Italian Restaurants, Toronto: My choices
Toronto’s vibrant Italian food scene has long been a beloved part of the city’s rich culinary landscape. From hearty pasta dishes to pizza topped with fresh ingredients, the city offers a feast for the senses, especially in areas like Little Italy and Kensington Market. But beyond the classics, Toronto is home to a wealth of Italian restaurants offering regional and contemporary twists on traditional fare. Here’s a look at some of my favorite spots to grab Italian cuisine—whether it’s for their mouth-watering mushroom pastas, rich rosé sauces, or perfectly crafted pizzas.
And just to be clear, this list isn’t in any particular order—because each of these spots brings something unique to the table!
Enoteca Sociale is a must-visit for its delicious carbonara. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, this gem focuses on rustic Italian fare with an emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Their pasta is always fresh, and the wine selection is top-notch—a perfect pairing for any dish.
📍1288 Dundas St West, Toronto, Ontario M6J1X7
At Giulietta, you can’t go wrong with their grilled octopus and pappardelle, especially if you’re a fan of red sauce. This modern Italian eatery has a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, making every bite an experience. They also have a great variety of small plates if you want to try a little bit of everything!
📍972 College Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6H 1A5
Sugo is known for its rich, red sauce-heavy dishes and generous portions at a great price. With a charming mom-and-pop vibe, this place often divides opinions—people either love it or have a strong dislike for it—but it’s definitely worth a visit to form your own opinion.
📍1281 Bloor Street West.
Grazie is an excellent option for families, offering halal choices (ask to confirm). With solid portions and a plethora of menu options, it’s perfect for casual dining. They have two convenient locations in Vaughan and Midtown, making it easy to enjoy their wood-fired pizzas.
📍Toronto – 2373 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C8
📍Vaughan – 9100 Jane St, Concord, ON L4K 0A4
With two locations (Lakeshore Etobicoke and Uptown), La Vecchia is renowned for its fantastic pizza and delicious tagliatelle. This cozy spot is an absolute must for its simple, yet elegant take on Italian cuisine, making it a dream for anyone who appreciates fresh ingredients and great flavours.
📍90 Marine Parade Dr, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4G1
📍2405 Yonge St A, Toronto, ON M4P 2E7
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant
Known as “the nose,” Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant is a traditional Italian eatery where you’ll see a quirky nose sculpture upon arrival. It’s perfect for a romantic night out or a casual meal with friends, featuring a blend of classic and contemporary dishes that always leave a lasting impression.
📍1220 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L7
7 Numbers has two locations (Danforth and Eglinton) in Toronto. It may not be upscale, but it offers good food that appeals to many. Personally, I didn’t love it, but I’m sure others will have a different experience.
📍516 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1A5
📍307 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N7
At Tutti Matti, diners rave about the passionate owner and chef who brings an authentic touch to the menu. This casual yet sophisticated option is perfect for those who love traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
📍364 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1R7
For a contemporary take, Gusto 101 is the place to be, especially for mushroom lovers like me. Their pizza and mushroom pasta, paired with a chopped salad, never disappoints. This restaurant blends classic Italian flavors with exciting, seasonal ingredients. Check out their other location Gusto 501.
📍101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3
📍501 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1L9
As someone who loves a good rosé sauce, I often crave dishes that are creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced. One of my personal favorites is a mushroom pasta that always hits the spot, especially when it’s fresh and flavorful. However, my husband isn’t a fan of pasta (he’s a heavy meat guy- I know, the struggle is real!), so I don’t get to indulge in it as much as I’d like. Instead, we often go for pizza, but every now and then, I just can’t resist a good pasta craving.
Whether it’s pizza or pasta, Toronto has no shortage of Italian restaurants to satisfy every craving. So, I’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite Italian restaurant in the city?
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