By Sean Delaney
Walk into Salerno Trattoria at 70 Plunkett Road, Unit 7, and you’re instantly greeted by the smell of real Italian cooking—fresh basil, slow-simmered sauces, and wood-fired pizza crust that crackles just right.
Chef and owner Lucio Vitale has been feeding the Emery Village community since the early ‘70s, and with Salerno, he’s brought his signature quality back in a quicker, more casual format—without compromising on the heart and soul of traditional Italian food.
This isn’t your standard takeout. Lucio calls it “gourmet fast food,” but the flavours say fine dining. His now-legendary Penne alla Vodka, rich with tomato cream and a splash of smooth vodka, has become a signature dish—a must-try that brings regulars back week after week. Add to that his lasagna, risotto, lemon chicken, and veal parmigiana, and you’ve got a menu that feels like Nonna’s Sunday table, any day of the week.
And the pizza? Light, crisp, bubbling with cheese and house-made sauce. It’s spectacular. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in with friends on one of only a handful of patios in Emery Village, Salerno gives you the comfort of home-style Italian cooking—at prices that will make you smile.
The name Salerno, drawn from the sun-soaked southern coast of Italy, is a fitting tribute to Lucio’s roots. It’s a place known for culinary tradition, and this small but mighty kitchen lives up to the name with every plate.
“I still follow the same ingredient traditions from Il Lupo,” Lucio says, referencing his acclaimed former restaurant. “Just now on a smaller scale. Faster, yes—but still the real deal.”
Clean, friendly, and full of character, Salerno is open six days a week and is looking to open on Sundays soon. So, if you’re in the neighbourhood and craving something special—something real—make the stop. Emery Village’s best-kept secret is no secret anymore.
Call 416-745-1441 to order or just walk in and discover your new favourite lunch spot.