Tiny Italy co-owner Filippo Suriano stands proudly in front of his new out door patio. Photos by Jeff Turl.
Lots of buzz over the new patio at a restaurant on Wyld Street.The city has lots of restaurants with outdoor seating, but none like this before apparently.
The new addition covers the sidewalk and spills over into the street allowing pedestrian access, but also room for patrons to enjoy an outdoor meal or drink.
"Coming from Montreal it's something we see all over, and in big cities like Toronto and Quebec city," co-owner Filippo Suriano told BayToday.
"Although North Bay is a smaller city, it has a big heart and I thought this would be a great addition to the downtown community."
There is a large Italian presence in the city and a long history of small, but popular restaurants.
"In the history of North Bay there have been a lot of Italian restaurants. Sil's Deli was where we are now, and there was Matilda's, and Valenti's was great a well so we wanted to add something new to the city," explained Suriano.
Tiny Italy has been open for a year now, but the patio is new and something that had to be negotiated with the city.
"The city is embracing it, which is very important for us seeing that it is a pilot project. We want to make sure everyone enjoys it so others downtown can get a license for a patio.
"I'd love to see more of these, not only for restaurants but for boutiques and other businesses. I'd love to see pedestrians enjoying the downtown with no cars. So far the reaction has been incredible with kind words from everyone. Bus drivers are giving us the thumbs up. Overall it's been great."
Suriano is from Montreal but says he got to know the city after visiting with friends.
"That and the beautiful women I guess. I fell in love with this beautiful city and wanted to make roots here. I decided to stay and it's been six years, that I've been here now."
Suriano says all the food is great, but suggests the veal parm should be tried.
"We've got a small menu so we can make sure everything is done right."
See their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Tinyitaly
Google gives the restaurant 4.5 out of 5.
Tripadvisor rates it the #1 restaurant in North Bay. Read the reviews here.
