About Bar Ardo
At Bar Ardo, we invite you to immerse yourself in our story. From our humble origins on King Street East near Jarvis in Toronto, to our status as a beloved cocktail lounge and restobar, our journey is infused in every aspect of our establishment.
Just like our sister restaurant ARDO, Bar Ardo prides itself on offering a menu crafted by the renowned Chef Roberto Marotta. Every dish is a remarkable blend of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Our cocktails are an expression of our passion for travel and discovering unique ingredients.
But Bar Ardo is not just about the food and drinks. It's about the experience. It's about the vibrant ambiance, the friendly staff, and the conversations that fill the air. It's about moments of laughter and celebration that create lasting memories.
Meet OUR OWNERS
Chef Roberto Marotta and Jacqueline Nicosia are the duo behind ARDO Hospitality Group, named for their first-born, Leonardo.
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Chef & Co-owner
For generations, Roberto Marotta’s family lived in Milazzo, a port town on the northeast coast of Sicily that looks out to the Aeolian Islands, a jeweled necklace in the blue Tyrrhenian Sea. Roberto’s love of food, like his gentle smile, was passed down to him here – a gift as much of place as of family.
Seeing his mother prepare food – fresh from the sea and fresh from the land – eventually inspired Roberto and his brother Alessandro to open a restaurant on the water in Milazzo called Mood. He then moved to Toronto and worked at established restaurants like Terroni, Nodo, and Maialino Enoteca before opening ARDO.
While Torontonians were familiar with fine Italian food, they were relatively unfamiliar with Sicilian cuisine. As the chef of two start-up restaurants here, Roberto consistently delighted his diners with the delicate flavours of his homeland.
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Co-owner
Jacqueline is a hospitality leader known for flawless event execution, innovative cocktail design and her ability to create tailored experiences for diverse audiences. She is the co-owner and operations lead and creative director of ARDO (Michelin recognized), Bar Ardo and Vivi Imports, a premier distributor of authentic Sicilian products.
