Room for Blossoming

The Pitch

The scene takes place along De la Gauchetière Street in downtown's Quartier International, as we found ourselves squeezing by a film crew and its street-gobbling equipment – as if this area wasn't parking-challenged as it is.

A group of restaurateurs known for cinematic drama made an addition to this stretch's dining scene at the end of 2015.  Following conflicts with several levels of law enforcement, the Buonanotte owners made positive headlines with the opening of Fiorellino.

tagged:  DITCH THE CAR

The Mood

The two-in-one snack bar/ristorante's design takes a page from the 60s Art Deco movement – with a particular penchant for Eames-style furniture.  The house was packed on this bustling Thursday night; a young-ish crowd filling the bright, open space.

The Food

The one-page menu focuses on casual, moderately-priced Italian fare.  Appetizers and pastas are followed by pizzas, the star of the show – as made evident by the prominent pizza bar and wood-burning oven.  A concise, Italian-centric cocktail list rounds up the nighttime menu.

Appetizers were fresh and bright; albeit the tuna salad was doused in dressing while the octopus was over-charred.  Ricotta gnocchi were light and creamy while the pizza dough was ideally thin and spongy; though both suffered from a tomato sauce that lacked zing.

Starter

Starter

$17

$17

Insalata di Tonno

"confit tuna, lima beans, onion, niçoise, cucumber, parsley crumble"

Starter

Starter

$17

$17

Polipo

"octopus, potatoes, fennel, onions, capers, lemon, EVOO"

Starter

Starter

$21

$21

Burrata

"mushrooms, grissini"

Main

Main

$19

$19

Gnocchi

"pomodoro"

Main

Main

$18

$18

Pizza Margherita

"fior di latte"

Dessert

Dessert

$4

$4

Cannoli

"crunchy shell, ricotta cream"

tagged:  ORIGINAL DRINKS

The Service

Tonight's staff did not portray any of that nonchalant approach typical of supper clubs such as maison mère Buonanotte.  Quite the opposite; our young waitress was friendly, dynamic and took great lengths to elaborate on the otherwise succinct menu descriptions – bravissimo!

tagged:  LOVE THE ATTENTION

The Verdict

All the pieces at Fiorellino – Italian for floret – are in place for a standout eatery, be it for a business lunch or evening munch among friends.  Asides from a couple kinks we feel the kitchen should iron out, our first stop here was quite enjoyable.

This young flower hasn't hit full bloom yet; it's almost there though…

tagged:  PLAN B.

Price per person:  $36.83