of tiramisu for dessert. There are no surprises here, the ambiance is nice, prices are average and the wine selection is decent.
That being said ... everything appears to be under seasoned, especially the fish; and nothing on your plate will leave you with a lasting impression.
If you're in the area and craving a run of the mill Italian plate, go for it; otherwise, you can probably find better elsewhere
That being said ... everything appears to be under seasoned, especially the fish; and nothing on your plate will leave you with a lasting impression.
If you're in the area and craving a run of the mill Italian plate, go for it; otherwise, you can probably find better elsewhere
Alyssa P.
Oct 13, 2016
Report
My boss took me and two coworkers here for a nice dinner. He had also purchased a Groupon that he used for this occasion. The service was great and it wasn't too busy. The ambiance in the restaurant is very nice.
We got a bottle of red wine to share and started with soups/salads. I got the Caesar salad which wasn't anything special. As my main I got the Sicilian Gnocchi and I really enjoyed this dish. Gnocchi is something I must try at any Italian restaurant and this one was delicious. The men both got the surf and turf and seemed to enjoy it. My other coworker got the penne Verde and
We got a bottle of red wine to share and started with soups/salads. I got the Caesar salad which wasn't anything special. As my main I got the Sicilian Gnocchi and I really enjoyed this dish. Gnocchi is something I must try at any Italian restaurant and this one was delicious. The men both got the surf and turf and seemed to enjoy it. My other coworker got the penne Verde and
L. J.
Sep 23, 2016
Report
The food is simply terrible!
Overcooked pasta, undercooked enriched flour pizza crust and tasteless sauces caused for embarrassment when i went there with an Italian friend who was visiting!...
And the fact that my previous bad review was taken down due to "complaints from the community" lowers my opinion even lower than any possible low rating!
Overcooked pasta, undercooked enriched flour pizza crust and tasteless sauces caused for embarrassment when i went there with an Italian friend who was visiting!...
And the fact that my previous bad review was taken down due to "complaints from the community" lowers my opinion even lower than any possible low rating!
Darrin S.
Aug 08, 2015
Report
We love this place. Always have since the first time we tried it. I've never had a poor meal here and in fact, each new thing I try is wonderful. Like tonight: had the veal scaloppini with Marsala wine sauce. So good. And as usual, the starter calamari is some of the best calamari we've had in the city.
Highly recommended. Kyle is great. He'll know exactly what you want to eat. Just ask him for recommends.
Yum.
Highly recommended. Kyle is great. He'll know exactly what you want to eat. Just ask him for recommends.
Yum.
Min Min I.
Jun 29, 2015
Report
Cozy, petite Italian restaurant in Leslieville. Great atmosphere and fantastic service.
Warm bread served as a starter. Bruschetta here was wonderful!
VEGETARIANS: Herbivores beware, their pastas are cooked in chicken broth unless you ASK for it to be complete vegetarian. Good veg pizza with roasted vegetables.
The cappuccino here is quite strong!
Warm bread served as a starter. Bruschetta here was wonderful!
VEGETARIANS: Herbivores beware, their pastas are cooked in chicken broth unless you ASK for it to be complete vegetarian. Good veg pizza with roasted vegetables.
The cappuccino here is quite strong!
Lisa B.
Jul 28, 2012
Report
I had a Groupon for Baldini and decided to use it with my boyfriend on Wednesday night. I made a reservation (which is req'd for the groupon - and make sure you tell them you have the groupon!).
We got there at 7:30pm, and I was surprised at how busy the place was on a weekday! I thought it was a good sign for sure. The constant stream of people coming in for take out was also nice to see.
The place is really small, so the seats are pretty cramped, but fortunately we sat at a table for 4, so a bit more room. There was one server for the whole place, and considering how busy it was
We got there at 7:30pm, and I was surprised at how busy the place was on a weekday! I thought it was a good sign for sure. The constant stream of people coming in for take out was also nice to see.
The place is really small, so the seats are pretty cramped, but fortunately we sat at a table for 4, so a bit more room. There was one server for the whole place, and considering how busy it was
