TORONTO, February 17, 2012:  Truth: I’m freak for Gnocchi. On a cold winter day, nothing satisfies quite like those little potato dumplings covered in sauce, pesto, cheese— anything, really. Here are my favourite places in Toronto to grab some of the good stuff:

Brassaii, 461 King Street West, 416.598.4730

Full disclosure: I’m obsessed with this swanky downtown spot. Esther Garnick of EGPR invited me to a tasting back in December, and I haven’t been the same since. Seriously—my boyfriend’s two rants about their potato and leek soup away from banning the “B-word.” But they really do have a great gnocchi dish on the menu (housemade pasta + lamb ragu + ricotta salata + mint). $23.

Dimmi Bar and Trattoria, 140 Cumberland Street, 416.975.1100

Generally when a restaurant smacks its own name on a dish, it’s pretty darn good - “Gnocchi Alla Dimmi” is no exception. Dowsed in a light rose sauce and topped with fresh shavings of asiago cheese, you’re gonna love it. To top it off, Dimmi serves up a complimentary bouquet of house-spun cotton candy. $15.95.

Piola, 1165 Queen Street West, 416. 477.4652

The only thing better than gnocchi? All-you-can-eat gnocchi. Piola hosts “Lucky Gnocchi Day” on the 29th of every month and it’s glorious. They serve up dumplings in a variety of sauces and fill your plate again, and again, and again. I have a reminder in my calendar for the monthly feast and so should you (or not… more for me). $12.99.

The Bowery, 55 Colborne Street, 416.901.2332

Catering to those who wish Toronto were NYC, The Bowery is a new-ish hotspot with farmhouse-punk décor (looks better than it sounds), an open kitchen, and the street cred of chef Tawfik Schehata (Vetical, The Ballroom). Give them a whirl and try their potato gnocchi (mushrooms + cipollini onions + swiss chard + tomatoes and st agur). $23.

Café Diplomatico, 594 College Street, 647.977.4237

This casual Little Italy gathering ground is perfect for a swing-by gnocchi binge. Served  on a nice big plate, you can pair your pasta with one of nine scrumptious sauces. I personally prefer their alla vodka, or if I’m in the mood for something really rich, their pesto sauce. $12.99.