Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and its food scene is a true reflection of that diversity. While the city is celebrated for everything from innovative fusion dining to hole-in-the-wall hidden gems, few cuisines have captured the hearts of Torontonians quite like Italian. Whether it’s a casual slice of Neapolitan pizza, a plate of handmade pasta drizzled with truffle oil, or an elegant seafood risotto paired with a fine Italian wine, Toronto offers countless ways to experience the flavors of Italy without ever leaving the city.
Italian food in Toronto is more than just comfort—it’s culture. Families gather over heaping bowls of spaghetti on Sunday nights, couples share pizza on bustling patios, and groups of friends toast with Aperol spritzes before diving into antipasti. From cozy trattorias in Leslieville to upscale ristorantes in Yorkville, the city’s Italian restaurants serve as both neighborhood anchors and destination dining spots.
But with so many choices, where do you begin? That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve curated a list of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, ranging from rustic, old-world favorites to modern and playful takes on tradition. Whether you’re after the most romantic Italian restaurant in Toronto for a special night out, or a lively downtown spot for pasta and wine with friends, you’ll find the perfect option below.
Looking for even more fine dining in Toronto?
If you want to go beyond traditional trattorias and explore Toronto’s world-class culinary scene, be sure to check out my full guide to the Michelin Star Restaurants in Toronto. From luxurious tasting menus to creative, modern Italian and global cuisine, these award-winning spots are redefining fine dining in the city. Read the guide here »
Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto
Table of Contents
1. Terroni – A Toronto Classic for Authentic Italian Food
Terroni is a household name in Toronto’s food scene and a must-visit for anyone craving truly authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in the early 1990s, Terroni has grown from a single Queen West café into multiple bustling locations across the city. Its reputation comes from a dedication to traditional Italian cooking techniques—Terroni famously enforces a strict no substitutions or modifications policy to preserve the integrity of each dish.
What makes Terroni special is its consistency. No matter which location you visit, you’ll find wood-fired pizzas with the perfect balance of chewy crust and fresh toppings, handmade pastas that taste straight out of Rome, and a wine list filled with Italian varietals.
Must-try dishes include:
- Spaghetti al Limone
- Margherita Pizza with buffalo mozzarella
- Cannoli or Tiramisu for dessert
Why go: Terroni is great for casual dinners, family outings, or date nights when you want authentic Italian food without the fuss of fine dining.
2. Buca – Rustic Elegance & Handmade Pasta
If you’re looking for upscale dining that still honors rustic Italian traditions, Buca is the place to be. Consistently ranked among the top Italian restaurants in Toronto, Buca is known for its refined yet adventurous menu. Every dish reflects a deep respect for Italian culinary history while embracing innovation.
The ambiance is warm and intimate, with exposed brick, candlelit tables, and a chic but unpretentious atmosphere. Chef Rob Gentile’s focus on house-cured meats, seasonal ingredients, and handmade pasta sets Buca apart.
Signature dishes worth trying:
- Bigoli (duck egg pasta with duck offal ragù)
- Thin-crust Roman-style pizzas
- A legendary selection of salumi
Why go: Buca is ideal for food lovers who want to experience Italian dining at its finest. It’s also one of the best spots in the city for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
3. Eataly Toronto – A Marketplace of Italian Delights
Eataly is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Located in Yorkville, Eataly Toronto is a sprawling Italian marketplace that combines grocery shopping, casual dining, and upscale restaurants under one roof. If you’re passionate about Italian food, this is like stepping into heaven.
Guests can choose from multiple sit-down restaurants, grab a slice of Roman-style pizza al taglio, or shop for imported cheeses, meats, and wines. Eataly also offers fresh pasta counters where you can buy handmade pasta to cook at home or enjoy prepared on-site.
Highlights:
- Authentic Neapolitan pizzas baked in wood-fired ovens
- Artisanal gelato made with fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Italian olive oils, truffles, and other specialty products to take home
Why go: Eataly is the perfect destination if you want variety. Whether you’re dining with family, picking up gourmet groceries, or craving an espresso and cannoli, it offers a little bit of everything.
4. Giulietta – Refined Italian Dining on College Street
If fine dining with a contemporary Italian twist is what you’re after, Giulietta is one of Toronto’s crown jewels. Chef Rob Rossi has created a menu that balances simplicity with sophistication, and the results are consistently award-winning.
The restaurant itself is elegant yet unpretentious, with a stylish interior that creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic night out or a celebratory dinner. Giulietta focuses heavily on wood-fired cooking, which infuses a smoky richness into many of its dishes.
