Frankie's Italian comes to Leslieville in former Lil' Baci space

Photo: Frankie's by Lil' Baci

When one of Leslieville's most beloved Italian eateries shut down earlier this year after more than a decade in business, it left a gap in the neighbourhood. 

Now, partners Mark Bacci, Riyaz Somani and Suresh Singh — the team behind Lil’ Baci as well as Annabelle Pasta Bar — are ushering in their new concept: Frankie’s Italian.

Transforming the former Lil’ Baci space at Queen and Logan, Frankie's is now open and turning out plates of affordable in-house pastas, mains and sides.

Brandyn Koester of Annabelle Pasta Bar is helming the kitchen, bringing some tried-and-true dishes to the menu. Three daily housemade pastas go for $10 a plate, and taking a page from the Lil' Back playbook, Frankie's is serving up its signature pizza made with long-fermented dough and sandwiches on baked-to-order fresh bread.

Frankie’s Italian will offer an all-day brunch menu seven days a week, in addition to eat-in and take-out lunch and dinner options. It will also offer a full coffee program with pastries and grab-and-go options.

The bar opens daily at 4 p.m. with a wine list of affordable Italian labels. The team’s signature Negroni Bar will offer drinks such as rose hip & ginger, orange blossom and frizzante.

“Frankie’s Italian centres around value," Mark Bacci says. "We have 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.”

Frankie's is now open at 892 Queen St. East. Follow along on Instagram.