Il Covo - Toronto

Name: Il Covo - Toronto
Address: 585 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M6G1B2
Telephone: (416) 530-7585
Price range: CAN$51 and over
Rating: 4.4

4.4

471 Reviews

CAN$51 and over

Italian

Top tags:

We crafted Il Covo to be a place where one can easily unwind, relax, escape the routine of life, and feel as though they are cared for by family. Il Covo is a meeting point with a warm, energetic and convivial atmosphere for those who want to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared dinner, accompanied by a large selection of wines by the glass, craft beers and playful cocktails. Our culinary brigade operates a gastronomic laboratory built on solid professionalism and thorough knowledge of Italian food and wine. We wanted to create a casual home with an emphasis on simple Italian cuisine that combines traditionalism and modernity, drawing inspiration from every region of Italy.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 5, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 2 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Hours of Operation
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(416) 530-7585
Website
http://www.ilcovoto.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Ryan Campbell

Location
585 College Street, Toronto, ON M6G1B2
Neighbourhood
Little Italy / College St.
Cross Street
College St. at Clinton St.
Parking Details
Street Parking is allowed directly in front of the restaurant at anytime (south side of College St.). Also in short distance there is public lot parking (Green P) located at 74 Clinton st.
Public Transit
Subway to Queen's Park Station or College Station than 506 streetcar/tram westbound, stops at Euclid Ave or Grace St.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Popular dishes

Olives$6.00
cracked green frangiulia olives marinated in wild fennel, chili, garlic & olive oil
Cavolini di Bruxelles$9.00
brussel sprouts, brown butter, guanciale & parmigiano
Insalata Primavera$16.00
salad of local chicories, frissee, fennel, goat cheese, green apple compressed in strawberries with a black sesame dressing
Baccala$16.00
BACCALA salted cod whipped with olive oil & chives, crispy fried & finished with chili aioli & pickled onions
Asparagi & Uova$16.00
asparagus, crispy fried poached egg & dried black lemon
Pollo Fritto$13.00
Chicken fried, white bean and chicken liver puree, blood orange gel and arugula sprouts
Polpo$22.00
roasted Caribbean octopus, potato and senape spuma, pickled celery and cherry tomatoes
Steak Tartare$29.00
3oz ground AAA tenderloin, sunchoke puree, cured yolk and served with polenta chips
Antipasto for Two$39.00
creamy burrata cheese, selection of cured meats, giardiniera, olives & warm bread

Sul Pane - On Bread

Roman style house made bread topped with Italian inspired ingredients

Trentino$19.00
mozzarella, Italian speck, pear, burrata & aged balsamic vinegar
Toscana$22.00
butternut squash puree, mozzarella, tiger shrimp, guanciale and kale
Nduja$17.00
house made nduja, mozzarella, fingerling potato, and pickled plum

Primi - Risotto & Pastas

All pasta made in house except "Igp" pasta which comes from a specific region in italy- Best in country

Risotto alla Zucca$23.00
butternut squash, amaretti, local burrata, coffee powder
Gnocchi al Ragu$24.00
fresh potato gnocchi in a tomato-braised pork & beef ragu with pecorino cheese & black pepper
Scoglio$32.00
gragnano "igp" calamarata, shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari in white wine tomato sauce
Agnolotti ai Funghi$31.00
house made pasta filled with porcini & ricotta tossed with shitake, king oyster, maitake mushrooms & brown butter, finished with Parmigiano spuma and winter black truffles
Spaghetto$26.00
gragnano "IGP" pasta, Jerusalem artichokes, salt spring island mussels & shaved licorice root
Pappardelle Coniglio$27.00
house made pappardelle, artichoke and mint sauce, pulled rabbit, parmigiana and hazelnuts
Cavatelli$22.00
hand made short pasta, chili, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tomato & fresh herbs

Secondi - Main Courses

Salmone$39.00
BC organic king salmon, pistachio, parsnip, rapini & savory zabaione
Branzino$36.00
European sea bass, heirloom & cherry tomato salad, asparagus and fresh lemon
Porco Burger$28.00
pulled pork ribs on a house made bun with gorgonzola, lettuce, caramelized onion and finished with aioli and roasted potatoes.
Filetto di Manzo$52.00
6oz AAA Tenderloin, Maitake Mushroom, pickled leek, watercress and brown butter

Formaggio e Dolci - Cheese & Dessert

Tagliere di Formaggi 0$24.00
selection of three cheeses, house made preserve, honey & warm bread
Tartufo Affogato al Cafe$14.00
rich chocolate gelato with amarena cherries & fresh espresso
Torta Caprese$15.00
chocolate cake, vanilla marscapone & hazelnut icecream
Tiramisu$16.00
traditional venetian mascarpone cream, espresso, Italian lady finger biscuits then finished with cocoa powder

