The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (2024)

Written By Rosa Kumar

Imagine a hot pizza served right out of the oven, with bubbling cheese topped with fresh basil and chili oil, or actually thick strings of bucatini covered in a creamy Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper or maybe a hunk of burrata served on a bed of herbs and olive oil and crunchy garlic bread. The Italians know food, and Toronto is home to some of the best Italian restaurants.

As difficult as it is for you to choose what to order at your favourite Italian restaurant, you can only imagine how difficult this list was for us to put together. Toronto has some fantastic Italian food, both authentic and with foreign twists that come from living in such a diverse and growing city. The following list is not finite but is a hand-selected guide of Italian eateries that range from underrated gems to nationally-renowned establishments. You could approach this as the TasteToronto Italian restaurant bucket list or something to refer to when trying to impress an impending date. Whichever you choose for dinner, you'll be walking away with a full belly, a great wine pairing, and (hopefully) a doggy bag with some leftover risotto for your working lunch tomorrow.

Annabelle Pasta Bar

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (2)

Annabelle Pasta Bar is a lovely and snug two-story pasta bar that offers three daily homemade pasta dishes (along with small plates, great wines, and even better negronis).

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (3)

Annabelle Pasta Bar

Annabelle Pasta Bar is a lovely and snug two-story pasta bar that offers three daily homemade pasta dishes (along with small plates, great wines, and even better negronis).

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Annabelle Pasta Bar is a lovely and snug two-story pasta bar that offers three daily homemade pasta dishes (along with small plates, great wines, and even better negronis).

Don Alfonso 1890

Don Alfonso 1890

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (4)

Located inside the stunning Casa Loma, Don Alfonso is the North American baby of Michelin Star Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, and according toBest Italian Restaurant in the World 2022, the #1 Italian restaurant outside of Italy for the second year in a row. They also won first place for their multi-course prix fixe tasting menu, so I imagine it's worth a try!

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (5)

Don Alfonso 1890

Located inside the stunning Casa Loma, Don Alfonso is the North American baby of Michelin Star Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, and according toBest Italian Restaurant in the World 2022, the #1 Italian restaurant outside of Italy for the second year in a row. They also won first place for their multi-course prix fixe tasting menu, so I imagine it's worth a try!

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Located inside the stunning Casa Loma, Don Alfonso is the North American baby of Michelin Star Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, and according toBest Italian Restaurant in the World 2022, the #1 Italian restaurant outside of Italy for the second year in a row. They also won first place for their multi-course prix fixe tasting menu, so I imagine it's worth a try!

Famiglia Baldassarre

Dovercourt Village

122 Geary Ave

Famiglia Baldassarre

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (6)

Famiglia Baldassarre is a fresh pasta shop that serves a rotating lunch menu between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. from Wednesday to Thursday, and yes it is absolutely necessary to try their traditionally-made pasta in their 10-seater restaurant.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (7)

Famiglia Baldassarre

Dovercourt Village

122 Geary Ave

Famiglia Baldassarre is a fresh pasta shop that serves a rotating lunch menu between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. from Wednesday to Thursday, and yes it is absolutely necessary to try their traditionally-made pasta in their 10-seater restaurant.

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Famiglia Baldassarre is a fresh pasta shop that serves a rotating lunch menu between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. from Wednesday to Thursday, and yes it is absolutely necessary to try their traditionally-made pasta in their 10-seater restaurant.

F’Amelia

F’Amelia

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (8)

F’Amelia Ristorante is exactly the place you would want to spend a spring evening; located in a cottage with a glass atrium and lovely patio, F'Aemlia serves hearty Northern Italian dishes like their wild mushroom risotto.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (9)

F’Amelia

F’Amelia Ristorante is exactly the place you would want to spend a spring evening; located in a cottage with a glass atrium and lovely patio, F'Aemlia serves hearty Northern Italian dishes like their wild mushroom risotto.

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F’Amelia Ristorante is exactly the place you would want to spend a spring evening; located in a cottage with a glass atrium and lovely patio, F'Aemlia serves hearty Northern Italian dishes like their wild mushroom risotto.

Bar Buca - Portland

King West

75 Portland St

Bar Buca - Portland

Italian

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If you don't feel like visiting their King Street or 54 Scollard Street location, Bar Buca also makes a pre-order dinner for two for romantic nights in.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (11)

Bar Buca - Portland

King West

75 Portland St

If you don't feel like visiting their King Street or 54 Scollard Street location, Bar Buca also makes a pre-order dinner for two for romantic nights in.

