By Sean Delaney
There’s a certain comfort in walking into a restaurant that feels familiar—even when it’s been thoughtfully refreshed. Salerno Trattoria strikes that balance with ease. Owner and chef Lucio Vitale has updated the space with new seating and a brighter, cleaner look, giving the restaurant a warm, inviting vibe while keeping the focus exactly where it belongs: classic Italian food, prepared fresh and served with care.
For those who have worked in and around Plunkett Road for years, Salerno is more than just a place to eat—it’s part of a longer local story. In this same plaza, Lucio once operated Il Lupo, a well-known Italian restaurant dating back to the mid-1970s that became a favourite for area businesses and families alike. As the owner and head chef of Il Lupo, Lucio Vitale was known for his passion for food—something longtime Emery Village diners still remember fondly. That continuity gives Salerno a grounded, authentic feel.
“This is about real Italian food—done properly, the way people remember and enjoy it.”
The menu is approachable and reassuring, even for diners who may not be overly familiar with Italian cuisine. Guests will recognize plenty of favourites, including chicken parmigiana, baked eggplant, and a wide range of pastas such as spaghetti and creamy risottos. Two standout recommendations are the veal parmigiana—tender, generous, and rich without being heavy—and the spezzatino, a traditional Italian stew served with potatoes and beans that delivers real comfort and depth of flavour.
Lighter options round out the menu nicely, with fresh insalatas, prosciutto, specialty olives, and crisp mozzarella fritta that works well as a shared starter. Everything leans toward classic flavours rather than trends, making it easy to order confidently and enjoy a satisfying meal.
Salerno Trattoria also plays an important role for the surrounding business community. With so many offices, warehouses, and long-established companies nearby, it offers a calm, comfortable setting for business lunches and informal meetings. Service is efficient without feeling rushed, and takeout and catering are available at very reasonable prices—ideal for office lunches, meetings, and small workplace gatherings.
To complete the experience, Salerno offers a thoughtful selection of imported beers, along with domestic and imported wines, many with Italian roots. A proper espresso at the end is a fitting finish.
Salerno Trattoria remains dependable, welcoming, and deeply connected to its surroundings—a familiar Italian favourite that’s well worth revisiting.
Salerno Trattoria
70 Plunkett Road, Unit #2, North York
416-745-1441
Open six days a week. Reservations and walk-ins welcome.