The Best 12 Italian Restaurants in Toronto [2023] (2024)

Toronto’s Italian community has significantly impacted the city’s food culture since the mid-century era. As the city’s demographics change, Italian-Canadian food culture has evolved and helped define Toronto’s food identity. Throughout Toronto’s neighbourhoods, there are many incredible Italian restaurants to choose from.

Discover our picks for Toronto’s best Italian restaurants, offering diverse cuisine, ambiance, and affordability. From traditional trattorias to modernized eateries, there’s an Italian restaurant to suit every taste and budget. For more recommendations, explore our list of the best Korean restaurants or the best Mexican restaurants in Toronto.

The delights of Italian cuisine are vast and varied with ingredients like fresh meats, bread, pasta, vegetables, herbs and other delectables. In Toronto, you’re guaranteed to find something to satisfy your taste preferences. Indulge in Mediterranean flavours with these classic, popular must-try Italian dishes.

Spaghetti Bolognese: Savory ground beef in a rich tomato sauce with herbs.

Margherita Pizza: A classic combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

Chicken Parmesan: Breaded chicken smothered in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, served with spaghetti.

Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy ribbons of pasta coated in a delectable sauce of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

And don’t forget about the wine! Italy boasts some of the world’s finest wines, so ensure you savour a bottle (or two) with your meal as recommended by your server.

Yelp/Grazie Ristorante

If you’re craving delectable Italian cuisine, make Grazie Ristorante your go-to spot. This restaurant has built a massive following of loyal customers over the years, and it’s easy to see why.

Their menu showcases all the classic Italian dishes you love—like bruschetta, gnocchi, and linguine marinara—prepared with utmost care using fresh ingredients.Alongside the fantastic food, Grazie offers impeccable service. From the moment you step through the door until you leave, you’ll be treated like royalty. The cozy atmosphere creates the perfect setting for a top-notch romantic night out or a fun evening with friends.

Yelp/Min C.

Terroni is always bustling with customers, regardless of the time you visit, and there’s a good reason for it— their Italian cuisine is among the best in the city. They pride themselves on making fresh, in-house pasta and serving wood-fired, crispy pizzas.

If you’re seeking something beyond the usual options, Terroni also offers delightful dishes like spaghetti alla chitarra, duck confit, and braised octopus.

The inviting atmosphere and superb service at Terroni make it an ideal choice for a gathering with friends or family.

Yelp/Min C.

Trattoria Nervosa is the perfect spot for a romantic Italian dinner in the heart of Yorkville. The rustic decor and cozy atmosphere make it feel like you’re dining in a little trattoria in the Italian countryside.

The food here is incredible, with mouth-watering dishes like truffle funghi pasta, grilled octopus, and capellini pasta. The service is great, and they even have a lovely patio for al fresco dining on warm summer nights.

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, Trattoria Nervosa is the perfect place. Buon appetito!

Yelp/Ada C.

Piano Piano Restaurant is a cozy Italian eatery located near Harbord & Spadina. The restaurant boasts an amazing patio, making it the perfect spot for summertime dining. Their menu includes a variety of delicious items, such as Parma Crudo, Mushroom Cavatelli, Bistecca al Pepe, and lots of other pasta dishes and pizzas.

The service at Piano Piano is top-notch, ensuring that you’ll have an amazing night out filled with great food and drinks. If you’re looking for a new spot to try, definitely add Piano Piano Restaurant to your list. You won’t be disappointed!

Yelp/Queenie C.

La Vecchia is the perfect place to take your date for a romantic dinner. The ambience is cozy and charming, with black-and-white photos evoking the past. The pasta options here are out of this world, and the wine list is impressive.

You can’t go wrong with classic dishes like gnocchi ai quattro formaggi or carpaccio di manzo. And for something lighter, the capellini is a delicate delight.

Whether you’re looking for a special occasion spot or a casual eatery for amazing Italian cuisine, La Vecchia is the place for you.

Yelp/Chris A.

