The Gist: The second location of Goodfellas (read all about the first location in Streetsville) brings their authentic Neapolitan-style wood oven pizzas and made-from-scratch Italian fare to the South Kingsway neighbourhood in a familiar, authentic setting.

The family-friendly restaurant is also a destination for those out of the immediate area.

"We're like a big family here," Franchise Operator, John Teixeira. "We treat it like home. That’s the way we treat our customers."
 

Friendly and attentive servers wear headsets, ensuring that food is always served hot right off the line.

Grub: Very traditional southern Italian dishes are made from scratch, including pizzas, pastas and desserts. Corporate Head Chef Antonio Ferone is from Napoli.

Ingredients such as Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, prosciutto and other charcuterie meats, and San Marzano tomatoes come in from Italy.

A new menu with lunch options is launching soon .

Libations: The wine list features strictly Italian vino. There’s Prosecco and Sparkling Rosé too. Have questions about wine? Seasoned server Andrea is an oenophile and can tell you everything from the volcanic soils the grapes were grown in to which varietal will pair best with your meal.

Draft beers, Italian cocktails as well as signature and custom martinis, are also available.

Fixtures & Fittings: Designed by the head office,the same theme as the first location was used throughout – wine cellar in both, real stone, rooms finished with deep arches, and wine-coloured leather banquettes. Teixeira, hired by Head Office, was the onsite general contractor who facilitated buildout of the restaurant, set underneath modern condos. "A lot of thinking and planning went into it," he says.

This location features multi levels and offers more light, thanks to the walls of windows, making it bright and vibrant. Different seating areas, similar to Streetsville,  are set throughout the 3,500 sq. ft. restaurant - wine cellar, stage (elevated dining area), lounge with bar, and Chef's Table that overlooks the 800 sq. ft. open kitchen, accommodating 15-16 guests.

Goodfellas expansion into Toronto is not stopping here - three new locations are expected to open in the GTA over the next two years.

Off the Menu:

A classic cocktail is a great start to the meal. Negroni ($12) with Vermouth Rosso, Campari and dry gin,is  garnished with an orange slice and lemon peel, and served on the rocks.

Carciofi Fritti ($13) Lightly floured then deep-fried fresh artichoke hearts are grilled, skewered, and topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Impossibly light and not greasy, the delectable thistle is moist and bursting with flavour.

Calamari Fritti ($19) Fresh calamari is lightly battered and finished with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and fresh parsley.

Arancini Siciliain ($15)T hree massive deep-fried arborio rice balls the size of your fist boast ground veal, green peas, mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomato sauce, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh basil.

Prosciutto e Arugola Pizza ($22) No wonder it’s a best seller. A blistered light, thin, chewy crust is generously topped with Mozzarella di bufula cheese, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto crudo, fresh arugula, grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil.

Tagliatelle al Funghi Pasta ($18) Housemade flat ribbons of pasta are served with assorted sautéed mushrooms, mushroom cream, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley and truffle oil.

Bolognese Pasta ($15) Rigatoni with extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, onions, carrots, pan-seared milk-fed ground veal, in a slow cooked San Marzano tomato sauce is rich, meaty and satisfying.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina ($15) Light as air, fluffy potato dumplings are nestled in with San Marzano tomato sauce, onions, smoked provolone, Parmigiano-Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil.

Braciola di Carne alla Napoletana ($22)  Grain-fed veal is rolled up with, fresh garlic, fresh parsley, breading, San Marzano tomato sauce, grated Pecorino-Romano and fresh basil, served atop sautéed Napoletana rapini.

Torta di Ricotta Italiana ($10) A velvety Italian cheesecake boasts fresh ricotta di bufula, Philadelphia cream cheese, sour cream, amaretti Italian cookies, with strawberries on top.

Cannoli Siciliani ($9) Sicilian cannoli shells (three per serving) are filled light and creamy fresh ricotta di bufula, Nutella and crushed pistachios. A perfect end to a meal.

Tiramisu ($10) You’ll be thinking of this dessert made with ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, cocoa powder, organic eggs, Marsala and espresso, long after you’ve finished your meal.

At the Stove: Corporate Head Chef Antonio Ferone

FOH: John Teixeira, Salvatore Morra

Head Honchos: Goodfellas Head Office

Deets: There are 108 seats throughout the space. Dine in and take out are available.

Visiting Hours: 11:30am to 10:30pm daily

Map It: 1 Old Mill Dr. (at The South Kingsway)

Phone It In: (855) 433-5527

Check out our Facebook page for more photos.