From the team behind Osteria Guilia, Guido Costantino Projects introduces old-world design in one of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods
It’s no secret that Toronto has long grappled with a tension between preserving historical character and embracing flashy new developments—often opting for glitzy new buildings instead of restoring older ones. But architect Guido Costantino and designer Domenica Rodá took a different path. Rather than replacing an unassuming old mechanic garage at the corner of College and Bathurst, they chose to revitalize it. With the guidance their creative team at Guido Costantino Projects, and the vision of restaurant owners Luke Donato and Nick Mazzone, the duo transformed the space into Occhiolino—Little Italy’s newest hidden culinary treasure.
Tucked away at the neighbourhood edge, Occhiolino’s Scandi-style facade presents a minimalist contrast to its surrounding environment. While other restaurants in the area embrace a rustic exterior—mirrored in Little Italy’s residential structures—Guido Costantino Projects sought to elevate the 3,800-square-foot space with simple yet elegant materials. This design studio is no stranger to spatial sculpting—as they have transformed spaces like Osteria Giulia and Giulietta into the works of art we know today. “Our space is like our pasta: it’s only three ingredients—replacing egg, flour and water with wood, steel and concrete,” says Donato.
The goal for Occhiolino was to maintain a semblance of the former structure while creating space for something new and nuanced—keeping the original structure intact while moulding new fixtures around it. The blue-collar history of the carriage house turned mechanic garage and now restaurant became a core element of the design philosophy.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a concrete piazza with an arched entryway to Occhiolino’s interiors. Natural light floods the space delicately illuminating both the first and second floor. The open-faced kitchen allows for guests to witness the pasta-making first-hand, while the upstairs allows for a more private dining experience.
At every corner, there is thought and purpose infused into the space—It is both unpretentious and yet structurally unique. Occhiolino serves as a sensorial emulsion of past and present that seamlessly harmonizes the dynamic between simple Italian cuisine and imaginative design.
When your palette and pursuit for flavour find yourself at Occhiolino, take a moment to admire the space, and then immediately order the amaretto sour with a side of crispy zucca, trust me you won’t regret it.
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