TORONTO — Partners Mark Bacci, Riyaz Somani and Suresh Singh — the team behind Lil’ Baci and Annabelle Pasta Bar — have opened a new Italian concept in Toronto. Frankie’s Italian will be located in the former Lil’ Baci space at 892 Queen St. E.
Frankie’s Italian will offer in-house, handmade pastas, mains and sides at approachable prices. Brandyn Koester of Annabelle Pasta Bar will helm the kitchen, bringing some tried-and-true dishes to the menu, including the Lil’ Baci team’s signature pizza made with long-fermented dough and sandwiches on baked-to-order fresh bread.
The new space will be open seven days a week and feature an all-day brunch menu, in addition to eat-in and take-out lunch and dinner options. Frankie’s Italian will also offer an artisan-coffee program by BOB Coffee, with a number of pastry and grab-and-go options.
The bar — open at 4 p.m. daily — includes a wine list consisting of various Italian labels at affordable prices. The team’s signature Negroni Bar will offer top-notch beverages such as rose hip and ginger, orange blossom and frizzante.
“Frankie’s Italian centres around value,” says Bacci. “We’ve always been committed to providing delicious Italian food at a fair price and this new space will be no different. This venture furthers our philosophy and we think fans of Lil’ Baci and Annabelle will feel right at home at Frankie’s.”
