Casual Italian plates and easy living room energy have landed in the Entertainment District

Standing at the corner of Adelaide and John in the heart of Toronto's Entertainment District, finding a spot that feels low-pressure and welcoming can be a genuine challenge.

Replacing Figo, Bar Romy arrives with a simple mandate: operate as the neighbourhood’s living room. Whether you drop in for a quick bite or end up staying far longer than planned, the energy here lets you settle in without feeling rushed.

My friend and I drop in right after work before she heads to a Toronto Tempo game, and we quickly realize that serving food and drinks quickly without making guests feel pushed out the door is tricky, but the team handles it well.

They offer a patio out front; I just find it a bit too loud during peak rush hour traffic, and we have lots to yap about, making the cozy dining room inside a better pick.

Sitting inside, I notice a lot of the surrounding tables are visitors from out of town grabbing a bite before their evening plans, which makes sense given the location. It works as a reliable pre-game spot for drinks and food before catching a concert or game downtown, and I feel completely comfortable recommending it to friends who are short on time but still want a great meal and a solid cocktail before showtime.

With a daily happy hour running from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (which returns late-night from Thursday to Saturday), it also makes for an easy post-office meetup spot — something I have since tested out a few times. Featuring $10 options like espresso martinis, Aperol spritzes and palomas, Bar Romy is serving budget-friendly options right in the core.

The main cocktail menu carries a distinct personality, offering creative, flavour-forward drinks. My personal favourite of the evening is the Tomatotini, crafted with Ketel One vodka, feta brine, tomato, white balsamic vinegar, pepper and lemon. It's sharp, savoury and balanced, and pairs remarkably well with the Italian bites (especially the pasta).

To kick off dinner, the zucchini fritti arrives light and crispy, drizzled with honey and served alongside a tangy lemon crema fresca. The prosciutto di Parma pairs salty cured meat with sweet melon, rich mozzarella di bufala and a touch of balsamic, offering a classic contrast of flavours that hits the spot for me every single time.

For the pasta course, the agnolotti features delicate pockets filled with fresh peas and topped with salty ricotta salata, delivering a clean, bright dish that lets the quality of the Famiglia Baldassare pasta shine. While it's as filling as any pasta dish should be, it remains light enough that I still have plenty of room for dessert.

To finish, the chocolate cake arrives rich and velvety, balanced by smooth mascarpone and a light pinch of sea salt to cut through the sweetness. I am sure some folks could easily share it, but I am happy digging in solo.

Between the easy-going service, reliable happy hour deals and satisfying pasta plates, Bar Romy offers a versatile new refuge in one of the city's busiest intersections.

Dinner and drinks for two: around $129, before tax and tip.