Figo offers stunningly presented and delicious dishes in an open and airy space with impressive views of the open kitchen. Pasta lovers will delight in the diverse menu, while others can enjoy options like calamari fritti, bucatini, and mouth watering pizzas. Don’t miss the opportunity to try their fantastic wine selection.

Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a special occasion with loved ones, Figo is the perfect spot. Though the dishes may be small, their flavours make a big impact and treat your senses to an unforgettable experience!

Yelp/Gabriel A.

Buca Osteria & Bar on Scollard is a high-end Italian restaurant that offers a modern, bright, and warm atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the Four Seasons courtyard, and the entrance is via Yorkville Avenue on the south side.

The restaurant offers a broad selection of seafood dishes, including house-made salumi di mare and fresh branzino, in addition to beloved pastas and pizzas.

The service is attentive, and the dining experience is slow-paced. Customers are recommended to take their coat off and enjoy the ambiance.

Yelp/Alfredo R.

Blu Ristorante has a dark and quiet interior, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the heart of Yorkville, and it offers a high end dining experience

The menu features an impressive selection of co*cktails and authentic classic Italian cuisine, including antipasti, insalata, pasta, secondi, sides, and dessert. The beef carpaccio and the seafood pasta are some of the most highly recommended dishes.

The service is passionate and attentive, and the restaurant offers live ambient music on Fridays and Saturdays. Blu Ristorante is also available for private lunches and events.

90 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2H2
416-921-1471
bluristorante.com

Yelp/Ristorante Sotto Sotto

Ristorante Sotto Sotto, renowned for its upscale ambiance and culinary excellence, has garnered numerous awards and accolades. Its reputation has made it a popular destination for celebrities who are drawn to its intimate, dimly-lit tables.

The menu features authentic Italian cuisine, including antipasti, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, the truffle pasta, and has an extensive wine list with a focus on Italian wines.

The service is attentive and professional, and reservations are recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity.

120 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4
416-962-0011
sottosotto.ca/toronto

Yelp/Pizza e Pazzi

Pizza e Pazzi is a welcoming, family-run establishment offering a casual ambiance. Known for its authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and homemade pasta, the restaurant presents a menu teeming with delectable pizza options and a variety of pasta dishes.

In addition to their renowned pizza, Pizza e Pazzi serves salads, antipasti, and desserts. The restaurant’s spaghetti carbonara and rigatoni alla vodka are particularly popular.

Praised for its fresh fare and friendly service, Pizza e Pazzi has earned a stellar reputation in Toronto and has been voted the city’s best pizza.

Yelp/Claudia C.

Enoteca Sociale is a cozy, intimate restaurant that’s become a mainstay for Italian cuisine in Toronto. Its food philosophy is built on making simple and honest food.

The menu features traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and antipasti, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Its most requested dishes include the house-made pasta, burrata salad, and fave e cicoria. Enoteca Sociale also offers a variety of wines and cheeses.

The restaurant is highly regarded and has received accolades from Michelin Guide. The service is attentive and professional, and the restaurant offers a four-seat, reservation-only chef’s bar.

Yelp/Steph L.

Giulietta boasts a sleek, cream-coloured interior by renowned architect Guido Costantinothat creates an inviting atmosphere to savour authentic Italian dishes. The restaurant focuses on featuring fresh, seasonal recipes, which makes sharing plates highlight. Notable dishes include the Margherita pizza, Cacio e Pepe pasta, octopus with potatoes and salsa verde, ricotta gnocchi with tomato and basil, and grilled ribeye steak with salsa verde.

The restaurant’s attentive and friendly service has earned praise from customers and the Michelin Guide recognition. It’s the perfect venue for a delightful engagement, anniversary or celebration dinner.

Toronto’s Italian restaurants deliver a range of dining experiences and tastes—from fine dining establishments to casual eateries. The city’s vibrant culinary landscape showcases the rich flavours and traditions of Italian cuisine, making dining out a truly enjoyable experience.

Prioritize visiting our 12 best Italian restaurants in Toronto when searching for a fantastic Italian restaurant, You’ll be thoroughly satisfied. Share your memorable local Italian restaurant experience in the comments!