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Italian

If you don't feel like visiting their King Street or 54 Scollard Street location, Bar Buca also makes a pre-order dinner for two for romantic nights in.

Enoteca Sociale

Little Portugal

1288 Dundas St W

Enoteca Sociale

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (12)

Eclectic interiors decorated with Persian rugs, exposed brick walls and Roman candles greet your eyes upon arrival at Enoteca Sociale, and scents of their traditional Roman dishes like their carbonara greet your nose.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (13)

Enoteca Sociale

Little Portugal

1288 Dundas St W

Eclectic interiors decorated with Persian rugs, exposed brick walls and Roman candles greet your eyes upon arrival at Enoteca Sociale, and scents of their traditional Roman dishes like their carbonara greet your nose.

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Eclectic interiors decorated with Persian rugs, exposed brick walls and Roman candles greet your eyes upon arrival at Enoteca Sociale, and scents of their traditional Roman dishes like their carbonara greet your nose.

Sotto Sotto

Yorkville

120 Avenue Rd

Sotto Sotto

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (14)

Sotto Sotto, a Yorkville staple, now has an upscale Trattoria in Oakville and at one point even had their own signature candles (will it smell like their Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (pictured), we certainly hope so).

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (15)

Sotto Sotto

Yorkville

120 Avenue Rd

Sotto Sotto, a Yorkville staple, now has an upscale Trattoria in Oakville and at one point even had their own signature candles (will it smell like their Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (pictured), we certainly hope so).

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Italian

Sotto Sotto, a Yorkville staple, now has an upscale Trattoria in Oakville and at one point even had their own signature candles (will it smell like their Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (pictured), we certainly hope so).

Sugo

Bloordale Village

1281 Bloor St W

Sugo

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (16)

Red and white checkered floors and tablecloths house the Italian-American style comfort food that Sugo does like no other; it's almost like being transported to the mythical Italian Nonna's house we all wish we had.

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Sugo

Bloordale Village

1281 Bloor St W

Red and white checkered floors and tablecloths house the Italian-American style comfort food that Sugo does like no other; it's almost like being transported to the mythical Italian Nonna's house we all wish we had.

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Italian

Red and white checkered floors and tablecloths house the Italian-American style comfort food that Sugo does like no other; it's almost like being transported to the mythical Italian Nonna's house we all wish we had.

Osteria Du

Queen Street West

536 Queen St W

Osteria Du

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (18)

Plant-based Italian food?! We've been waiting for Osteria Du to open and we have not been disappointed. On weekdays you can even get a 4-course menu for $50 ($60 on weekends) and theircarciofopizza (artichoke hearts in a spread of roasted red pepper, garlic and pine nuts) is an unmissable flavour profile.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (19)

Osteria Du

Queen Street West

536 Queen St W

Plant-based Italian food?! We've been waiting for Osteria Du to open and we have not been disappointed. On weekdays you can even get a 4-course menu for $50 ($60 on weekends) and theircarciofopizza (artichoke hearts in a spread of roasted red pepper, garlic and pine nuts) is an unmissable flavour profile.

Read More

Plant-based Italian food?! We've been waiting for Osteria Du to open and we have not been disappointed. On weekdays you can even get a 4-course menu for $50 ($60 on weekends) and theircarciofopizza (artichoke hearts in a spread of roasted red pepper, garlic and pine nuts) is an unmissable flavour profile.

Piano Piano

Harbord Village

88 Harbord St

Piano Piano

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (20)

It's hard to miss the millennial pink building with the painted flowers and the smell of pizza so good you can now actually buy their very own frozen brand.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (21)

Piano Piano

Harbord Village

88 Harbord St

It's hard to miss the millennial pink building with the painted flowers and the smell of pizza so good you can now actually buy their very own frozen brand.

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It's hard to miss the millennial pink building with the painted flowers and the smell of pizza so good you can now actually buy their very own frozen brand.

Terroni - Adelaide

Terroni - Adelaide

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (22)

If you live in Toronto, you can't escape Terroni, and honestly, why would you? With locations on Adelaide, Queen, Yonge, (Los Angeles) and multiple cousin locations like the Sud Forno line, there's a reason why the Italian-food empire is taking over the city (and it might just be their pizza).