What 471 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

m
mcjdfd
Toronto
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food2service5ambience4
This was our second time as a group at Il Covo. Service and wine selection was the perfect. Our food was fine but nothing exceptional which could have just been an off night for back of house because our first time there it was delicious.
m
martham
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
The apps we had were so so, dull really and the octopus was fishy. The lamb was quite good. The service was tackier than I would have imagined given the reviews i had read- they didnt bring bread to the table and when we asked for it, they said it was a dollar a piece, after the first two pieces. That's odd for an Italian restaurant isn't it? The physical set up and the corner we sat in was lovely and noise level was low and it was very conducive to talking.
RC
RoseC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience3
I would go back. a little pricey but, really good service, and no one was standing over us to leave the table...
JG
JohnnyGambler
Toronto
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place, a gem in Toronto. Came here for a catch up with old friends, and I’ll Covo did not disappoint! They have excellent menu,,nice ambience, and really exceptional staff. From Giselle to George, had a top culinary Toronto meal, plus great service and location.
MR
MiaRD
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was AMAZING! pasta, bread and ice cream were made in house and tasted like heaven. the service was outstanding, will definitely be back to try everything on the menu.
PB
PaulB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff were all friendly, we had a very nice time, good food, service. We were looking for Ala carte it is what I booked and no correspondence to say only brunch but we enjoyed it…. They have a lovely rose Presecco …
L
Lizz
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went here for Mother’s Day brunch! We all loved it very much. Food was amazing and fresh. I will definitely come back to try their dinner menu
AM
AnnMarie
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent food ( although the sprouts could have a bit softer)and service. Great fun in the bar area with amazing cocktails and yummy George’s gin. See you soon again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience3
Nice spot with overall good experience. Would say a bit loud and slower service. Could have been an off night , would try again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
I arrived alone while my husband parked the car (challenging in that neighbourhood). He greeted me with a warm smile and took my coat then he disappeared and I was unsure which table I was supposed to sit at. I also had to ask for menus. Our server was extremely pleasant. Service took a long time to get started (20 minutes before we put in an order). Cocktail was tasty as was the salad. Our mains weren’t great and a quick check in didn’t happen so I sat with food that was undercooked (risotto) while my husband ate his pasta dish. The server did offer to take my dish off the bill and offered an alternative. Overall the restaurant had a cozy atmosphere but the food was not the best so we likely won’t be returning.
JT
JenniferT
Toronto
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
Very understaffed. Lovely people but not well attended except at the end.
RM
RobertoM
Toronto
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
A nice location that I have visited a few times and plan to return. Great food, excellent service and amazing atmosphere. The only drawback is to find parking on College st. which is, like most of the city core, under construction. Take a cab or transit if you can.
S
Stephanie
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food was delicious and our server was on top of clearing plates and making sure we were taken care of. It was a good night
E
Emaraz
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant, great service, great food. Definitely recommend
Il Covo - TorontoResponded on April 15, 2023Hi Emaraz, thank you for your great review and kind comments. we hope to see you dine with us again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I came for dinner and were shocked to see it so quiet on a Sunday night. The food, ambience, and service were incredible. 10/10 recommend.
m
magnificient
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience3
All dishes were mediocre, heavy creams/butter, did not enjoy at all, no authenticity, excessive cream, butter cheese, won’t cut it. Worst of all for an italian specialty place, Pasta was also over cooked, unacceptable. Il COVO on my black list for sure
TH
TracyH
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Wonderful friendly staff and exceptional service. Really tasty food . Would love to see more vegetarian options
M
Milan
Toronto
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing drinks and Unreal food… every single dish was perfectly executed. So much attention to details. You guys are doing a great job!
CT
CdnT
Toronto
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, expert and friendly service, a perfect Italian bistro experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, excellent service - nice small place and the service was attentive. I would recommend to experience at least once. Price point is on the slightly higher end if you’d like to enjoy a variety of their dishes. Otherwise reasonable and expected.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exquisite but not snobby. This is one of our favourite small, highend Italian restaurants. Very special dishes— is there a Micheline star in their future? Offers the most exquisite drink crafting — inventive, handmade elixirs, mixes and gorgeous nonalcoholic bespoke beverages as well as low alcohol drinks. The menu punches above its weight and changes seasonally. Tiny room. Very intimate.
Il Covo - TorontoResponded on March 25, 2023Hi, Thank you for your wonderful and kind review. I showed the team and you made their day. Thank you and we hope you dine with us again.
m
marco
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Nice atmosphere, very good dishes. First time at covo and I really enjoyed it
AN
AlexeiN
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just amazing. Great food service and wine. All were perfect.
LW
LisaW
Toronto
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Unexpected neighbourhood gem. loved the antipasto:)
AR
AliRaza
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious mushroom pasta! Delicious whiskey cocktails!
A
Andrew
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is some of the best service I’ve had in Toronto in a long time.
D
David
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Creative menu and great service. A nice little bistro on College.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual Il Covo delivers. I can’t say enough good things about the restaurant, from the worldly and friendly staff to the fabulous food to the cocktails. The scoglio pasta and funghi angolotti were fabulous. Glad to have this place in our neighborhood!
D
Dandifed
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was superb 👌 One of my top italian restaurants in Toronto
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a really wonderful time here, food was fantastic and the bar people ran us through some of their fav drinks and their home made limoncello which was fabulous. Highly recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience3
The Valentine’s Day menu was probably one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in Toronto. I could not believe from the entire menu the chef would choose those options. We literally drove to McDonalds after to get food in our bellies. The ravioli was actually watery inside! I couldn’t believe it. We still talk about how shockingly bad this meal was.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
too loud, bland food, poor service. Had to pull teeth to get the waiter to our table.
P
Parc502
Toronto
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved our recent night out at Il Covo. The food and drinks were original, delicious and spectacular. The informed and talented staff members make the experience even more enjoyable!
SA
ShwetankA
Toronto
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience2
Way too expensive for what it has to offer. Not worth it!
KS
KatherineS
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
When full it is a very loud restaurant Service is very quick but not super kind Food is great but not outstanding
PH
PaulineH
Toronto
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food! Met up with friends for winterlicious dinner. The buzz was everywhere. Superb service. Didn’t know there was a time limit on the table. Might have been good to know ahead. In the end timing was okay. Thanks
DM
DianaM
Toronto
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pleasant and delightful. The staff there are friendly and fun to talk to. Excellent choice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience4
Me and my friend had a birthday dinner for her. The food is small portion but tasty. The man who provided services only smiled and focused on my friend and put me apart when we have talked with him. Overpriced!
S
Stephanie
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for winterlicious, food was fantastic and well portioned, which was a wonderfully satisfying considering many restaurants tend to provide smaller servings with a fixed menu. Service was impeccable, we were lucky enough to have been seated in the empty back section making it feel like a private dining experience. Overall lovely experience and we’ll definitely be returning.
CF
CindyF
Vancouver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience2
Food was mixed. Quite dark and decor had not been updated for some time. Tables close together. Waiters were superb.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Il Covo - Toronto is rated 4.4 stars by 471 OpenTable diners.

