Italian cuisine has never been less irresistible, and if you’re a big fan of pasta, porchetta, or bombolini, you’re in the right place! In Toronto, there’s no shortage of amazing Italian restaurants, ranging from traditional, and classic with a twist to modern and mixed culinary that allow your palates to travel to its different regions of Italy.
Ready to travel the country with us? Here are the best Italian restaurants in Toronto that are sure to satiate your cravings!
12. Terrazza
You can never find a more home-y Italian restaurant in Toronto than Terazza, it’s just like being in grandma’s kitchen with that stunning aroma and cozy ambiance! Here at Terrazza, you can enjoy their little garden view at the courtyard patio, which is way more romantic at night when the lights are on.
People love Terazza partly because of their pizza, so once you’re here, settle down with the Giuseppe and Piccante. They both come up with spicy salami, but if you’re into something spicy and meaty, Piccante is a perfect fit with spicy sausage and hot peppers, while Giuseppe has a herbal-ish aroma with roasted herbs and veggie.
The Italian Spring Rolls is one of their signatures as well, they are pretty light with a crunchy, funny texture, which can be ideal to either be a starter or a side dish.
What to order: Giuseppe, Piccante, Shrimp Linguini, Italian Spring Rolls, Uncle-Pasto
Address: 372 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1H9
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11. Piano Piano Restaurant
Piano Piano Restaurant is a place that serves soulful and sensual in Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere you can’t find elsewhere. At Piano Piano Restaurant, the concept is to slow down, be more family-focused, food with a huge portion that is meant to be shared, and quality time, that’s why this is a perfect family-gathering location for locals here.
For pasta, Rigatoni & Meatball is the star! The baked cheese sauce just takes it over the top, along with tender, flavoursome meatballs. For pizza, don’t you miss The Spicy Sicilian with ‘Nduja, Parmigiano, garnished with oregano; and light yet tasty The Fun Guy with roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, and mozzarella!
End your meal right with Chocolate Caramel Budino, an Italian-style pudding made extra decadent with heavy cream and lots of egg yolks that will make you scream for more!
What to order: The Spicy Sicilian, The Fun Guy, Rigatoni & Meatball, Chocolate Caramel Budino, Bone-In Veal Parmesan, Egg Yolk Ravioli
Address: 88 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5
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10. Sugo
Located at the corner of Bloor and Landsdowne Streets, Sugo is a classic Italian restaurant, where you are sure to find all your old-time favourite dishes while being greeted like a real family member. With a simple yet pleasing ambiance and comfort food, Sugo has long been the hang-out spot for locals, and now it’s your turn to try it out!
Highlights of the menu include Eggplant Parm, Spaghetti Pomodoro, and Chicken Parmigiana Cutlet. Even when you’re a picky one, these fellas are not going to fail you! Start gently with Eggplant Parm which features layers of crispy eggplant slices that have been baked until nicely crisp and golden brown. This is a classic for a reason!
Don’t just stop there, go on with their signature spaghetti that highlights the freshness of tomatoes with a mound of parsley, or the best Chicken Parmesan with a deliciously crispy breadcrumb coating, smothered in a rich homemade sauce and melted mozzarella cheese!
What to order: Eggplant Parm, Spaghetti Pomodoro, Chicken Parmigiana Cutlet, Meatball Sandwich
Address: 1281 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7
9. Gusto 101
Located in a repurposed garage in the heart of downtown Toronto, Gusto 101 is your next go-to whenever you’re craving the warmth of a wood-fỉred grill or a glass of wine on the rooftop patio. Once you walk in, you’ll be immediately greeted by the elegant, beautiful settings, and stunning open kitchen that can get bustling by night. If you’re searching for an outstanding choice for special occasions, this is the place!
Always start easy, and this time, Mushroom Bruschetta is a must-try! It comes up quite simple with wild mushrooms on grilled sourdough bread, herbed ricotta, taleggio, and olive oil. But we have to tell you, Gusto 101 makes it fantastic! You’d never know that bread could be toasted that well!