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (23)

Terroni - Adelaide

If you live in Toronto, you can't escape Terroni, and honestly, why would you? With locations on Adelaide, Queen, Yonge, (Los Angeles) and multiple cousin locations like the Sud Forno line, there's a reason why the Italian-food empire is taking over the city (and it might just be their pizza).

Read More

Italian

If you live in Toronto, you can't escape Terroni, and honestly, why would you? With locations on Adelaide, Queen, Yonge, (Los Angeles) and multiple cousin locations like the Sud Forno line, there's a reason why the Italian-food empire is taking over the city (and it might just be their pizza).

Gusto 101

King West

101 Portland St

Gusto 101

Italian

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With multiple locations under the Gusto family, Gusto 101 and Gusto 501, this hospitality group specializes in Southern Italian food with wine on tap. Sitting in a repurposed garage, the industrial accents and amazing food make Gusto 101 one of the most popular Italian eateries in Toronto to go to over and over again.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (25)

Gusto 101

King West

101 Portland St

With multiple locations under the Gusto family, Gusto 101 and Gusto 501, this hospitality group specializes in Southern Italian food with wine on tap. Sitting in a repurposed garage, the industrial accents and amazing food make Gusto 101 one of the most popular Italian eateries in Toronto to go to over and over again.

Read More

Italian

With multiple locations under the Gusto family, Gusto 101 and Gusto 501, this hospitality group specializes in Southern Italian food with wine on tap. Sitting in a repurposed garage, the industrial accents and amazing food make Gusto 101 one of the most popular Italian eateries in Toronto to go to over and over again.

Frankie's Italian

Frankie's Italian

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Prefacing this by saying nobody does burrata like Frankie's and they do it DIFFERENT every WEEK! Their little chalkboard has a new approach to their burrata every seven days (as well as weekly specials for everything else), and I've never had one I wouldn't come back for again. Also, the rest of their food and co*cktails are perfect, their interiors and back patio are to die for, but their burrata will send you to heaven.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (27)

Frankie's Italian

Prefacing this by saying nobody does burrata like Frankie's and they do it DIFFERENT every WEEK! Their little chalkboard has a new approach to their burrata every seven days (as well as weekly specials for everything else), and I've never had one I wouldn't come back for again. Also, the rest of their food and co*cktails are perfect, their interiors and back patio are to die for, but their burrata will send you to heaven.

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Prefacing this by saying nobody does burrata like Frankie's and they do it DIFFERENT every WEEK! Their little chalkboard has a new approach to their burrata every seven days (as well as weekly specials for everything else), and I've never had one I wouldn't come back for again. Also, the rest of their food and co*cktails are perfect, their interiors and back patio are to die for, but their burrata will send you to heaven.

Giulietta

Dufferin Grove

972 College St

Giulietta

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (28)

Osteria Giulia's glamorous older sister is a collaboration between Chef Rob Rossi and David Minicucci. There is nothing you can order that will do you wrong at Giulietta, and its sophisticated interiors make it a great place to try something new like their braised veal cheek ragu (pictured).

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (29)

Giulietta

Dufferin Grove

972 College St

Osteria Giulia's glamorous older sister is a collaboration between Chef Rob Rossi and David Minicucci. There is nothing you can order that will do you wrong at Giulietta, and its sophisticated interiors make it a great place to try something new like their braised veal cheek ragu (pictured).

Read More

Osteria Giulia's glamorous older sister is a collaboration between Chef Rob Rossi and David Minicucci. There is nothing you can order that will do you wrong at Giulietta, and its sophisticated interiors make it a great place to try something new like their braised veal cheek ragu (pictured).

CANO Restaurant

St. Clair West

1108 St Clair Ave W

CANO Restaurant

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CANO specializes in Italian seafood, but they also do brunch and late-night snacks, so you could, theoretically, spend an entire day at CANO eating delicious food.

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CANO Restaurant

St. Clair West

1108 St Clair Ave W

CANO specializes in Italian seafood, but they also do brunch and late-night snacks, so you could, theoretically, spend an entire day at CANO eating delicious food.

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CANO specializes in Italian seafood, but they also do brunch and late-night snacks, so you could, theoretically, spend an entire day at CANO eating delicious food.

