Meat, cheese, oysters and focaccia on the menu at new Eataly offering

Shoppers and diners who regularly frequent Eataly’s flagship location in Toronto’s swanky Yorkville neighbourhood can check out a newly launched concept that will allow them to sample salumi, formaggi, oysters, focaccia and more. 

Last week, Eataly, the global Italian marketplace and retail concept that currently operates several locations in the city, launched La Piazza. The new dining concept, available at Eataly Yorkville exclusively for now, is designed to bring “aperitivo culture” to Toronto.

The move follows UNESCO’s recent recognition of apertivo culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The new concept, situated in the bar area off the market, allows diners to mingle and sample products from Eataly’s shelves. 

Programming in the space includes tastings, “build-your-own” martini and gin-and-tonic programs, and an expanded spritz offering.

The small-plate menu features items from Eataly’s salumi and formaggi counter, the seafood and butcher counters, the fresh mozzarella production lab, and the in-house bakery, as well as other products. Diners can sample four varieties of Taglieri (artisan meat-and-cheese boards), prosciutto, mozzarella (including house-made mozzarella, burrata, treccia, and bocconcini), seasonal vegetables, various breads, raw oysters, wine, and cocktails. 

In a news release, Eataly said attendees can expect daily “surprise and delight tasting,” Wine Wednesdays, live music, guest collaborations and more. 

The concept is expected to roll out at Eataly’s Sherway Gardens and Eaton Centre locations in the future.

Cover photo by Matt Tibbo Photography