Il Covo - Toronto does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 5, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 2 times today

585 College Street, Toronto, ON M6G1B2

Additional information

Cross Street
College St. at Clinton St.
Neighbourhood
Little Italy / College St.
Hours of Operation
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Street Parking is allowed directly in front of the restaurant at anytime (south side of College St.). Also in short distance there is public lot parking (Green P) located at 74 Clinton st.
Public Transit
Subway to Queen's Park Station or College Station than 506 streetcar/tram westbound, stops at Euclid Ave or Grace St.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ryan Campbell
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

Website
http://www.ilcovoto.com/
Phone number
(416) 530-7585

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Il Covo - Toronto

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card

Risotto alla Zucca

Risotto al Funghi

Branzino

Antipasti - Appetizers

Olives$6.00

Cavolini di Bruxelles$9.00

Insalata Primavera$16.00

Baccala$16.00

Asparagi & Uova$16.00

Pollo Fritto$13.00

Polpo$22.00

Steak Tartare$29.00

Antipasto for Two$39.00

Sul Pane - On Bread

Trentino$19.00

Toscana$22.00

Nduja$17.00

Primi - Risotto & Pastas

Risotto alla Zucca$23.00

Gnocchi al Ragu$24.00

Scoglio$32.00

Agnolotti ai Funghi$31.00

Spaghetto$26.00

Pappardelle Coniglio$27.00

Cavatelli$22.00

Secondi - Main Courses

Salmone$39.00

Branzino$36.00

Porco Burger$28.00

Filetto di Manzo$52.00

Formaggio e Dolci - Cheese & Dessert

Tagliere di Formaggi 0$24.00

Tartufo Affogato al Cafe$14.00

Torta Caprese$15.00

Tiramisu$16.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

How is Il Covo - Toronto restaurant rated?

Does Il Covo - Toronto offer gift cards?

Is Il Covo - Toronto currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card