Ferro Bar and Cafe

Ferro Bar and Cafe

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Ferro specializes in Southern Italian fare, and with the exposed brick walls and cozy, rustic interiors, it almost feels like you could be sitting at a little café in Italy. The restaurant is built around an open kitchen where you can watch them make your wood-fired pizzas. If you're not going to get a pizza, the Slow Braised Wild Boar pasta (pictured) is amazing.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (33)

Ferro Bar and Cafe

Ferro specializes in Southern Italian fare, and with the exposed brick walls and cozy, rustic interiors, it almost feels like you could be sitting at a little café in Italy. The restaurant is built around an open kitchen where you can watch them make your wood-fired pizzas. If you're not going to get a pizza, the Slow Braised Wild Boar pasta (pictured) is amazing.

Read More

Ferro specializes in Southern Italian fare, and with the exposed brick walls and cozy, rustic interiors, it almost feels like you could be sitting at a little café in Italy. The restaurant is built around an open kitchen where you can watch them make your wood-fired pizzas. If you're not going to get a pizza, the Slow Braised Wild Boar pasta (pictured) is amazing.

La Palma

Little Italy

849 Dundas St W

La Palma

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (34)

Somehow both relaxed and refined, La Palma is a soft oasis in the city with gorgeous interiors, food and co*cktails. If you leave La Palma without trying their100 Layer Lasagna(pictured), you'll have to go back again ASAP.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (35)

La Palma

Little Italy

849 Dundas St W

Somehow both relaxed and refined, La Palma is a soft oasis in the city with gorgeous interiors, food and co*cktails. If you leave La Palma without trying their100 Layer Lasagna(pictured), you'll have to go back again ASAP.

Read More

Italian

Somehow both relaxed and refined, La Palma is a soft oasis in the city with gorgeous interiors, food and co*cktails. If you leave La Palma without trying their100 Layer Lasagna(pictured), you'll have to go back again ASAP.

Il Covo

Little Italy

585 College St

Il Covo

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (36)

With velvet seating, roman candles and gilded mirrors, Il Covo is both extremely beautiful and extremely delicious. It's hard to choose favourite dishes from Il Covo because they're all amazing, but their Risotto ai Broccoli redefined risotto for me (get the Focaccia Porobellini too).

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (37)

Il Covo

Little Italy

585 College St

With velvet seating, roman candles and gilded mirrors, Il Covo is both extremely beautiful and extremely delicious. It's hard to choose favourite dishes from Il Covo because they're all amazing, but their Risotto ai Broccoli redefined risotto for me (get the Focaccia Porobellini too).

Read More

Italian

With velvet seating, roman candles and gilded mirrors, Il Covo is both extremely beautiful and extremely delicious. It's hard to choose favourite dishes from Il Covo because they're all amazing, but their Risotto ai Broccoli redefined risotto for me (get the Focaccia Porobellini too).

Zitto Zitto Taverna

Little Italy

593 College St

Zitto Zitto Taverna

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (38)

Newish to the Little Italy restaurant scene, Zitto Zitto likes to keep lowkey, even though their seafood-focused menu makes a big impression! Their Sardine Alla Griglia (grilled sardines served with tomato crostini and aromatic olive oil) is amazing and if you want more bread, their warm rosemary baguette is a need-to as well.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (39)

Zitto Zitto Taverna

Little Italy

593 College St

Newish to the Little Italy restaurant scene, Zitto Zitto likes to keep lowkey, even though their seafood-focused menu makes a big impression! Their Sardine Alla Griglia (grilled sardines served with tomato crostini and aromatic olive oil) is amazing and if you want more bread, their warm rosemary baguette is a need-to as well.

Read More

Newish to the Little Italy restaurant scene, Zitto Zitto likes to keep lowkey, even though their seafood-focused menu makes a big impression! Their Sardine Alla Griglia (grilled sardines served with tomato crostini and aromatic olive oil) is amazing and if you want more bread, their warm rosemary baguette is a need-to as well.

