On the hunt for Italian restaurants in Toronto? Wondering where to get that perfect pasta dish or pizza slice? This list is for you. We’ve compiled the latest winning restaurants when it comes to Italian fare.
With options available whether you’re seeking traditional or modern cuisine, outdoor patios or gorgeous interior décor, historic mainstays or new-to-town establishments, there is an Italian restaurant in Toronto for everyone. After all, there’s nothing like the heart and soul of a delicious Italian meal.
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- Find the Top Italian Restaurants in Toronto
- 29 Great Italian Restaurants in Toronto
Find the Top Italian Restaurants in Toronto
There are a lot of ways to discover the top Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer, from grabbing a friend or loved one and exploring them yourself to enlisting the help of an expert through a food tour.
The many food tours in Toronto are designed to do exactly that. You can be sure to learn the latest about what’s happening in the city’s food scene when it comes to Italian food, how restaurants are changing and evolving (especially as the city starts gaining Michelin stars) and so much more.
29 Great Italian Restaurants in Toronto
1. Osteria Giulia
First up on our list of the top Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer is Osteria Giulia. This restaurant, led by “Top Chef Canada” runner-up Rob Rossi, captures the heart and soul behind fresh and authentic Italian food.
The Vibe
Sleek and modern, the restaurant features romantic candlelit tables and cool backlit white walls to create a unique minimalist atmosphere.
What to Order
The vitello tonnato, or veal carpaccio, is an expertly-crafted dish. The lorighittas al mare is also delicious, with intricately hand-braided pasta along with fresh wild squid and bay scallops. Pair with a classic glass of wine or a co*cktail from the extensive drink menu.
Osteria Giulia | 134 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2H6 | $$$$
2. Enoteca Sociale
Tucked away in Little Portugal is Enoteca Sociale. It’s one of the Italian restaurants Toronto locals often swear by, especially for its exploration of Roman techniques and dishes. Since 2010, the restaurant has been serving up some of the best pasta around.
The Vibe
This Italian restaurant in Toronto is lively and full of personality, with warm lighting and solid wooden seating that make you feel right at home.
What to Order
For brunch, the chicken liver mousse comes with frutta cotta and toast for a delectable balance of flavours. For dinner, try the spaghetti cacio e pepe, a classic Roman cheese and pepper pasta.
Enoteca Sociale | 1288 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON M6J 1X7 | $$$
3. TOCA at The Ritz Carlton Toronto
Another Italian restaurant that Toronto locals and visitors enjoy going to for an elevated meal is TOCA. Located inside the Ritz Carlton hotel, this restaurant never fails to impress with its delicious menus for all meals of the day. It even offers a kids’ à la carte menu.
The Vibe
This Italian restaurant in Toronto is classy yet comfortable, with snazzy grey booth seats that stretch wide and cozy wood-panelled walls.
What to Order
Try the frutti di mare, a delicately spiced seafood spaghetti. The porcini mushroom risotto is rich and creamy as well. For dessert, go for the sweet buttermilk panna cotta with meringue.
TOCA at The Ritz Carlton Toronto | 181 Wellington St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 3G7 | $$$$
4. Giulietta
A Toronto restaurant near Little Italy, Giulietta is the equally loved sister restaurant to Osteria Giulia, previously mentioned above. While a bit more unassuming in nature, the chef’s bar keeps every meal here lively and entertaining by design.
The Vibe
Cozy and sleek, with a patio to enjoy in the summers, this spot should be on your list of romantic restaurants in Toronto for your next date night.
What to Order
Try the polpo e fa*glioli, or grilled octopus, which comes with a flavourful salsa verde. The tartare di manzo, or beef tartare, is also delicious. Those who enjoy pizza are in luck; the menu offers a variety of wood-fired pizza dishes.
Giulietta | 972 College St., Toronto, ON M6H 1A5 | $$$
5. Frankie’s Italian
Pasta. Pizza. Frankie’s Italian does it all. This Leslieville staple serves up a variety of authentic Italian dishes that help earn its name as one of the most appreciated Italian restaurants in Toronto.
The Vibe
This Italian restaurant in Toronto is warm, cozy and lively, with rustic wooden tables and seating amid a black-and-white checkered floor.
