Pasta Basta, a new Roman-inspired pasta bar, is getting ready to open in Toronto at 595 Markham Street in Mirvish Village.
The new restaurant is expected to open in Summer 2026, according to the company’s website. Founder Gianni Bardini, a retired Italian diplomat born in Tuscany, told blogTO that the team is still working through the final steps before opening, including obtaining licenses and waiting for Mirvish Village to open officially. Chef Dario Tomaselli, who also teaches at George Brown College, is leading the kitchen. Customers can expect classic Roman pasta dishes served in a casual setting at affordable prices.
Although Bardini has no previous restaurant experience, he said the idea for Pasta Basta came from his time living in Rome and what he believes is missing from Toronto’s Italian dining scene. The restaurant will focus on high-quality pasta made with carefully sourced ingredients and cooked to order. Planned menu items include Roman favorites such as carbonara and pesto genovese.
Bardini said he selected Mirvish Village because of its pedestrian-friendly streets, strong foot traffic, curated mix of businesses, and historical significance. He also pointed to the site’s connection to Honest Ed’s and its long history as a gathering place for immigrant communities. As the redevelopment continues to welcome new tenants, Pasta Basta will become part of the neighborhood’s growing restaurant scene.
According to the company’s website, the concept is built around fresh pasta prepared simply using quality ingredients. The restaurant’s approach emphasizes fast, fresh meals while staying true to traditional Roman recipes. This will be an excellent landing space for Pasta Basta as Mirvish Village continues to establish itself as one of Toronto’s newest dining destinations.