Trattoria Nervosa

Trattoria Nervosa

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (40)

Dining at Trattoria Nervosa is an experience; it's been sitting in its pretty corner heritage house since 1996 and it offers the comfortable familiarity of a Sicilian trattoria with a fine-dining experience reflective of its Yorkville location. Start with their house-made bread and in-house marinated olives, and then get their Risotto Nervosa which is topped with Barolo braised beef short rib, cooked with local field and porcini mushrooms, and truffle.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (41)

Trattoria Nervosa

Dining at Trattoria Nervosa is an experience; it's been sitting in its pretty corner heritage house since 1996 and it offers the comfortable familiarity of a Sicilian trattoria with a fine-dining experience reflective of its Yorkville location. Start with their house-made bread and in-house marinated olives, and then get their Risotto Nervosa which is topped with Barolo braised beef short rib, cooked with local field and porcini mushrooms, and truffle.

Read More

Italian

Dining at Trattoria Nervosa is an experience; it's been sitting in its pretty corner heritage house since 1996 and it offers the comfortable familiarity of a Sicilian trattoria with a fine-dining experience reflective of its Yorkville location. Start with their house-made bread and in-house marinated olives, and then get their Risotto Nervosa which is topped with Barolo braised beef short rib, cooked with local field and porcini mushrooms, and truffle.

Little Italy

595 College St

Sotto Voce Wine & Pasta Bar

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (42)

Sotto Voce is hard to miss; with its neon blue sign, perfect corner location, and occasional Groupon, it beckons you to come for dinner. Their lasagna is unforgettable and classically made, and if that's not available, the Sicilian Meatballs are a close second.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (43)

Sotto Voce Wine & Pasta Bar

Little Italy

595 College St

Sotto Voce is hard to miss; with its neon blue sign, perfect corner location, and occasional Groupon, it beckons you to come for dinner. Their lasagna is unforgettable and classically made, and if that's not available, the Sicilian Meatballs are a close second.

Read More

Sotto Voce is hard to miss; with its neon blue sign, perfect corner location, and occasional Groupon, it beckons you to come for dinner. Their lasagna is unforgettable and classically made, and if that's not available, the Sicilian Meatballs are a close second.

Osteria Giulia

Osteria Giulia

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (44)

With sleek interiors to drool over, it's no question that the food is also drool-worthy. Osteria Giulia is the little sister of Chef Rob Rossi's famous Italian eatery, Giulietta, but she does not pale in comparison! Do not leave without trying their Focaccia di Recco, made in the traditional 12th-century style.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (45)

Osteria Giulia

With sleek interiors to drool over, it's no question that the food is also drool-worthy. Osteria Giulia is the little sister of Chef Rob Rossi's famous Italian eatery, Giulietta, but she does not pale in comparison! Do not leave without trying their Focaccia di Recco, made in the traditional 12th-century style.

Read More

With sleek interiors to drool over, it's no question that the food is also drool-worthy. Osteria Giulia is the little sister of Chef Rob Rossi's famous Italian eatery, Giulietta, but she does not pale in comparison! Do not leave without trying their Focaccia di Recco, made in the traditional 12th-century style.

Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant

Leslieville

1220 Queen St E

Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (46)

It's hard to miss the giant nose outside of this Queen Street East building, and the nose is a definite indication of the delicious smells at Gio Rana's. Open since 1989, Gio Rana's has passed the test of time and remains one of Toronto's most beloved Italian eateries. It's a given if you go to Gio Rana's, go for their Sunday dinner feast.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (47)

Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant

Leslieville

1220 Queen St E

It's hard to miss the giant nose outside of this Queen Street East building, and the nose is a definite indication of the delicious smells at Gio Rana's. Open since 1989, Gio Rana's has passed the test of time and remains one of Toronto's most beloved Italian eateries. It's a given if you go to Gio Rana's, go for their Sunday dinner feast.

Read More

Italian

It's hard to miss the giant nose outside of this Queen Street East building, and the nose is a definite indication of the delicious smells at Gio Rana's. Open since 1989, Gio Rana's has passed the test of time and remains one of Toronto's most beloved Italian eateries. It's a given if you go to Gio Rana's, go for their Sunday dinner feast.

Sienna’s

Roncesvalles

403 Roncesvalles Ave

Sienna’s

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (48)

A restaurant specializing in "Italian American" comfort food, Sienna's is the perfect restaurant to bring the whole family. Do not leave without a round of mozzarella sticks, the Caesar salad, spaghetti and the NY cheesecake.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (49)

Sienna’s

Roncesvalles

403 Roncesvalles Ave

A restaurant specializing in "Italian American" comfort food, Sienna's is the perfect restaurant to bring the whole family. Do not leave without a round of mozzarella sticks, the Caesar salad, spaghetti and the NY cheesecake.