What to Order
Try the classic pepperoni pizza or the lamb sausage pizza. For a sweet and salty dessert, go for the lusciously layered dark chocolate torte that comes with raspberry compôte, London fog-flavoured whipped cream and smoked Maldon salt flakes.
Frankie’s Italian | 892 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON M4M 1J3 | $$
6. Sugo
Considered a cult-classic among Italian restaurants in Toronto, Sugo has earned its reputation. Found out on Bloor West near Bloordale Village, this popular staple proudly serves up Italian-American fare in a homey environment, perfect for catching up with friends after a long week.
The Vibe
Like many Italian restaurants Toronto locals enjoy frequenting, Sugo has mastered the casual, yet fun ambiance that fits well with the comfort food being served.
What to Order
Go for the veal Parmigiana sandwich, a decked-out number with breaded veal striploin, mozzarella, the house-named “Sugo” sauce and more. The burrata bruschetta is a great small plate for sharing.
Sugo | 1281 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON M6H 1N7 | $$
7. CANO Restaurant
A wonderful Italian restaurant that Toronto has to offer when it comes to elegant seafood-focused Italian fare is CANO Restaurant. As a family-owned business to boot, there’s every reason to make your next dinner reservation at CANO.
The Vibe
Rustic and lively, this Italian restaurant in Toronto features a patio in the summertime, perfect for basking in the good weather and pretending you’ve been whisked away to Italy.
What to Order
Try the gnudi al funghi, a handmade gnudi pasta with a rich truffle cream and wild mushroom sauce, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. The calamari fritti is also delicious. For dessert, don’t miss out on the white chocolate tiramisu.
CANO Restaurant | 1108 St Clair Ave. W., Toronto, ON M6E 1A7 | $$
8. Famiglia Baldassarre
Take a visit to Famiglia Baldassarre, a wholesale pasta factory that turns into a lunchtime restaurant from Wednesdays to Fridays, 12 to 2 p.m. While the hours are limited with no reservations, the wait is worth it at this Italian restaurant in Toronto for some of the freshest pasta around.
The Vibe
Industrial and lively, especially due to its exclusive hours, this Italian restaurant in Toronto is wholly unique with the freshest menu around.
What to Order
While the menu rotates regularly, consider trying the spinach ricotta ravioli if it's available, for a savoury dish that's sure to impress. Alternatively, the tagliatelle al ragù is another delicious option.
Famiglia Baldassarre | 122 Geary Ave., Toronto, ON M6H 4H1 | $$
9. F’Amelia
One of the most unique Italian restaurants downtown Toronto has to offer is F’Amelia. The main differentiator is the restaurant’s idyllic setting, since it’s nestled in a cozy cottage with a glass atrium and spacious outdoor patio. Add a seasonal-inspired menu to those views and you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
The Vibe
The atmosphere of this Italian restaurant in Toronto is both rustic and quaint, reminiscent of dining at a friend or family relative’s house.
What to Order
For a unique savoury dish, try the braised rabbit pappardelle. The green risotto is also a great vegetarian or vegan option.
F’Amelia | 12 Amelia St., Toronto, ON M4X 1E1 | $$$
10. Bar Vendetta
This restaurant and wine bar serves up fresh Italian comfort food in a retro 70s-style setting that’s both charming and utterly easy to kick back in after a long day. Bar Vendetta stands out as a neighbourhood gem among the Little Italy Toronto restaurants.
The Vibe
In terms of Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer, this one is the one to beat when it comes to retro décor. Vibrant oranges, reds and browns dot the entire scene, with creative wall murals and decals to add that perfect finishing touch.
What to Order
Start with the meatballs, hearty and heaped atop tomato sauce. As for pasta, the rigatoni verde and tagliatelle primavera are both worthy options.
Bar Vendetta | 928 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON M6J 1W3 | $$
11. Buca Osteria & Bar
With a handful of sister locations, Buca Osteria & Bar holds its own as one of the most popular Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer. Part of its charm is its innovative menu of traditional Italian dishes with creatively modern twists.
The Vibe
Upscale and contemporary, while maintaining a relaxed air, this Italian restaurant in Toronto exudes a bustling atmosphere that is a testament to the food.