Continue with the hearty, meaty yet tender Beef & Pork Ragu Bolognese, or the Gusto “Americano” Burger that is no less mouth-watering with Angus beef, caramelized onions, American cheddar, dill pickles, arugula, and Tuscan fries.
What to order: Mushroom Bruschetta, Bolognese, Gusto “Americano” Burger, Torta Di Formaggio
Address: 101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3
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8. La Fenice
Nestled right in the center of Toronto’s Entertainment District, La Fenice has been known and loved for not only its authentic Italian cuisine but also its fresh seafood and premium Canadian steaks. Setting foot here and the fine food along with an elegant atmosphere will guarantee your return!
Don’t leave without trying their most well-known dish: Tuscan Steak, which is tender, melt-in-mouth texture and served with sauteed onions, mushrooms, and garlic aioli. Every bite is pure heaven, to be straight!
Some other must-try dishes are Suprema di Pollo Milanese, lightly breaded boneless chicken breast with mozzarella and tomato sauce, and Mushroom Pizza which is top-notch!
What to order: Tuscan Steak, Suprema di Pollo Milanese, Mushroom Pizza, Grilled Shrimp & Squid
Address: 319-A King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J5
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7. Il Covo
Serving stunning Italian dishes, especially handmade fresh pasta in a cozy and plush space, II Cove is a place where a quick drink and small plate could be grabbed in the late afternoon or after work. Pay a visit, and you’ll be surprised to find yourself revisiting over and over again!
They have been loved for their Scrigno, which is filled with a well-balanced mixture of tangy, creamy Carozzi gorgonzola and slightly bitter radicchio di Chiogga, all set off by 10-year-aged Modena balsamic. Those combinations make everything so harmonized that you might burst into tears of happiness!
For a more meaty dish, Agnello Alla Grigla can do you good! The lamb is rendered and smoked to perfection, along with roasted potatoes and rosemary. Don’t go home if you haven’t finished it up with Tiramisu Al Limone, a lighter take on tiramisu with lemon curd, ladyfingers soaked in limoncello, and a lemon-curd-infused house mascarpone.
What to order: Tagliatelle Al Ragu, Agnello Alla Grigla, Tiramisu Al Limone, The Raviolini, Acadian
Address: 585 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B2
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6. Ristorante Sotto Sotto Toronto
Bringing the romance of Italy to the heart of Toronto, Ristorante Sotto Sotto can quickly seduce us with its enchanting atmosphere, coupled with authentic Italian cuisine and a wide variety of wines. If you’re thinking of a place with romantic candlelight for your special date night, Ristorante Sotto Sotto has got your back!
Polipo Verace Alla Piastra is a great start to impress your partner, not only for its presentation but also for its wonderful taste. The octopus is grilled tenderly to retain a soft-chewy texture and served on a bed of Cannellini beans. Continue with the Cozze Tirene that comes up with mussels cooked in white wine and tomato broth. You have no idea how flavorsome this dish can be!
In case you’re not in a hurry, get the Amalfi. Though it might take nearly an hour to prepare that dish, it is worth the wait to try that top-notch taste!
What to order: Polipo Verace Alla Piastra, Cozze Tirene, Amalfi, Pennette Via Frattina, Vitello Alle Noci
Address: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4
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5. Carisma
Wandering around the downtown core and craving Italian classic favorites? Stop by Carisma and you’ll wish to find this place sooner. Offering an elegant and traditional Italian dining experience, along with the luxurious yet comfortable 1920s-inspired decor, Carisma never fails to amaze you!
Sophisticated as the restaurant is, the food far surpasses the decor. Start it right with Carpaccio Di Manzo, thinly sliced marinated beef tenderloin and Parmesan cheese served on a bed of Rucola and covered with the Cipriani sauce. This is a perfect pair with a bottle of dry white wine or best to eat with a side dish of delicious pizza bread.
Treat yourself right with the light yet tasty Capesante Con Funghi that includes pan-seared scallop, roasted wild mushrooms, saffron, wine sauce, and garnished with some lemon zest. Craving spicy seafood? Calamarata is your go-to!
