Searching Yelp for a restaurant suggestion last spring, I couldn’t help but notice the listing for a place called “Corrado’s”, considering they had the absolute highest rating of all the restaurants in Toronto. Of course, I had to click through and immediately recognized it based on the picture … it was the “We Got Balls” place on John Street, that I’d passed many times.
The balls in question are Sicilian Rice Balls called Arincini, and according to Yelp, Corrado’s were amazing. Reviewers thought that everything on the menu was excellent, but were drawn to the place not only for the food, but also for the remarkably friendly service.
I put it at the top of the “must try” file in my head and looked forward to the chance to go.
So, when Andrea and I recently found ourselves on John Street, after taking a long walk and wanting something to eat, I knew just the place.
We were warmly greeted by the owner himself, Corrado, who cheerfully explained the choices to us. They offer so many delicious sounding things, but I knew I needed to try one of the rice balls. He kindly offered us one of those to share on the house, and encouraged us to choose something else, so we both went for a sandwich — one veal and one meatball, and a couple of Italian sodas.
While they were preparing our food, I asked permission to take a few pictures for my blog, and before we knew it we were whisked into the kitchen to see the Arincini being made. I was also invited to pose for a shot while pretending to stir the tomato sauce.
We were shown their award certificate for Best Food Concession at The CNE in 2013 and told about the food-stand they’re planning for this year. Each year, they think up a special dish for the Exhibition, but it’s a secret.
Our food was ready quickly and we took a seat in their dining room. We were there at a less popular time, around 3:30pm on a weekday, so found a seat easily, but from what I read, it gets pretty crowded in there.
Everything is available for takeaway too and they also deliver within a huge delivery zone downtown.
Being located right in the Entertainment District and open until 4am on the weekends, it tends to get lively after all the nightclubs let out. Corrado works those shifts himself and told us that a very good time is had by all while everyone is in party mode.
Everything was very good and generously cheesy. The tomato sauce is great, and I’m not saying that because I helped make it, lol.
The servings are huge, so we each took half a sandwich with us.
Nick certainly enjoyed the leftovers and is keen to check the place out himself. I look forward to going back and am already planning to try the Gyros. Nom nom.
Corrado’s is located on the west side of John Street at 118, between Richmond and Adelaide. You can’t miss it … and you shouldn’t!
Thanks for checking out my post,
xo loulou