Read More

A restaurant specializing in "Italian American" comfort food, Sienna's is the perfect restaurant to bring the whole family. Do not leave without a round of mozzarella sticks, the Caesar salad, spaghetti and the NY cheesecake.

Ascari Enoteca

Leslieville

1111 Queen St E

Ascari Enoteca

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With a location on both the west end and the east end of Toronto, Ascari sandwiches Toronto with excellent Italian food and half-price wine on Tuesdays. With interiors reflective of a rustic wine bar, their food is simple, wholesome and of excellent quality. Pictured above is their "Osso Bucco" braised bone-in veal shank with a soft polenta abruzzese, braised mushrooms, spiced jus and gremolata.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (51)

Ascari Enoteca

Leslieville

1111 Queen St E

With a location on both the west end and the east end of Toronto, Ascari sandwiches Toronto with excellent Italian food and half-price wine on Tuesdays. With interiors reflective of a rustic wine bar, their food is simple, wholesome and of excellent quality. Pictured above is their "Osso Bucco" braised bone-in veal shank with a soft polenta abruzzese, braised mushrooms, spiced jus and gremolata.

Read More

With a location on both the west end and the east end of Toronto, Ascari sandwiches Toronto with excellent Italian food and half-price wine on Tuesdays. With interiors reflective of a rustic wine bar, their food is simple, wholesome and of excellent quality. Pictured above is their "Osso Bucco" braised bone-in veal shank with a soft polenta abruzzese, braised mushrooms, spiced jus and gremolata.

Nodo Junction

Junction Triangle

2885 Dundas St W

Nodo Junction

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With three locations (and another one coming to Liberty Village soon), Nodo is a thriving chain of eateries with amazing food and a great atmosphere that keep people coming back. Their burrata (sitting over golden beet carpaccio and topped with crushed pistachio and basil oil) and their "Cavolfiore Gratinato," cheesy, breadcrumb-crusted cauliflower pasta, is to die for.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (53)

Nodo Junction

Junction Triangle

2885 Dundas St W

With three locations (and another one coming to Liberty Village soon), Nodo is a thriving chain of eateries with amazing food and a great atmosphere that keep people coming back. Their burrata (sitting over golden beet carpaccio and topped with crushed pistachio and basil oil) and their "Cavolfiore Gratinato," cheesy, breadcrumb-crusted cauliflower pasta, is to die for.

Read More

With three locations (and another one coming to Liberty Village soon), Nodo is a thriving chain of eateries with amazing food and a great atmosphere that keep people coming back. Their burrata (sitting over golden beet carpaccio and topped with crushed pistachio and basil oil) and their "Cavolfiore Gratinato," cheesy, breadcrumb-crusted cauliflower pasta, is to die for.

Pizzeria Moretti

Pizzeria Moretti

Italian

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (54)

Located at the Soho Met Hotel, Pizzeria Moretti combines traditional Italian flavours in an upscale (but informal) setting. Served on their signature Moretti plates, the Caprese di Burrata (burrata, heirloom tomatoes, olives, and figs) and Mac & Cheese (with black truffle paste) are items not to miss.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (55)

Pizzeria Moretti

Located at the Soho Met Hotel, Pizzeria Moretti combines traditional Italian flavours in an upscale (but informal) setting. Served on their signature Moretti plates, the Caprese di Burrata (burrata, heirloom tomatoes, olives, and figs) and Mac & Cheese (with black truffle paste) are items not to miss.

Read More

Italian

Located at the Soho Met Hotel, Pizzeria Moretti combines traditional Italian flavours in an upscale (but informal) setting. Served on their signature Moretti plates, the Caprese di Burrata (burrata, heirloom tomatoes, olives, and figs) and Mac & Cheese (with black truffle paste) are items not to miss.

Gia

Little Portugal

1214 Dundas St W

Gia

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (56)

Gia, a plant-forward Dundas St gem, is beautiful and intimate and the perfect place for a date night; exposed white brick wall, low hanging lights, big plants and dusty pink velvet seats define its interiors. Their plant based Pappardelle Bolognese, Charred Leek Risotto and "La Famiglia" mezcal co*cktail define itsinteriors.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (57)

Gia

Little Portugal

1214 Dundas St W

Gia, a plant-forward Dundas St gem, is beautiful and intimate and the perfect place for a date night; exposed white brick wall, low hanging lights, big plants and dusty pink velvet seats define its interiors. Their plant based Pappardelle Bolognese, Charred Leek Risotto and "La Famiglia" mezcal co*cktail define itsinteriors.

