Ah~ The infamous 7 numbers. I had heard so many mixed things about this place that I wasn't sure what to expect. From the decor to its staff and the cooking, the toronto crowd seems to have split in opposite directions. It seems like either you love it or hate it.

The best way I can describe the restaurant is that it feels like the Italian mama is cooking for her children while your cousins are serving you. It is home cooking at its best, not pretentious, nor elaborate, but simple, warm, and hearty. The food is good, the mood is fun, but it can get loud later at night as they blast the music.

It is a mixed crowd ranging from couples to groups of friends, from young to mature. I would actually recommend that you go with a group of friends for your first time. They have a set menu for $27 per person for groups of 5 or more, which includes assorted selection of anti pasti and primi to be shared family style, with your choice of secondi. This will allow you to taste most of the things on their menu. I had the 'lamb shank' as my secondi which I looooved.

For those who have seen the movie 'My Best Friend's Wedding', the perfect description that pops into my head is the battle of the creme bulee and Jell-O. Sometimes you just crave for the simpler things that will give you more comfort.

I'd been hearing about this place for a while and finally got a chance to check it out. This is the perfect restaurant to go with a group of friends or have a nice dinner for two on the patio or better yet, come here to be entertained by Mama Rosa and her boisterous staff.

Everything is mismatched and the atmosphere is very laid back. Hearing the Italian waiters shout at each other across the room is part of the fun. You'll also find that they all interact with your table. They aren't territorial about their sections and are all willing to help out or jump into your group photo, which we didn't realise until we looked at our pictures after. It was pretty funny.

The menus are handwritten and have items like "sexy duck leg". The food is delicious, made by Mama Rosa herself. To give you an idea of what Mama is like, read her "intense psychological interview" on their website.

The best way to enjoy 7 Numbers is to share your plates. Everyone order different things, sample everything and come prepared to have fun.