What to Order
Start with the nodini — deliciously warm garlic bread knots. For your entrée, try the raviolo al uovo, a unique dish of squid ink pasta filled with crab, mascarpone and duck egg yolk topped with local salmon roe and herbs.
Buca Osteria & Bar | 53 Scollard St., Toronto, ON M5R 0A1 | $$$
12. NODO
With locations across the city, NODO deserves a chance on your next evening out. This Italian restaurant in Toronto serves up Italian comfort fare, reimagined, with innovative techniques that transcend the traditional.
The Vibe
Spacious and airy, with natural light flooding in from large windows, rustic seating and refreshing greenery throughout the space. This Italian restaurant in Toronto is great for catching up with larger groups of friends and family.
What to Order
Be sure to try the arancini, a popular favourite among regulars. For entrées, the rigatoni bolognese is rich and savoury and comes with slow-cooked veal, pork, beef ragù and soft grana padano.
NODO | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Gia
Jenny Coburn’s Gia is one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto for plant-based food today. With a Michelin recommendation under its belt and a completely vegetarian-friendly menu for its guests, this Dundas West establishment is a welcome addition to the city’s food scene.
The Vibe
This beloved Italian restaurant in Toronto is contemporary and warm, with couch booths, wooden seating and candlelit tables.
What to Order
Start with the red fife focaccia, with flavours of rosemary and smoked maple butter that make it a pleasant treat for the senses. The lion's mane bistecca is a mushroom steak cooked to perfection with decadent sides. For an unforgettable dessert at this charming Italian restaurant in Toronto, be sure to try the tiramisu.
Gia | 1214 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON M6J 3B1 | $$
14. Ascari
Visit Ascari, one of the greatest Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer for those who have an equal love for racing, Italian food and good wine. With a name borrowed from the famous Formula 1 race car driver Alberto Ascari, this restaurant is bound to impress.
The Vibe
The restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with windows that open all the way in the summertime, candlelit tables for an intimate ambiance and unique racing décor to admire throughout your meal.
What to Order
Go for the spaghetti alla carbonara, which comes with a delicious housemade guanciale and a medley of other fresh ingredients. The cavoletti di bruxelles is another solid option.
Ascari | 1111 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON M4M | $$$
15. Figo
Our next recommendation for an Italian restaurant in Toronto is Figo. Here, the menu combines freshest ingredients around with contemporary cooking techniques to create innovative takes on classic dishes.
The Vibe
The vibe at Figo is elegant and charming, as many of the best restaurants in Toronto are. The space is bright and comfortable with white columns and gorgeous marble ceilings to emanate a contemporary vibe with historic influences throughout.
What to Order
Start with the zucchini fritti, a popular dish with harmonious flavours of wild honey, lemon crema and fragrant black pepper. For pizza lovers, try the margherita and finish with an expertly crafted dessert co*cktail.
Figo | 295 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 1P7 | $$$
16. Mattachioni
When it comes to more casual and unassuming food joints, be sure to visit Mattachioni. This bodega-style Italian restaurant in Toronto specializes in fresh pasta dishes and sandwiches.
The Vibe
The vibe is bright and homey, with shiny wooden tables and seating as well as a colourful retro-esque ceiling structure. As an Italian restaurant in Toronto loved by locals around the city, despite its location outside of Little Italy, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re there.
What to Order
Try the porchetta panini, a decked-out number featuring Ontario slow-roasted pork and herbs on house-baked bread. The boccadasse pizza is also a great choice.
Mattachioni | Multiple Locations | $$
17. Piano Piano
When we’re talking about the most impressive Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer, Piano Piano definitely deserves a special mention. This neighbourhood restaurant has perfected the balance between classy, casual and deeply authentic. Its heart and soul will have you yearning for more.
The Vibe
Experience the whimsical and chic ambiance of this Italian restaurant in Toronto, where fun wallpaper and creative interior design choices enhance the dining experience at every location.
What to Order
Indulge your cravings at this Italian restaurant in Toronto with the signature Sweet Hornet pizza, offering a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and savoury flavours. The mushroom cavatelli is another good choice, featuring truffle-scented oyster mushrooms.