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Gia, a plant-forward Dundas St gem, is beautiful and intimate and the perfect place for a date night; exposed white brick wall, low hanging lights, big plants and dusty pink velvet seats define its interiors. Their plant based Pappardelle Bolognese, Charred Leek Risotto and "La Famiglia" mezcal co*cktail define itsinteriors.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto | TasteToronto (2024)

FAQs

What is the best Italian restaurant outside of Italy Toronto? ›

Since opening, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto has also been recognized with a number of prolific national and international awards and honours, including a Michelin Star in the inaugural Michelin Guide – Toronto 2022, Best Italian Restaurant in the World, outside of Italy and Meal of the Year by 50 Top Italy, Gambero Rosso's ...

Is Little Italy in Toronto worth visiting? ›

It's one of Toronto's most vibrant neighbourhoods (and ground zero for every soccer-related event in the city). While Little Italy is the place to enjoy a gelato and a stroll to the park on a warm summer's eve, its appeal is year-round.

Why is it called Little Italy in Toronto? ›

Its name is a tribute to the history of this great neighbourhood, which was the first home to the huge wave of Italian immigrants that settled in Toronto after the WW11.

What is the number 1 most popular Italian meal? ›

Besides pasta, pizza is perhaps the most popular and recognized Italian food. Pizza is considered a national symbol representing Italy to the rest of the world, so much so that UNESCO has acknowledged pizza as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

What Italian restaurant did the Kardashians go to? ›

I had expected Kardashian's favorite Italian restaurant to be something flashy, but Giorgio Baldi is cozy. The interior walls are painted with a teal blue that made me feel like I was by the Mediterranean Sea or one of those tiny coastal towns you'll find in a Nicholas Sparks movie.

What is the number one restaurant in the world in Italy? ›

OSTERIA FRANCESCANA - Massimo Bottura.

What percentage of Toronto is Italian? ›

Ethnicity. As of the 2021 census, 468,970 GTA residents stated they had Italian ancestry, comprising 7.1 percent of the area's population, marking a 8.3 percent decrease from the 511,680 population of the 2016 census.

Why is Little Italy famous? ›

Its narrow streets are still lined with Italian restaurants, pastry shops, and cafes, attracting tourists and locals alike who come to savor authentic Italian cuisine. The neighborhood has also become a backdrop for several movies and television shows, further cementing its place in popular culture.

What is special about Little Italy? ›

When Italian immigrants moved to this Manhattan neighborhood in the late 1800s, they brought their customs, food and language. That heritage remains evident today—Little Italy's streets are lined with restaurants serving Italian staples on red-and-white checkered tablecloths.

What do Italians eat for dinner everyday? ›

Dinner (Cena)

A typical dinner at an Italian home is usually pasta, meat, and vegetables, and takes place around 8 p.m. Going out for dinner in Italy is a pretty big thing to do, or eat, for that matter: Several courses, wine, and a long time chatting and lingering are all part of the event.

Which Italian restaurant is named as best in the world? ›

Are you craving Italian food and looking for the best in the world? Then you must head towards and book a table at the Osteria Francescana, which has been unanimously named as the best Italian restaurant by all the most influential and inflexible examiners around.

Where did Anthony Bourdain eat in Tuscany? ›

Antica Macelleria Cecchini. Arguably one of the most famous butcher shops in Italy – if not the world, thanks to Bourdain's visit – Antica Macelleria Cecchini is the place for fresh-cut meat in Tuscany. Also called the “Museum of Tuscan Cooking,” this renowned shop is located in the town of Panzano.

What is the most Italian American town? ›

Fairfield – 50.3% (highest percentage for a town in the United States) Hammonton – 45.9% (second highest percentage for a town in the United States) Dover Beaches South – 42.8% East Hanover – 41.3%

What is the famous Italian Cliff restaurant? ›

The Grotta Palazzese Restaurant is not only known for the beauty and the uniqueness of the rock in which it is set.

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