Cucina Buca Returns: Pasta Lovers Rejoice as Popular Italian Restaurant Readies for Reopening

Amid the hustle and bustle of Toronto's Midtown, Cucina Buca is finally set to make a triumphant return, bringing with it warm focaccia di Recco and smoky specialties that have been missing from the neighbourhood’s culinary landscape. Since a sudden closure earlier this year following water damage, local food enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the restaurant’s reopening. Now, with reservations opening on October 19 via OpenTable, the kitchen seems poised to serve up its classic handmade pasta dishes and other signature dishes.

While the official announcement isn’t yet out, the buzz is palpable. Stephanie Dickison, a local food writer, first noted a completely cleared-out dining room in May, hinting at the restaurant’s impending comeback. The original Cucina Buca, part of the King Street Food Company concept, was a hit when it first opened in 2022, known for its show-stopping two-storey space and Michelin-recommended lineage.

For expats and digital nomads like myself, the return of Cucina Buca is a welcome addition to the dining scene. If you're planning to visit or are already in the city, be sure to mark your calendar for October 19 and secure a table as soon as possible. After all, the queue for a seat might just rival the lines for the best gelato in Italy.