We decided that if we lived in the west-end, Casa Paco would be our regular spot. The intimate restaurant has one of those ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ menus; you can grab a couple tapas and a cocktail, or have a big paella, or you can settle in for the Menu de Casa (4-5 courses, prix fixe).
Our waiter - whose name I cannot remember and it kills me - was great. The staff (front of house and kitchen) are the owners of the restaurant, and it was clear from the service that they love what they do. After we complemented a dish, our waiter would go back to tell Chef. Tommy, the bartender, came over with 12 bottles of post-dinner Apéritif to smell and try. The experience alone of his describing a drink as ‘cracked peanuts’ and then tasting a salty-bite that put you right in the stands of a baseball diamond was worth the trip to the restaurant.
What We Ordered: We did the Menu de Casa; picked the Mackerel and the Pork, both were great choices. Chef kindly made everything Gluten Free/ Dairy Free (sauces on the side and artichokes in lieu of bread). It was generous and the meal memorable. The Rubia Gallega was the standout.
Address: 50c Clinton St, Toronto, ON M6G 2Y3
Recommend For: It really is my kind of date night spot - intimate but friendly; not pretentious and quality food - nothing is drenched in oil or buried under sauces and cheese… The meal is well priced, and you can afford a generous tip after to thank the small team for being so great at what they do.
Reservations: Via the website which seems impossible; so I would recommend emailing them.