Once synonymous with the pizza and pasta joints in Little Italy, Toronto’s Italian restaurant scene has grown far beyond the stereotypical. Red sauce joints still dish out heaping plates of spaghetti with meatballs, served over red-and-white-checkered tablecloths, but the gaps have been filled between these casual spots and the uber high-end Michelin-starred restaurants, with everything in between making up the list of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto.
The different cultures of Italy’s many regions are reflected on plates across the city. The best pizza in Toronto ranges from the light, crispy and chewy Neapolitan style to its polar opposite: thick and fluffy Roman pizza. Hearty, soul-soothing mains represent the north while seafood-centric dishes hail from the south — and it’s all served at some of the best restaurants in Toronto. There are new Toronto restaurants serving Italian fare popping up all the time, too.
Moreover, many of Toronto’s best Italian restaurants up the ante with excellent bar programs, serving some of the best cocktails in the city. Italy is known for its wine, and there’s no shortage of that at the best Italian restaurants in Toronto — some of them are so well-stocked, they double as Toronto wine bars or have their own bottle shops.
Every mouth-watering meal tells a different story. From traditional recipes passed down for generations and restaurants refusing to serve anything other than their native region’s dishes to modern spots whipping up new twists on the classics, the best Italian restaurants in Toronto are as delicious as they come. Buon appetito!
21 of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto
1. Sofia
99 Yorkville Ave.
Hidden from the pedestrians and passing supercars of Yorkville, Sofia is tucked away where the rich and fabulous can enjoy a meal without the prying eyes of passersby. Lined with greenery and couches, the beautiful patio is about as elegant as dining outdoors can be. Inside, the undulating white chandeliers, bright bursts of red and blue, and gallery-loans adorning the walls might seem over the top in the photos, but walking into Sofia feels like stepping inside a piece of art. It’s a captivating backdrop for refined celebration.
Start with one of their many signature martinis or a spritzy cocktail before switching to wine from their incredibly lengthy list. Go all out on the meal with a starter of wild shrimp, lobster and oysters. There are plenty of knock-out dishes like wagyu short rib and Australian lamb rack, but even the simpler pasta dishes are dreamy. Rigatoni alla vodka shines with the freshest ingredients and perfectly chewy al dente noodles.
2. DaNico
440 College St.
Once known mostly for the infamous late-night spot, Sneaky Dees, the intersection of College and Bathurst has been transformed by the arrival of DaNico across the street. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in Toronto; set in a heritage building, it’s decked out with Italian mohair velvet booths, marble counters, Versace ceramics and dark-wood finishes. Executive chef Daniele Corona, who led Don Alfonso 1890 to a Michelin star in 2022, is attracting attention with his signature eight-course tasting menu and à la carte offerings that are inspired by the Italian coast, with Asian influences. Dinner at DaNico is an intimate affair that you’ll be raving about for weeks.
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Read more3. Tutti Matti
364 Adelaide St. W.
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Rolling vineyards, olive trees and crumbling medieval towns don’t exactly scream Toronto. However, chef Alida Solomon has brought the best of Tuscany to downtown with her housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza and regional delicacies like venison and wild boar. After six years in Tuscan kitchens, Solomon returned to Toronto to open Tutti Matti in 2002 — but she still takes staff on trips to Italy to immerse them in the cuisine. The menu focuses on quality ingredients to create simple yet delicious dishes, showcasing the seasonal bounty of Ontario. Best of all, Tutti Matti’s wine list is predominantly Italian, with a strong emphasis on Tuscan wines. Cin cin!
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Read more4. Gia
1214 Dundas St. W.
This plant-centred Italian restaurant on Dundas West has held a special place in our hearts since long before it was featured in the Michelin Guide. Perhaps it’s the love story of owners Jenny Coburn and Stacey Patterson; or the polished, yet warm and relaxed interior; or maybe it’s the exceptional plates they’re able to create with primarily plant-based ingredients, but we keep coming back for more. The white truffle agnolotti is a savoury, butter-soaked bite of heaven, but you can’t go wrong with any of their creative pasta dishes.
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Read more5. Ardo
243 King St. E.
If the last season of The White Lotus still has you hooked on all things Sicily, a trip to Old Town Toronto is a cheaper way to get your fix than hopping on a plane. Ardo (an adorably bungled rendition of their son Leonardo’s name) is Jacqueline Nicosia and Roberto Marotta’s love letter to Sicily, the large Mediterranean island from which they both hail. Devour Sicilian staples like deep-fried balls of gooey cheese-filled arancini, garlicky norma pasta with caramelized eggplant and crispy cannoli stuffed with a sweet ricotta filling. Plus, you can purchase pasta olive oil and other pantry faves in-store or online to enjoy at home.
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Read more6. Don Alfonso 1890
1 Harbour Square, 38th Floor
Not only has Don Alfonso 1890 retained a Michelin star for two years and counting, it was also dubbed the Best Italian Restaurant in the World in 2023 (outside of Italy) by 50 Top Italy. Accolades aside, the swanky spot nested atop The Westin Hotel is one of Toronto’s premier spots for a lights-out meal.
Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, and chef Davide Ciavattella have crafted an inventive menu inspired by the south of Italy that reaches the pinnacle of luxury. The delicate wagyu carpaccio is decorated with balsamic caviar and piedmont hazelnuts; the tender suckling pig is served with a sultry honey and chilli glaze.
7. Gusto 101
101 Portland St.
Sure, the new Gusto 54 in the east end is gorgeous, but there’s something so charming about the OG Gusto 101 at King and Portland. The buzzy but relaxed restaurant is set in a retrofitted auto body shop with a large garage door on the first floor and a retractable skylight upstairs to bring in all the sunlight — and the fresh air in better weather. There’s also a small patio out front. The Mafalde ai Funghi is one of the most beloved pastas in town; the long frilly noodles drenched in truffle cream sauce are practically Instagram famous. It’s hard not to order the decadent dish, but Gusto 101 offers plenty of other pleasing pastas and pizzas, plus wallet-friendly wine from Italy and craft cocktails.
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Read more8. Stelvio
791 Dundas St. W.
Italian food at this hidden gem on Dundas West is unlike anywhere else in the city. Stelvio specializes in cuisine unique to Lombardy in northern Italy. On the menu, you’ll find heartier dishes eaten in the mountainous region, like the Pizzoccheri Di Teglio, a buckwheat pasta drenched in three-cheese sauce with cabbage and potatoes. Start with the sciatt, crispy buckwheat fritters oozing with a cheesy centre. Bring a friend to share the enormous Orecchia Di Elefante, Milan’s signature breaded pork cutlet. The cocktails are great, but the Italian wine list is even better.
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Read more9. La Palma
849 Dundas St. W.
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The 100-layer lasagna gets all the hype — and yes, we do order it every time. But La Palma slings a lot more goodness than just their most famous dish. The seasonal menu goes beyond pizza and pasta with delectable appetizers like tuna crudo and whipped ricotta toast, and a whole grill section of mains.
The ever-changing cocktail program is always top-notch. There are past serves that still float through our heads at night. The list isn’t overly long or complicated — just a few original, delicious tipples with unique flavour combinations. Despite our wallets screaming at us, we’ll always start with a cocktail or two before switching to wine. The only thing we haven’t figured out is if the drinks taste better in the coastal, pastel dining room; in the sexy upstairs lounge; or out on the rooftop patio.
10. Piano Piano
Multiple Locations
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Victor Barry has been slinging pizza, pasta and good times at his Harbord Street location since 2016, but Piano Piano got its fourth new outpost downtown last year. The menu is stacked, but we just can’t quit their wood-fired pizza, with its smoky flavour, colourful fresh toppings and delightfully crispy-yet-chewy crust. Piano Piano is not shy about mixing up their ingredients, using everything from classic fior di latte and proscuitto to Spanish sausage and piquillo peppers. Plus, if you can’t make it out for dinner, you can find frozen Piano Piano pizza at major grocery stores across the country.
11. Sugo & Bar Sugo
1281 & 1279 Bloor St. W.
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You don’t need a whole whack of cash to turn on the charm at this old-school, Italian-American joint in the Bloordale hood. Pull up a seat at a table adorned with a red checkered tablecloth in the no fuss environment. Order the giant meatball and a heaping plate of spaghetti and Lady and the Tramp your way through the meal. If your party is split between pasta or pizza, head next door to Bar Sugo. As the name suggests (“sugo” means “sauce” in Italian), sauce is king here, whichever one you choose and at either of the sister restaurants.
12. Viaggio
1727 Dundas St. W.
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It’s rare to find an Italian neighbourhood joint that is every bit as chic as it is delicious, but Viaggio is no ordinary place. Head to this restaurant inside a historic building at the corner of Dundas and Lansdowne, where chef Jon Vettraino has been racking up a menu of inventive and authentic dishes since 2019. Everything is delicious, from octopus and zucchini flowers to agnolotti and tiramisu pancakes, but you simply cannot visit without trying Viaggio’s unreal ‘za. Picking our favourite pizza is like choosing between children, but if we had to, the Mortadella with Burrata is a top contender (and never gave us lip).
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Read more13. Bar Volo
17 St. Nicholas St.
Somewhat hidden down the quiet St. Nicholas Street, near Yonge and Wellesley, this rustic Italian beer hall makes their own delicious brews on-site. Bar Volo has been around since 1985; owned by Ralph Morana and his sons Tomas and Julian, it’s a pioneer of the city’s craft beer scene. Pair small Italian bites like paninis and pizzas with a $6.50 house pint, or brews ranging from Czech-style pilsners to dry nitro stouts. Bar Volo has one of the largest cask beer selections in the city, all brewed in-house; these unfiltered, unpasteurized ales are served at cellar temps, with less carbonation and a more robust flavour.
14. Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant
1220 Queen St. E.
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Most people know this spot by the giant hooter hanging outside — it’s even referred to affectionately as “The Nose” by those in the know. Whatever you call it, Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant is one of the most iconic Italian restaurants in Toronto, and best of all, it won’t break the bank. The Nose has been making hearty Italian plates of soul-soothing food, like ossobuco, bucatini and their epic polenta fries, since 1989, with oodles of twinkly-light ambience to boot. Portions are generous and there’s usually a special. There are no reservations at this popular spot, so put your name down, grab a drink nearby and be patient — it’s worth the wait.
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Read more15. Bar Notte
11 Church St.
Don’t sleep on the delicate small plates and snacks at Bar Notte, a cozy lounge near St. Lawrence Market — but the drinks are what keep us coming back. Until 2 a.m., imbibe reasonably priced Italian-inspired cocktails, like the cynar amaro-soaked spritz or the dark and delicious Piazza Vecchia. Pick from local favourites or imported Italian beers; the wine list is compact, but guests can order from Amano Trattoria’s 200+ bottle list on request. To sweeten the deal, every day from 5–6 p.m. is aperitivo hour, when assaggino prepared by chef Michael Angeloni is complimentary with your first drink purchase.
16. Famiglia Baldassarre
122 Geary Ave.
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If you found yourself wandering down the very industrial Geary Avenue, you might never expect to stumble upon some of the freshest, most authentic pasta in the city. Those in the know flock to Famiglia Baldassarre, a small pasta factory, Wednesday to Friday from 12–2 p.m. for fresh-made plates of ravioli, tagliatelle and spaghettoni that are piled high and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. There are no reservations, and only 10 seats; lineups stretch down the block. The menu, etched onto a small chalkboard, changes daily, so check their Instagram for the most up-to-date information. Pick up some butter, wine, bread and other products on your way out from their grocery section.
17. Grazie Ristorante
Multiple Locations
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This homey, family-owned Italian restaurant has been slinging its authentic dishes in Midtown for over 30 years, and has a second location in Vaughan. Styled like an Italian trattoria, Grazie invites guests into its warm, rustic atmosphere to settle in and stay a while; after a visit, it’s hard not to become a regular. Separated by sauce type, the long list of pasta plates has something for every palate, but there are pizzas and mains like roasted chicken to choose from as well. Our go-to dish, the Basta is a creamy medley of green spinach linguine with butterflied shrimp for easy and elegant consumption. Classic cocktails and wines by the glass come in under $15 at this wallet-friendly spot.
18. Mattachioni
Multiple Locations
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David Mattachioni worked at Terroni for more than a decade as pizza master before he opened his own spot, the eponymously titled Mattachioni. The Dupont bodega took off quickly in 2015 thanks to its popular paninis, pizza and salads, and licensed cocktails, wine and beer. But in 2021, Mattachioni extended its empire with an east-end store located at Gerrard and Coxwell in Little India. Though the second outpost has seating and a full menu, we love perusing its aisles and finding Italian treats like pepperoncini, pasta sauce, pizza dough and local bevvies plus ready-to-drink cocktails.
19. Eataly
Multiple locations
Now with three locations and a fourth on the way, this luxury Italian food hall chain is slowly taking over Toronto. Whether you’re on the hunt for everyday produce, or rare local and imported Italian goods, you’ve come to the right place. There’s dry pasta, and fresh options prepared in-house daily; grab-n-go meals; pizza and pasta kits; premium olive oils; soups and stocks; plus cured meat and cheese, and much more. As you shop, wander towards the aromas drifting out of the restaurants and cafés, or the clinks of glasses at the bars — Eataly is also a destination for either a casual bite or a full-blown feast.
20. Cellar Door Restaurant
3003 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
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We’ll gladly make the trek to Etobicoke for this under-the-radar pizza and pasta purveyor on Lakeshore near Islington. Set in a beautiful red brick building, the casual, bistro-style interior and accompanying street-side patio offer a laidback ambience that puts the dishes at the forefront. The pasta here is great, but the wood-fired pizza is divine. Made in the Neaopolitan style using a traditional dough recipe, the pies are light and crispy with a chewy, airy interior. Toppings lean on the more conventional side, but are anything but boring. Sip on local or Italian wine, or a classic cocktail.
21. Mercatino E Vini
1091 Queen St. E.
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This adorable Leslieville retail store and wine shop comes from the geniuses behind Ascari, another stellar Italian fave in the neighbourhood. Throw delectable treats like Torres black truffle potato chips, sorbet from Good Behaviour and Lata Fish’s canned tuna into your basket, as well as pasta, preserves, olive oil and other Italian pantry goodies. Mercatini e Vini has a fabulous selection of local, Italian and international wine and liqueur to choose from. Friendly staff will often let you try before you buy if they have a bottle open and ready to taste. There’s also seating in the back and a small patio, where you can dine from the pop-ups that Mercatini e Vini regularly hosts.
