Okay, let’s be real: finding amazing Italian food in Toronto isn’t hard, but finding the best? That’s a mission.
This city is stacked with everything from old-school red sauce joints to super slick modern spots. Where do you even start?
Don’t sweat it. We’ve eaten our weight in pasta (you’re welcome) to bring you the ultimate list.
Quick Recommendations: Trattoria Fieramosca & Buca Osteria & Enoteca
Here are 12 of the absolute best Italian restaurants in Toronto that will satisfy those cravings. Buon appetito!
1. Trattoria Fieramosca
40+ years in Yorkville? Fieramosca is legit OG Toronto Italian. It’s got that cozy, old-world vibe down pat.
Their back patio is a total hidden gem – perfect for slurping down Spaghetti di Mare Alla Mario (loaded seafood pasta, yes please).
Feeling fancy? The hazelnut-crusted chicken with rosemary cream sauce sounds kinda extra, in the best way.
Don’t skip the Calamari Alla Griglia – grilled just right. Classic.
What to order: Calamari Alla Griglia, Spaghetti Di Mare Alla Mario, Petto Di Pollo In Crosta Di Nocciole
Address: 36 A Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1A9
2. Giulietta
Giulietta on College St is where classic Italian gets a cool, modern makeover. Sleek space, open kitchen – dinner and a show!
Grabbing a seat at the counter to watch the chefs work is a total vibe.
Start with the Polpo E Fagioli (grilled octopus that’s actually tender!) or the La Giulietta pizza topped with lardo (trust us).
Finish with the Torta della Nonna – looks impressive, tastes even better.
What to order: La Giulietta Pizza, Polpo E Fagioli, Torta della Nonna
Address: 972 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A5
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Buca Osteria & Enoteca
Buca is kinda a big deal. They nail that blend of authentic Italian with a cool, contemporary feel. Think high ceilings and seriously good food.
The Bigoli pasta is legendary – duck egg pasta with a rich duck ragu. Sounds wild, tastes amazing.
Their house-cured meats (Salumi di Buca) are a must, and the Pancetta pasta is chef’s kiss.
Yeah, it’s pricey, but perfect for when you wanna impress (or treat yo’self). Don’t forget the Tiramisu.
What to order: Bigoli, Salumi di Buca, Pancetta Pasta, Tiramisu
Address:
-604 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M6
-53 Scollard Street, Toronto, ON M5R 0A14
-2 St Clair Ave W Suite 100, Toronto, ON M4V 1L5
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Enoteca Sociale
Want a taste of Rome on Dundas West? Enoteca Sociale is your spot. Cozy marble bar, amazing wine list, and that pasta. Michelin recommended, FYI.
Everyone talks about their Cacio E Pepe – simple, peppery, cheesy perfection.
The Agnolotti with mushrooms and truffle? Pure indulgence.
Great service, great vibes, great pasta. What more do you need?
What to order: Cacio E Pepe, Agnolotti Ai Funghi, Burrata Salad
Address: 1288 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7
5. Carisma
Tucked away near the Financial District, Carisma brings some old-school glam with its 1920s-inspired decor. Feels elegant but still welcoming.
Start with the Carpaccio Di Manzo (thinly sliced beef) – classic and delicious.
For pasta, the Calamarata brings the heat with seafood in a spicy tomato sauce. Their classic Lasagna is pure comfort.
Perfect spot for a classy downtown dinner.
What to order: Carpaccio Di Manzo, Calamarata, Lasagna
Address: 15 Toronto St, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3
6. Ristorante Sotto Sotto Toronto
Sotto Sotto basically screams “ROMANCE.” It’s dimly lit, intimate, and perfect for a special date night in Yorkville. You might even spot a celeb (Drake’s known to frequent).
Start with the Frittura Mista di Pesce – perfectly crispy calamari and shrimp.
The Vongole Veraci (clams in white wine sauce) is simple, fragrant, and delicious.
End with the rich Tiramisu. It’s a classic for a reason.
What to order: Frittura Mista di Pesce, Vongole Veraci In Padella, Tiramisu
Address: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4
7. Il Covo
This Little Italy spot focuses on Venetian-style eats and handmade pasta. Cozy space, cool marble bar – feels like a real find.
Their Focaccia “Margherita” is way more than just bread – fluffy, flavourful, perfect start.
The Agnello & Anguria (lamb rack with watermelon salad) sounds intriguing and gets rave reviews.
Gotta try the Tartufo Affogato al Cafe for dessert – truffle ice cream drowned in espresso? Yes, please.
What to order: Focaccia “Margherita”, Agnello & Anguria, Tartufo Affogato al Cafe
Address: 585 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. La Fenice
Right in the Entertainment District, La Fenice serves up reliable Italian classics in a bright, cheerful space filled with art.
Known for fresh seafood and tender steaks, but don’t sleep on the Mushroom Risotto or the classic Chicken Milanese.
Great service and solid wine pairings make it a dependable choice before a show or for a nice dinner out.
What to order: Chicken Milanese, Mushroom Risotto, Fresh Seafood Specials
Address: 319-A King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J5
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Gusto 101
Gusto 101 is just COOL. It’s in a converted garage on Portland St, with multiple levels and an awesome rooftop patio.
They’re known for wood-fired dishes. The Carpaccio is solid, and people love the Mafalde Ai Funghi (mushroom pasta). It’s rich, cheesy, and always a hit.
Surprisingly, their Gusto “Americano” Burger also gets major props. Great vibe, great food, good times.
What to order: Mafalde Ai Funghi, Carpaccio, anything from the wood fire grill
Address:
-101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3
-1121 Castlefield Ave, Toronto, ON M6B 1E8
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Sugo
Sugo is where you go when you want hearty, saucy, no-frills Italian-American comfort food. Feels super homey and always buzzing.
Expect generous portions! The Eggplant Parmigiana Cutlet is legendary, and the classic Pomodoro sauce is perfection.
Their pastas, like the Gnocchi or Rigatoni, are simple but SO satisfying. Be prepared for a potential wait – it’s popular for a reason!
What to order: Eggplant Parmigiana Cutlet, Pomodoro Pasta, Meatball Sandwich (if available!)
Address: 1281 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7
11. Piano Piano Restaurant
Piano Piano feels fun and fancy at the same time. Think colourful decor, floral patterns, but still elegant. Great for groups or a cute date.
The Rigatoni & Meatball is a total crowd-pleaser. Feeling adventurous? The Sweet Hornet pizza brings the heat with spicy soppressata and hot honey.
Their Egg Yolk Raviolo is also a showstopper. They do great family-style options too.
What to order: The Sweet Hornet Pizza, Rigatoni & Meatball, Egg Yolk Ravioli
Address:
-88 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5
-55 Colborne, Toronto, ON, M5E 1E3
-623 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9
Website | Instagram | Facebook
12. Terrazza
Terrazza’s secret weapon? Its charming, romantic garden patio. Perfect spot for a relaxed Italian meal on a nice day.
Their Piccante pizza brings the spice, while the Giuseppe is loaded with roasted veggies.
Looking for a classic? The Chicken Parmesan served with linguine is a solid, comforting choice.
Good food, great outdoor space, friendly service. Easy win.
What to order: Piccante Pizza, Giuseppe Pizza, Chicken Parmesan
Address: 372 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1H9
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Okay, Toronto! That’s 12 incredible Italian spots to get you started. From fancy date nights to casual pasta cravings, this city delivers.
Keep yourself updated with our best restaurants in Toronto, and don’t forget to let us know what you think about them!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.