Standout menu items include:
- Ricotta-stuffed agnolotti
- Charred octopus
- Classic wood-fired pizzas
Why go: Giulietta is for those who want to enjoy a sophisticated dining experience while savoring some of the best Italian food Toronto has to offer.
5. Gusto 101 – Italian Comfort with a Modern Twist
Housed in a converted auto-body garage, Gusto 101 has become one of the trendiest Italian restaurants in downtown Toronto. With its industrial-chic interior and rooftop patio, it offers an energetic, urban vibe that’s perfect for groups and casual outings.
The food, however, is what keeps people coming back. Gusto 101 is most famous for its Mafalde ai Funghi, a truffle mushroom pasta that has achieved cult status among locals. The restaurant also serves pizzas, hearty salads, and a range of pasta dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Other highlights include:
- Short rib pappardelle
- Grilled branzino
- Tiramisu
And don’t forget about the $1-an-ounce house wine, which makes this spot even more appealing.
Why go: If you’re looking for a lively, social atmosphere paired with consistently delicious Italian comfort food, Gusto 101 should be on your list.
6. Trattoria Nervosa – A Yorkville Favorite
For over two decades, Trattoria Nervosa has been serving Yorkville locals and visitors with hearty Italian classics. Its signature yellow corner building is iconic in the neighborhood, and its rooftop patio is one of the most charming in Toronto.
The restaurant specializes in Southern Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on bold flavors, comforting pastas, and thin-crust pizzas. It’s known for being welcoming and cozy, making it the perfect spot for everything from casual lunches to romantic dinners.
Menu favorites include:
- Penne alla Vodka
- Classic thin-crust pizzas
- Polpette (Italian-style meatballs)
Why go: Nervosa is a balance of charm and authenticity, making it one of the most beloved Italian restaurants in Toronto.
7. Piano Piano – Playful Italian Flavors
Piano Piano brings a fresh, modern twist to Italian dining in Toronto. Known for its playful décor featuring whimsical murals and vibrant colors, the restaurant delivers a fun and welcoming vibe that appeals to diners of all ages.
Despite its modern look, Piano Piano’s menu is firmly rooted in Italian tradition. Expect wood-fired pizzas with chewy, blistered crusts, creamy pastas, and indulgent starters like burrata.
Top recommendations include:
- Rigatoni alla Vodka
- The “Mac Daddy” pizza
- Burrata with seasonal toppings
Why go: Piano Piano is the perfect choice if you want a casual yet memorable Italian dining experience in a lively setting.
8. Ascari Enoteca – A Hidden Gem for Pasta Lovers
Tucked away in Leslieville, Ascari Enoteca is a hidden gem that pasta lovers swear by. The restaurant is named after Italian race car driver Alberto Ascari, and while it’s a cozy neighborhood spot, its food is anything but ordinary.
The menu focuses on handmade pastas and a carefully curated wine list. Ascari’s minimalist approach to décor allows the food to truly shine, making it one of the most authentic Italian experiences in Toronto.
Standout dishes include:
- Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
- Cacio e Pepe
- Fresh oysters
Why go: Ascari offers the intimacy of a neighborhood trattoria with the quality of a fine dining restaurant. It’s perfect for date nights or quiet evenings when you want pasta that tastes like it was made in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
9. Joso’s – Seafood-Forward Italian with Adriatic Flair
Located on Davenport Road near Yorkville, Joso’s has been a Toronto institution since 1967. Unlike most Italian restaurants in the city, Joso’s specializes in seafood-driven Italian and Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the Dalmatian coast. Its eclectic, art-filled interior and cozy ambiance make dining here a truly unique experience.
The menu is filled with coastal Italian classics and family recipes, including their famous Nero Risotto made with cuttlefish ink, and the Leonardo spaghettini, which combines garlic, wine, lemon, diced octopus, and shrimp. Fresh whole fish, grilled octopus, and shellfish also highlight the offerings.
Why go: Joso’s is a must-visit for seafood lovers and those looking for something different from the pasta-and-pizza norm. It’s one of the best places in Toronto to enjoy coastal Italian flavors with a Mediterranean twist.
10. Sotto Sotto – Romantic, Timeless Italian Dining
For a truly romantic evening, few places compare to Sotto Sotto. Located in Yorkville, this elegant ristorante has long been a favorite of celebrities and locals alike. Its intimate, candlelit atmosphere and attentive service make it the quintessential choice for anniversaries, date nights, and special occasions.
