By Amy Pigeon
Toronto’s Entertainment District has no shortage of culinary treasures, but FIGO is a classic—not just for its traditional Italian-inspired menu, but for its sleek and seductive atmosphere that invites you to indulge with its playful energy. Opened in 2015, FIGO has established itself as a go-to for pre-theatre diners seeking a comforting yet elevated experience, with its value-priced prix fixe menu and prime location on Adelaide Street.
Beyond the plate, FIGO’s décor enchants visitors from the moment you step inside. Designed by Studio Munge, the space feels like spring eternal—even on a frigid witner evening in Toronto. Hand-painted floral motifs grace the high ceilings, reminiscent of Italian Renaissance frescoes, while large windows adorned with delicate decals bathe the room in natural light during the day. By night, the space transforms, evoking a sultry garden ambiance with loungey Mediterranean beats and a vibe that’s equal parts flirty and chic. The energetic flury of the open concept kitchen, helmed by Executive Chef Ted Corrado, brings a touch of added excitement foreshadowing the fabulous evening in downtown Toronto to come.
I had walked by FIGO dozens, maybe hundreds of times in my lifetime, walking to and from work, and for some reason never actually dropped in for a visit, despite frequently thinking “I really must check this place out”. I was thrilled to finally visit as one of my first restaurant stories to share upon launching VeraVita, and at last made it to FIGO on a terribly cold winter evening.
I was accompanied by friends from the Latin dance community—a serendipitous meeting of two worlds that share a love for human connection. In Latin dance, as in Italian dining, the act of coming together is a ritual of joy, where laughter, movement, and flavours unite to feed the soul. My fondness for this community lies in its ability to mirror the Italian ethos: finding beauty in the moment and celebrating life over something that feeds your spirit and warms your heart (and your body), whether it’s a perfectly executed salsa turn or a plate of handmade pasta, all shared in deep connection with other people.
The Feast
Our evening began with the Zucchini Fritti, a plate of golden, pillowy bites paired with wild honey and lemon crema. The interplay of textures—crispy on the outside, soft within—was elevated by a hint of black pepper, creating a dish that was as comforting as it was indulgent. For a bit of colourful balance to complement the other decadent choices we made, we shared the Insalata Amara, a refreshing mix of endive, radicchio, and watercress adorned with citrus, fennel, and a fig vinaigrette. The salad was lightly dressed, letting the vibrant flavours shine—a taste of a Sardinia’s summer on a Toronto winter night.
Next came the Stracciatella, served with sourdough flatbread that was perfectly salted and toasted to a delightful crunch. Drizzled with orange blossom honey and aged balsamic, the dish was an ooey, gooey masterpiece of comfort. It was the kind of plate you find yourself returning to, long after you’ve promised to save room for the mains.
For pasta, we opted for the Spaghetti Pomodoro and the Bucatini Carbonara. The pomodoro, a seemingly simple dish, revealed its cloaked complexity with every bite. Fresh San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and chili combined with al dente pasta to deliver a dish that was vibrant, fresh, and just spicy enough to linger on the palate and warm us up. The carbonara, served with a poached egg and guanciale, was unapologetically pepper-forward, with bucatini providing a satisfying chew. Breaking the yolk into the sauce added a richness that elevated the dish to another level—a touch I would love to see more often on a carbonara.
From the pizza menu, we chose the Margherita and the Bianca Rucola Prosciutto. The former—a classic—was executed with finesse, its fior di latte and tomato sauce balanced perfectly. The latter, chosen by my friend, surprised me with its sauceless approach, where I generally opt from a red-base pizza. Peppery arugula, prosciutto, and red onion took center stage—bold, flavorful, and had us vying for the last slice.
Then, a bit of dolci. The Cannoli, filled with a seasonal ricotta, was perfectly sweet, while the Tiramisu, layered with mascarpone and a hint of Frangelico, was a decadent end to the meal. For something playful and light with a hit of caffeine to reawaken our bodies after an ample serving of carbohydrates, the Affogato offered a delightful contrast of hot espresso over cold gelato, which could be upgraded to an espresso martini for a boozy twist.
A Toast to Negronis (and More)
While the food is undeniably delicious, FIGO’s cocktail program deserves its own applause. The drink list is vast, with options ranging from temperance cocktails like the Limonata alla Fragola (a refreshing mix of lemon juice, strawberry syrup, and soda), with other options having alcohol-flavoured substitutions, to an entire menu dedicated to Negronis. For the true Negroni aficionado, there’s even a Negroni tasting flight, allowing you to explore variations of the iconic Italian aperitivo. My personal favorite of the evening was the Appasionata, a flirty mix of Smirnoff vanilla, passionfruit syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and prosecco that perfectly mirrored the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant—feminine, sweet, and playful.
The FIGO Vibe
As much as FIGO delivers wonderful culinary offerings, it is the atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression for me. Vibes with good people and excellent service are what matter most to me when choosing a spot to make memories. The music, a mix of Mediterranean lounge and modern beats, sets the tone for a night that feels both elevated and relaxed. The chic interior, with its soft floral motifs and bright white furniture, creates a feminine and sexy vibe that’s perfect for a flirty date night or a lively girls’ evening before hitting the King West party scene. Service is laidback and friendly, making you feel like you’re at a friend’s elegant dinner party rather than a high-end restaurant.
A Place to Celebrate
At its core, FIGO is a fabulous spot for good food, beautiful surroundings, making moments, and celebrating the connections we make along the way. As we lingered over our final sips of coffee, the laughter and warmth of the evening stayed with me, much like the best memories often do.
Photography courtesy of FIGO
