Sponsored Sponsored content Neighbourhood Stops and Shops: La Sala reopens, prioritizing affordable, high-quality dining
La Sala, a cherished neighbourhood restaurant, has officially reopened its doors this month after being closed since January due to a fire. Situated in a historic yellow house on Waverley Road just south of Queen Street East, La Sala is well-known for its cozy, home-like ambiance, delicious Italian-inspired cuisine, and a commitment to quality without a hefty price tag.
At the heart of La Sala is its dedicated owner, Mohamed Hameem. Originally from Sri Lanka, Hameem’s journey to becoming a successful restaurateur is one of perseverance and passion.
He moved to Canada in 1988, but his love for cooking had already taken root during his time working on cruise and cargo ships in Europe. There, he discovered the art of cuisine, a passion that only deepened as he spent more time in the kitchen.
When Hameem arrived in Toronto 36 years ago, he started his culinary career in the most humble of positions—as a dishwasher. From there, he steadily worked his way up to cook in various Italian restaurants across the city. Eventually, he felt it was time to take his skills and passion into his own hands.
“Why should I work for someone else when I can do this myself?” he recalls asking himself. With that determination, Hameem undertook the journey of owning his own restaurant, where he could build community through his love of food.
The path to establishing La Sala had its challenges. Obtaining a loan to open a restaurant proved difficult, but Hameem’s determination led him to refinance his home to acquire and take over La Sala within its first year of establishment.
“When I took over, I completely changed the menu. I wanted to give customers bigger portions for less money because that’s what makes them happy,” he explained.
This dedication to putting the customer first is evident in everything La Sala does, from offering generous servings to the warm customer service that makes diners feel like part of the family. It’s standard practice for Hameem and his staff to offer diners a complimentary shot of limoncello after a meal or a glass of wine on a busy night.
“My position is that sacrificing some profit to make customers happy is greater for my business because it means I will be here much longer,” he added.
La Sala’s reputation goes beyond the quality of its food—it’s the atmosphere and personal touches that make it truly unique. Located inside a converted house, the restaurant’s ambiance is one of warmth and charm. Its main dining area seats around 35 guests, and the second floor offers additional seating and serves as an event space for intimate gatherings.
Hameem takes pride in making this private event space available without any extra cost for special events, such as engagement parties, birthdays, and anniversaries. “For groups of more than 20 people, we work with the customer to craft a special three-course set menu, all for under $35 per person,” he shared. This approach to affordability and community-oriented service has cemented La Sala’s status as a neighbourhood favourite.
The menu, which is Italian-inspired with modern touches, is designed using seasonal produce and features a variety of rotating specials. Some of the most popular dishes include the Pasta Carbonara, Zuppa di Pesce, Lobster Risotto, Pizza Diavola, and the signature “La Sala” pizza, which features Italian sausage, beef tenderloin, and fresh mushrooms.
The fire that forced La Sala to close earlier this year was a significant setback, but Hameem never lost hope. It was a disheartening time for him and his team, but they used the downtime to make necessary renovations, ensuring that everything was in perfect condition for the reopening.
Now, with the doors open once more, the kitchen is ready to push out the dishes that the community has come to know and love. Hameem is thrilled to reconnect with his loyal patrons while also welcoming new customers into the fold.
“Our customers always come first,” Hameem said. “It is our job to make them feel at home and always want to come back.”
This focus on customer satisfaction extends beyond just the dining experience—Hameem prides himself on going above and beyond to meet individual needs, whether it’s creating a dish not listed on the menu or providing a variety of options for those with dietary restrictions.
“I treat all my customers like they are my family coming for a meal,” he explained. “They help with the cost of the food, and I make it for them—I’m not here to make all the money; I’m here because I really love it.”
In celebration of its reopening, La Sala is launching a special “Welcome Back to La Sala” prix fixe menu, available Monday through Wednesday evenings for under $30. This four-course offering, which includes a glass of wine, salad, main course, and dessert, is a fantastic opportunity for diners to enjoy quality food with loved ones without breaking the bank—a rare find among fine dining establishments in Toronto.
La Sala is open for dinner service Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On weekends, guests can enjoy brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by dinner service until 10 p.m.
BMN Sponsored Content