What to order: Carpaccio Di Manzo, Capesante Con Funghi, Calamarata, Lasagna, Galletto Al Mattone
Address: 15 Toronto St, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3
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4. Enoteca Sociale
Being famous for making some of the city’s best pasta, salumi from scratch in-house, and a perfect hand-selected wine list, Enoteca Sociale is a must-visit spot for top-notch wine and food in Toronto. You can either choose to breathe fresh air on the patio or stay inside their private dining rooms with a view of an open kitchen. Make an evening of it and find out for yourself.
Get the basic-but-classic Frittata. The combination of high-quality eggs and grassy dandelion greens is simple yet addictive! Pair a lightly sour salad with this fluffy-centered, crispy-edged dish to balance out the overall taste. Keep rocking your palate with the flavorsome Vitello Tonnato, aromatic veal served in a rich fish sauce made from tuna, capers, and anchovy.
If you’re coming with friends, a meant-to-be-shared Cacio E Pepe is always on the menu, representing a cheesy and spicy with a perfect chew to the egg noodles. This humble but stunning dish will not net you down.
What to order: Frittata, Cacio E Pepe, Vitello Tonnato, Branzino
Address: 1288 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7
3. Buca Osteria & Enoteca
Taking inspiration from the traditions of Italy with a contemporary culinary touch, Buca Osteria & Enoteca is a modern classic restaurant built on the perfect balance of the old world and new. Sooner or later, you’ll find yourself coming back for their warm greetings and artisanal fare, including famed house-cured meats, pizza, and pasta.
Highlights of the menu are Patate, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Salumi di Buca. You can never go wrong with these gems! Patate can either be a good starter or a side dish, which comes up with seasoned baby potatoes served with Formaggio fresco and fermented chili.
The Spaghetti Carbonara is indulgent and surprisingly delicious with creamy egg, diced bacon, grated cheese, and copious amounts of black pepper. And their Salumi di Buca is finger-licking good with that smoky notes!
What to order: Patate, Spaghetti Carbonara, Salumi di Buca, Moscardini, Gnocco Fritto
Address: 604 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M6
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2. Giulietta
Entering Giulietta, you’ll be surprised by how simple this place is, from the decoration to the menu. But that’s how Rossi the Chef has chosen to express classic Italian cuisine, this merely means doing it simply and correctly. Together with a delightful wine list that touches all the right notes, Giulietta is a hidden gem to the locals!
The signature Giulietta Pizza with lardo and scamorza is all about perfection, from presentation to flavors, and the grilled octopus – Polpo E Fagioli – is pure heaven when served with dollops of salsa verde and cannellini beans. You must also try the La Campagnola, a vegetable-based sauce that is crazy good!
Don’t go home without having their Pine-Nut Tart for dessert. A twist on the classic butter tart with a less sweet taste that has become every customer’s favorite.
What to order: Polpo E Fagioli, Pine-Nut Tart, La Campagnola, Braciola di Maiale, Gamberi Alla Piastra
Address: 972 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A5
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1. Trattoria Fieramosca
Bringing a special atmosphere of an old-world charm, Trattoria Fieramosca is a traditional Italian restaurant that is uniquely charming for its wooden, quirky interior, a breezy patio that feels like something out of a scene on the Mediterranean, and stunningly good food.
Settle down with Calamari Alla Griglia Fritti, grilled calamari and drizzled with balsamic reduction on a bed of fresh baby lettuce. You can either choose to be served with Fieramosca sauce, which is no less tasty. The Spaghetti di Mare Alla Mario with seafood and white wine sauce is always proudly on the menu, so must try it anytime you have a chance!
Remember to save room for Petto di Pollo In Crosta Di Nocciole, the stunning hazelnut breaded chicken breast topped with rosemary cream sauce, and finally served with seasonal veggie. This baby is a hidden treasure!
What to order: Calamari Alla Griglia Fritti, Spaghetti Di Mare Alla Mario, Petto Di Pollo In Crosta Di Nocciole, Salmone Alla Grigila
Address: 36 A Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1A9
We have to thank Italy for creating some of the most delicious foods in the world, including authentic pizzas, luscious pasta, and meats as well as decadent desserts. 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.