Piano Piano | Multiple Locations | $$
18. Annette Food Market
Located by the Junction is Annette Food Market, one of the best Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer when it comes to wood-fired sourdough pizzas and more. Owned by husband and wife duo Max and Amara Mancuso, this restaurant thrives as a neighbourhood staple.
The Vibe
This restaurant is cozy and warm, with a historic ambiance. The soft glow of Edison-bulb lighting illuminating rustic wooden tables creates a welcoming space to catch up with friends and family.
What to Order
Try the unique potato pizza for a departure from more classic menu options. Annette Food Market is also known for delicious sharing plates. Pair with a glass of wine or beer from the extensive drink menu to complete your meal.
Annette Food Market | 240 Annette St., Toronto, ON M6P 1R1 | $$$
19. Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant
Next up on our list of the top Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer is Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant. The iconic nose sculpture that hangs above its door says it all: a visit to Gio Rana’s is guaranteed to be fun, creative and pleasantly surprising.
The Vibe
The framed black-and-white photographs on the walls and rustic seating with candles and warm string bulbs throughout absolutely add to the ambiance that helps make this one of the top Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer.
What to Order
The giant meatball and tomato ragù or the braised veal ossobuco are both solid options.
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant | 1220 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON M4M 1L7 | $$$
20. Don Alfonso 1890
If you’re looking for Italian restaurants in Downtown Toronto, visit Don Alfonso 1890. Found inside the Westin Harbour Castle hotel, this restaurant holds the title of the most internationally acclaimed restaurant in the city. Most recently, Don Alfonso was awarded a Michelin star in 2022.
The Vibe
The vibe is elegant and undoubtedly classy. With breathtaking sky-high views of the city, it’s no wonder this Italian restaurant in Toronto is admired by many.
What to Order
Highlights from the signature tasting menu include the bison tenderloin and the ravioli. On the à la carte menu, the wagyu beef tenderloin is an Ontario delicacy that’s seasoned to perfection.
Don Alfonso 1890 | 1 Harbour Sq., Floor 38, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6 | $$$$
21. Campo
If you’re looking for a homey reprieve from the harsh reality of daily routine, Campo is the Italian restaurant in Toronto for you. Located in Baby Point and led by owner and chef Carlos Ventura, Campo serves fresh Italian and Spanish fare inspired by its namesake, meaning “countryside.”
The Vibe
Campo is charmingly rustic and cozy, with old-fashioned wooden white wooden chairs, brown tables and tasteful décor all around.
What to Order
Try the meatballs, which feature tomato-braised chorizo sausage and beef meatballs, smooth and creamy polenta and more. The spaghetti carbonara is also a worthy option. For dessert, go for the olive oil cake.
Campo | 244 Jane St., Toronto, ON M6S 3Y8 | $$
22. Viaggio
The next on this list of Italian restaurants in Toronto is Viaggio. This family-owned Michelin guide restaurant is all about modern Italian fare made fresh. Inspired by local and seasonal ingredients, the menu offers freshly made pasta, pizza and more.
The Vibe
The vibe is comfy yet elevated, with exposed brick walls, warm mood lighting and a mix of wooden and plush leather seating. It's a perfect place for sharing laughs with loved ones.
What to Order
Start with the steak tartare. Go for the mafaldine, which features N’duja sausage in a rich bone marrow and tomato ragu. For chocolate lovers looking to try something different, go for the chocolate sformato for dessert.
Viaggio | 1727 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON M6K 1V4 | $$
23. Wynona
Tucked away in the East End is Wynona, one of the loveliest Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer. This neighbourhood Italian restaurant and wine bar first opened in 2018 and has since offered a seasonal weekly menu of mouthwatering dishes in a calm, homey space.
The Vibe
The restaurant is bright and rustic, with light wooden seating, ambient lighting and an outdoor patio to enjoy the warm weather. This is a great place to explore the nuances of modern Toronto foods.
What to Order
While the menu is seasonal and rotates regularly, try the branzino if it’s available as well as the ramp tonnarelli.
Wynona | 819 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON M4M 1Y8 | $$
24. Biagio Ristorante
If you’re looking for a gorgeous patio within the heart of the city, Biagio Ristorante is one of the top Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer. Found in the St. Lawrence Town Hall, it’s easy to soak up the history here while enjoying a delicious menu of food.