The menu is focused on classic Italian dishes, from seafood risotto to bucatini all’Amatriciana, carpaccio, and delicate antipasti. The wine list is extensive, with Italian varietals that perfectly complement the timeless flavors of the kitchen.
Why go: Sotto Sotto offers a dining experience that feels both luxurious and authentic. If you’re searching for the most romantic Italian restaurant in Toronto, this is it.
Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto by Occasion
With so many incredible Italian restaurants across the city, sometimes the hardest part is deciding where to go. To make it easier, here are our top recommendations based on different occasions and dining styles:
⭐ Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto for a Romantic Date Night
- Sotto Sotto – Candlelit, intimate, and timelessly romantic. Perfect for anniversaries or special evenings.
- Giulietta – Elegant and refined, with award-winning dishes that set the stage for a memorable night.
🍝 Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto for Pasta Lovers
- Ascari Enoteca – Famous for handmade pasta and a cozy neighborhood vibe.
- Gusto 101 – Their mafalde ai funghi is legendary among locals.
🍕 Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto for Pizza in Toronto
- Terroni – Authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies with traditional toppings.
- Piano Piano – Creative pizzas like the “Mac Daddy” make this a fun, modern choice.
🐟 Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto for Seafood-Forward Italian
- Joso’s – Known for grilled octopus, whole fish, and the famous cuttlefish ink risotto.
- Buca – House-cured meats and seafood pastas make it a top choice for adventurous eaters.
🍷 Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto for Wine & Atmosphere
- Trattoria Nervosa – A Yorkville classic with a rooftop patio and warm, welcoming vibe.
- Eataly Toronto – Endless Italian wines by the glass plus gourmet market shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto
What is the most romantic Italian restaurant in Toronto?
Sotto Sotto is widely considered the most romantic Italian restaurant in Toronto. Its candlelit dining rooms, intimate atmosphere, and classic Italian menu make it the perfect choice for anniversaries, date nights, and special occasions.
Where can I find the best pasta in Toronto?
For handmade pasta, Ascari Enoteca and Gusto 101 are top picks. Ascari is known for its house-made tagliatelle and authentic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe, while Gusto 101’s mafalde ai funghi has become one of the city’s most talked-about pasta dishes.
Who makes the best pizza in Toronto?
If you’re craving authentic Neapolitan pizza, Terroni is a classic go-to. For more modern and playful pizzas, Piano Piano is a crowd favorite, especially with options like the “Mac Daddy.”
Which Italian restaurant in Toronto is best for seafood?
Joso’s is the top choice for seafood-focused Italian dining. With its signature cuttlefish ink risotto, grilled octopus, and fresh whole fish, it brings coastal Mediterranean flavors to Toronto.
Is there an Italian food marketplace in Toronto?
Yes, Eataly Toronto in Yorkville is a must-visit Italian food marketplace. It combines restaurants, fresh pasta counters, artisanal gelato, gourmet grocery shopping, and a wine bar all under one roof.
What is the best Italian restaurant in Toronto for groups?
Gusto 101 is one of the best options for group dining. Its lively atmosphere, shareable dishes, rooftop patio, and affordable house wine make it ideal for gatherings with friends.
Planning a trip to Toronto? After indulging in the city’s incredible Italian food scene, make sure to explore everything else Canada’s largest city has to offer — from iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and Distillery District to hidden gems in Kensington Market and along the waterfront. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Toronto for inspiration.
Final Thoughts: Where to Find the Best Italian Restaurants Toronto
Toronto’s Italian dining scene is as rich and varied as the city itself. From the bustling patios of Trattoria Nervosa and Gusto 101 to the candlelit romance of Sotto Sotto, and from the seafood-driven Adriatic plates at Joso’s to the refined artistry of Giulietta, there is no shortage of remarkable places to explore. Each restaurant on this list offers its own interpretation of Italian cuisine, whether rooted in rustic tradition, modern creativity, or coastal inspiration.
What makes Toronto particularly special is that Italian food here goes beyond the expected. Yes, you’ll find incredible pizzas and pastas, but you’ll also discover elevated seafood dishes, innovative twists on classics, and experiences that bring together atmosphere, hospitality, and flavor in unforgettable ways. It’s this combination of quality and diversity that has cemented Toronto as one of the best cities in North America for Italian cuisine.
So, whether you’re a lifelong local, a newcomer to the city, or just visiting for a few days, make it a point to indulge in Toronto’s Italian food scene. Try one of these restaurants on your next night out—or better yet, work your way through the entire list. After all, the best way to experience Toronto is one plate of pasta, one slice of pizza, and one glass of Italian wine at a time.
