Cassius has officially opened its doors on King Street West, bringing a refined yet modern touch to Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene.
Toronto’s King Street West just welcomed a stunning new addition to the city’s buzzing restaurant scene.
Cassius Cucina Contemporanea is a modern Italian restaurant and social space that combines bold design, quality-focused cuisine, and genuine hospitality to create a true must-try along this trendy strip. Proudly 100% Italian-owned and operated, Cassius offers an elevated dining experience with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, where every element—from the food to the music—is thoughtfully curated.
The Atmosphere
Upon entering, guests are greeted like family, with warm, intuitive service that reflects true Italian culture. The space itself spotlights a trendy atmosphere with ambient lighting, curated playlists, and live DJs that seamlessly transition the night from an elevated dining experience to a vibrant nightlife. Created in collaboration with award-winning designer Toby Gauley of designPROGRAM, the entirety of Cassius blends brutalist architecture with rich textures and bold elegance. As a result, the design philosophy is rooted in modern Italian luxury, effortlessly drawing fashion-forward inspiration from icons such as Rick Owens, Moschino, Saint Laurent, and Versace.
As a multifaceted destination, this is the perfect place to celebrate everything from date night to girls’ night, as the space is mindfully crafted for guests to enjoy both sophisticated dining and lively late-night energy—no need to change locations. With an open-concept layout, one can appreciate how the space is designed for both indulgence and escape.
The Food
The menu, led by Executive Chef Michael Frigo, blends global experience with classic Italian techniques to create contemporary dishes. The cuisine highlights authentic, high-quality ingredients, honoring tradition while, at the same time, embracing modern tastes.
About Chef Michael
Born in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Executive Chef Michael Frigo brings a global perspective to Cassius, rooted in his Venetian heritage. After training in top kitchens across Italy, Australia, London, Spain, and Mexico, he now brings forward his refined, modern take on Italian cuisine to Toronto. At Cassius, Frigo focuses on elevated simplicity and bold flavors, showcased in standout dishes across the menu.
What to Get
You truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but some highlights and must-try dishes include; the Octopus (decadent, rich, and tastefully served with rapini, burrata, black-tea infused salted caramel, and black lemon), Spaghetto All’Aragosta (flavorful, bold, and vibrant with the puttanesca sauce), Ricciola (bright, fresh, and perfect as a starter), and the Margherita Provola & Pepe pizza (a classic with a twist featuring san marzano tomato dop, provola affumicata, black pepper, and “familiga pomponio” evoo).
For dessert, don’t skip the Tiramisù, which features mascarpone mousse, savoiardi, moka coffee, and cocoa.
The establishment also highlights a selection of curated specialty cocktails. The Brutus (Aperol, Teremana, Tequila, St. Germain, and Fresh Lime Juice) and Amore a Protofino (Gin Malfy con Limone, Lillet, Pisco, Basil, Simply Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, and Prosecco) came highly recommended and are a go-to. However, there are also classic cocktails and an extensive wine list to choose from should you prefer a more traditional drink option.
Cassius is a must-try next time you find yourself in Toronto, as it flawlessly combines authentic Italian flavors, stylish design, and an unforgettable atmosphere—offering a dining experience that’s both timeless and uniquely vibrant.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: Cassius Cucina Contemporanea