Toronto is known for its incredibly diverse food scene, and you can find just about every type of cuisine in the city. New restaurants are always popping up, making the city a world class destination for foodies.
Italian food is no exception; one restaurant was even ranked the second best Italian restaurant outside of Italy in the world! Whether you’re looking for pizza, pasta, or a classic tiramisù, these ten restaurants have all your cravings covered.
Here are 12 essential Italian restaurants in Toronto you have to try at least once:
1. Don Alfonso 1890
Named the second best Italian restaurant in the world outside of Italy, Don Alfonso 1890 is a Michelin-starred fine dining experience overlooking Toronto’s waterfront on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle. Boasting 360-degree views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, Don Alfonso features the flavours of the Amalfi Coast. Using the finest and freshest ingredients, you can choose from their A La Carte menu or opt for their signature Tasting Menu, with standouts like seared duck breast, saffron risotto, or even wild rose scented tagliatelle.
Where: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto
2. Famiglia Baldassarre
Somewhat of a local secret, Famiglia Baldassarre features a rotating lunch menu of handcrafted Italian dishes – but you’ll have to plan your visit accordingly, as they are only open between noon and 2 p.m. from Wednesdays through Fridays. Expect to wait in line as well, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best pasta the city has to offer. Follow along on their social media to see the daily offerings, which has included specialties like Ombrichelli al Ragu to ravioli piled with shaved truffles.
Where: 122 Geary Ave, Toronto
3. Giulietta
Ranked 66th on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List for 2024, Giulietta serves up classic Italian fare with an elevated twist, all in shareable, family-style plates. Spearheaded by chef Rob Rossi who partnered with Buca’s design team, the space is modern and elegant, and don’t miss their seasonal house-made gelatos for a sweet finish to your meal.
Where: 972 College St, Toronto
4. Ardo
Head to King St E if you’re craving traditional Sicilian cuisine, as Ardo has some of the best in the city. From pastas made with Sicilian herbs to fresh seafood dishes and pizzas topped with Sicilian sausage, all your southern-Italian flavours are covered here. Save room for their homemade cannoli dessert, which uses a family recipe that has been passed down.
Where: 243 King St E, Toronto
5. Enoteca Sociale
Small plates and house-made pastas are what Enoteca Sociale on Dundas W is known for, focusing on simple dishes perfected. Traditional Roman dishes are also celebrated here, like Cacio e Pepe, l’Amatriciana and Carbonara. For meat-lovers, they also have aged rib-eye steaks and whole grilled branzino which are standouts on the menu.
Where: 1288 Dundas St W, Toronto
6. Buca
Chef Rob Gentile has topped the lists of Canada’s best chefs over and over, so it’s no surprise Buca is recognized in Toronto’s Michelin Guide as well as 17th on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants for 2023. There are multiple locations to get your fix at: Buca Osteria, the original Yorkville location, Enoteca on King West, Buca at Vaughan, Cucina, and Bar Buca. Opt for one of the freshly-made pasta dishes or house-made salumi.
Where: Multiple locations
7. F’Amelia
Authentic northern Italian cuisine in a rustic cottage setting is what you’ll find at F’Amelia. This Cabbagetown restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients, and they have an epic patio to sip your glass of wine on when the weather warms up. A must-try is their unique spin on carbonara, which adds crispy prosciutto, sauteed red onion, and spinach. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
Where: 12 Amelia St, Toronto
8. Annette Food Market
Stop by this cozy Junction restaurant for one of their wood-fired aged sourdough pizzas and shareable Italian plates. Annette Food Market also has house-made pastas with creative ingredients, like their butternut squash chitarra or mushroom ravioli made with porcini mushrooms, pear, and sage brown butter.
Where: 240 Annette St, Toronto
9. Terroni
With multiple locations across Toronto and even one in West Hollywood, Terroni does southern Italian plates right, with an expansive menu of freshly-made pastas, pizzas, salads, apps, and rotating daily specials. Be sure to visit their Adelaide St location, which is set within a former courthouse with multiple levels.
Where: Multiple locations
10. Piano Piano
Italian comfort food in an imaginative setting is what Piano Piano is known for, from their thin-crust pizzas to their selection of fresh pastas, veal parmesan, and roasted sea bass. Each location has a slightly different feel, like Colborne Street’s whimsical carnival-inspired restaurant which has a full-sized carousel horse in the basement bar, or their newest location on Bloor Street which draws inspiration from the elegance of Classic Hollywood and the Orient Express.
Where: Multiple locations
11. Occhiolino
Fresh, handmade pasta served in a two-level converted auto-body shop is what you’ll find at Occhiolino, which opened late 2024, spearheaded by Drake’s ex personal chef Luke Donato and Nick Manzone. Blending traditional Italian cooking with a modern vibe, the restaurant at Bathurst and College is a sleek, minimalist space, featuring simple yet flavorful dishes inspired by Italy’s Cucina Povera, while the lively atmosphere, complete with Italian disco music, makes it ideal for both casual bites and relaxed dinners. For those on the go, Occhiolino’s retail shop offers fresh pasta, sauces, and exclusive merch.
Where: 499 Bathurst St, Toronto
12. Ristorante Sotto Sotto
On the topic of Drake, one of his favourite restaurants in the city is Yorkville’s intimate and upscale destination for authentic Italian fare, Sotto Sotto. The popular dining spot has been serving classic Italian dishes since 1993. Its warm, rustic decor combined with a cozy, candlelit atmosphere makes it a favorite for romantic dinners and celebrity sightings alike. On the menu you’ll find rich pasta dishes, flavorful risottos, and an extensive wine selection.
Where: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto
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