The Vibe
Step into the sophisticated and classy ambiance of this Italian restaurant in Toronto. The quaint light blue doors open to a fine dining atmosphere that’s sure to impress — great for dates and anniversaries.
What to Order
Try the risotto mantecato al tartufu, a rich and flavourful dish with Parmigiano cream and truffle. The zuppa di pesce is also a great dish for seafood lovers.
Biagio Ristorante | 155 King St. E., Toronto, ON M5C 1G9 | $$$
25. Fieramosca
Visit Fieramosca, a trattoria worth considering when it comes to the many Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer. With plush seating and an outdoor patio, dining here is an experience reminiscent of a true meal on a summer’s day in Italy, all without leaving the city.
The Vibe
Locals love this Italian restaurant in Toronto, largely due to its upscale, intimate atmosphere.
What to Order
For pizza lovers, the bomba is the one to get. The gnocchi ai quattro formaggi is also delicious and comes with potato gnocchi filled with soft porcini mushrooms, black truffle and a rich four-cheese cream sauce.
Fieramosca | 36A Prince Arthur Ave., Toronto, ON M5R 1A9 | $$$
26. Speducci Mercatto
For those who love to hit two birds with one stone, visit Speducci Mercatto. Setting itself apart from the other Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer, this one has a unique setup: it’s part restaurant, part gourmet deli and butcher service. Get your imported ingredients here along with a quick lunchtime meal or enjoy a fresh traditional dinner.
The Vibe
The vibe here is joyous and lively. While it’s not one of the classic Little Italy Toronto restaurants in terms of location, Speducci Mercatto still manages to capture that authentic spirit.
What to Order
Go for the porchetta, featuring roasted pork and cracklings along with housemade buns and classic sides.
Speducci Mercatto | 46 Milford Ave., Toronto, ON M6M 2V8 | $$
27. Tutti Matti
Another great option when it comes to Italian restaurants in Toronto is Tutti Matti. Specializing in family-style Tuscan fare, this is a perfect restaurant to celebrate milestones with larger groups of families and friends.
The Vibe
Tutti Matti is modern and minimal, with black and white seating, a chalkboard menu on the wall and sophisticated décor all around.
What to Order
The seasonal menu rotates regularly and is family-style. A highlight is the pappardelle pasta, which features a braised and pulled brisket. The costole di manzo is also a unique and popular dish; it comes with savoury beef short ribs, beer, oranges and a fontina-stuffed potato.
Tutti Matti | 364 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 1R7 | $$$
28. Morellina’s
A little north of Koreatown is Morellina’s, a hidden gem when it comes to the top Italian restaurants Toronto has to offer. This women-owned business offers seasonal menus that are full of heart. Unsurprisingly, it’s a beloved neighbourhood staple for many.
The Vibe
This Italian restaurant in Toronto is cozy and quaint, with framed artwork to admire throughout your meal. Great for first dates or catching up with friends.
What to Order
Try the lasagna alla zuccarina if it’s available. The handmade agnolotti con crema di pistacchio is also a good choice; it features handmade pillow-shaped pasta that’s stuffed with veal mortadella in a creamy pistachio sauce.
Morellina’s | 146 Christie St., Toronto, ON M6G 3B4 | $$$
29. Ristorante Sotto Sotto
Last, but certainly not least, on this list of Italian restaurants in Toronto is Ristorante Sotto Sotto. First opened in 1993, Sotto Sotto recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. With locations in both Toronto and Oakville, there’s no excuse to plan your visit to this beloved restaurant soon.
The Vibe
The vibe is elegant and sophisticated. The décor creates a romantic old-world atmosphere that will transport you back to centuries past.
What to Order
If you’re craving freshly grilled squid, go for the calamari alla griglia which comes with a signature seafood dressing. Finish with the decadent chocolate lava cake, an experience that will leave you wanting more.
Ristorante Sotto Sotto | 120 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4 | $$$
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If you’re searching for your next favourite Italian restaurant in Toronto, then we hope this guide has given you the inspiration you need to go out and find it. There’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants that offer freshly made pasta and other mouthwatering Italian dishes. Each offers a unique innovation in its own right, which is quite inspiring in itself. All that’s left for you to do, is decide which you’ll visit first.
For even more ways to explore Toronto and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
