I blame the name for misleading me. This three-year-old Little Italy pastry shop is much more than simply biscotti. Judging by the number of regulars I saw being greeted by name and the frequency with which I heard them requesting their favourite sandwiches without consulting the menu (“You got a chicken parm for me?”; “Any tuna melts today?”) it’s clear that this place is no secret lunch spot.

As it turns out, I was guilty of two wrong assumptions: 1) that Simply Biscotti is basically a takeout counter and 2) that it’s a place for sweets and coffee only. While they do a brisk takeout business, there is actually more seating here than meets the eye. In addition to the window seat with stools and a trio of high tops on the main floor, the big surprise for me was the whole second floor with two cozy sitting areas. The outdoor patio is pretty terrific too — love the brick fountain. (more…)