TORONTO — Cassius Cucina Contemporanea (Cassius) — a contemporary Italian restaurant — is now open in Toronto’s Fashion District near King and Portland.
The space accommodates 150 seated guests, expanding to 250 for after-dinner revelry. Leading the venture are industry veterans Pat Lisi, former principal and operating partner at Buonanotte Toronto, and Bruno Commodari, who delivers more than 25 years of restaurant and hospitality experience.
Cassius is 100 per cent Italian-owned and operated, making it a true reflection of Italian roots and culture.
“We wanted to create a place where Italian cuisine takes centre stage, complemented by the warmth of true Italian hospitality and the vibrancy of Toronto’s dining scene,” says Lisi. “From the food to the design to the atmosphere, every detail has been carefully considered to offer something truly unique to this city.”
Leading the kitchen is executive chef Michael Frigo, who was born in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. Frigo honed his craft in Veneto’s top kitchens before refining his skills across Australia, London, Spain, Mexico and now Canada.
“My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen in Bassano del Grappa, where I learned that Italian cuisine is built on simplicity, technique and the quality of ingredients. I’m bringing that approach to the Cassius menu – honouring the fundamentals while embracing innovation in a way that enhances tradition rather than overshadowing it,” says Frigo.
In partnership with Toby Gauley of designPROGRAM (formerly Gauley Brothers Studio), whose work was awarded Best Cocktail Bar Design in the World, Cassius boasts an interior that fuses classic Italian opulence and contemporary aesthetics.
Within the same building, the Charles Puma Art Gallery sits above the restaurant, serving as both a contemporary event space and a showcase of global artistry. Meanwhile, tucked in the back, Sartoria Meucci, a bespoke tailor shop, honours Italy’s heritage of craftsmanship.
Cassius is set to expand further, with outdoor seating launching this summer to accommodate an additional 100 to 150 guests, along with Giorgio, a lower-level lounge set to open in spring 2026.
