Looking for the best Italian restaurants in Toronto? 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.
Quick Recommendations: Trattoria Fieramosca & Buca Osteria & Enoteca
Here are the best Italian restaurants in Toronto that are sure to satiate your cravings!
1. Trattoria Fieramosca
Trattoria Fieramosca, a Toronto staple for over 40 years, serves traditional Italian fare in a charming, old-world setting. The Calamari Alla Griglia o Fritti, especially with Fieramosca sauce, is a must-try. The Spaghetti di Mare Alla Mario, with seafood in white wine sauce, is a classic.
Don’t miss the Petto di Pollo In Crosta Di Nocciole, hazelnut breaded chicken breast with rosemary cream sauce.
What to order: Calamari Alla Griglia o Fritti, Spaghetti Di Mare Alla Mario, Petto Di Pollo In Crosta Di Nocciole, Salmone Alla Griglia
Address: 36 A Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1A9
2. Giulietta
Giulietta in Toronto, led by Chef Rob Rossi, offers a refined take on Italian cuisine. The La Giulietta pizza with lardo and scamorza is a standout. The Polpo E Fagioli, grilled octopus with salsa verde and cannellini beans, is a delight. The La Campagnola pizza with a vegetable-based sauce and the Torta della Nonna dessert are memorable.
What to order: La Giulietta, Polpo E Fagioli, La Campagnola, Torta della Nonna
Address: 972 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A5
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3. Buca Osteria & Enoteca
Buca Osteria & Enoteca blends Italian tradition with contemporary flair. Known for house-cured meats, pizza, and pasta, their Pancetta and Salumi di Buca are must-tries.
The Pancetta pairs cured pork belly with duck egg pasta, while the Salumi offers a variety of cured meats. The Lorighittas with saffron-infused pasta, mussels, and San Marzano tomato is irresistible.
What to order: Salumi di Buca, Gnocco Fritto, Pancetta, Bigoli, Lorighittas
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
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4. Enoteca Sociale
A cherished Roman gem in Toronto, Enoteca Sociale crafts excellent pasta and salumi. The Michelin-recognized spot has a cozy marble bar and specializes in house-made dishes. Start with the Buratta Salad, and don’t miss the aromatic Vitello Tonnato. The Cacio E Pepe, a simple yet stunning dish, is perfect for sharing.
What to order: Burrata Saladi, Cacio E Pepe, Vitello Tonnato
Address: 1288 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7
5. Carisma
Downtown’s Carisma offers a traditional Italian dining experience with 1920s-inspired decor. Start with Carpaccio Di Manzo, thinly sliced beef tenderloin, paired with dry white wine.
Their spicy seafood Calamarata, a mix of seafood in tomato sauce with ring-shaped pasta, is a culinary adventure. The classic Lasagna, with layers of parmigiano and mozzarella, is a crowd-pleaser.
What to order: Carpaccio Di Manzo, Calamarata, Lasagna
Address: 15 Toronto St, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3
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6. Ristorante Sotto Sotto Toronto
Ristorante Sotto Sotto in Toronto offers a romantic, Italian dining experience with a diverse wine selection. The Frittura Mista di Pesce, buttermilk-battered shrimp and calamari, is a great starter. Lighter options include Vongole Veraci In Padella, clams in white wine, and the hearty Il Minestrone soup. End with their Pasticceria Italiana, an assortment of Italian shortbread cookies.
What to order: Frittura Mista di Pesce, Vongole Veraci In Padella, Il Minestrone, Pasticceria Italiana
Address: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4
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7. Il Covo
Il Covo in Little Italy specializes in handmade fresh pasta with a Venetian touch. The cozy space features a marble bar and intimate nooks. Start with the Focaccia “Margherita”, featuring homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. The Agnello & Anguria, a rack of lamb with watermelon salad, is a favorite, and the Tartufo Affogato al Cafe is a must-try dessert.
What to order: Focaccia “Margherita”, Agnello & Anguria, Tartufo Affogato al Cafe.
Address: 585 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B2
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8. La Fenice
In Toronto’s Entertainment District, La Fenice offers authentic Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, and Canadian steaks. The cozy, art-filled space sets the stage for starters like the Soup Of The Day. Their Chicken Milanese, breaded boneless chicken breast with mozzarella and tomato sauce, and the creamy, perfectly cooked Mushroom Risotto are standout dishes.
What to order: Chicken Milanese, Mushroom Risotto, Soup Of The Day
Address: 319-A King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J5
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9. Gusto 101
Gusto 101, set in a revamped garage in downtown Toronto, is perfect for wood-fired grill dishes or rooftop patio wines. The Carpaccio, with beef, pecorino, and cured egg, is a top starter. The Gusto “Americano” Burger, with Angus beef and caramelized onions, pairs well with the Italian Green Goddess salad, a mix of greens, snow peas, and watermelon radish.
What to order: Gusto “Americano” Burger, Torta Di Formaggio, Carpaccio, Italian Green Goddess
Address:
-101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3
-1121 Castlefield Ave, Toronto, ON M6B 1E8
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10. Sugo
Sugo, at Bloor and Lansdowne Streets, is a classic Italian spot welcoming you like family. The menu features the Eggplant Parmigiana Cutlet, Pomodoro, and Chicken Parmigiana Cutlet. The Eggplant Parmigiana, crispy and slathered in sugo sauce, is a must-try, as is the Pomodoro, with Parmesan melting into the warm pasta for an umami boost.
What to order: Eggplant Parmigiana Cutlet, Pomodoro, Meatball Sandwich
Address: 1281 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7
11. Piano Piano Restaurant
Piano Piano, embodying the phrase “slowly slowly we go further,” offers a timelessly elegant Italian dining experience. Their Rigatoni & Meatball is a pasta highlight, with rich tomato sauce and tender meatballs.
Pizza enthusiasts should try the Sweet Hornet, a unique blend of spicy soppressata, black olives, and hot honey, or the lighter Fun Guy with roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions.
What to order: The Sweet Hornet, The Fun Guy, Rigatoni & Meatball, Veal Parmesan, 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
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12. Terrazza
Terrazza in Toronto exudes a homey Italian atmosphere, complete with a romantic garden-view patio. Their pizzas, especially the Giuseppe and Piccante with spicy salami, are a hit.
The Piccante blends spicy sausage and hot peppers, while the Giuseppe offers a healthier twist with roasted herbs and veggies. Also, don’t miss their Chicken Parmesan, a pan-fried delight served with linguine.
What to order: Giuseppe, Piccante, Chicken Parmesan, Shrimp Linguini, Ravioli
Address: 372 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1H9
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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.