You're Not A True Torontonian Unless You've Tried 6 Out Of These 12 Italian Restaurants
Toronto's restaurant scene has an array of cuisine types, and lucky for all the pasta lovers out there, there is no shortage of delicious Italian food.
You can basically find an Italian restaurant on every corner of Toronto, but some are more well-known than others. Whether you've lived in the 6ix for a while or are a newcomer to the city, there are some spots that you simply must try at least once to consider yourself a local.
And so, to test your true Torontonian-ness, we've compiled a list of 12 of the best Italian restaurants in the 6ix, and if you've dined in at least six of them, you can consider yourself a "true Torontonian" in our books.
Good luck!
Terroni
Price: 💸💸
Address: Various locations.
Why You Need To Go: You simply cannot have a list of Toronto's best Italian restaurants without mentioning Terroni. The restaurant has been a staple in the city since 1992, and each location has its own unique feel to it.
For example, Terroni on Adelaide is in the former York County Courthouse, and they've kept its history intact. In the summer they have a hidden outdoor patio that's perfect for a refreshing Aperol Spritz. In the winter the fireplace will surely get you in the mood for Italian wine.
The menu features fan favourites like pizza and pasta and a range of appetizers and salads.
Don't miss out on the tiramisu.
Trattoria Nervosa
Price: 💸💸
Address: 75 Yorkville Ave, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Nested in Toronto's Yorkville area Trattoria Nervosa is a restaurant that won't disappoint. In the summer, they have a rooftop that opens up and lets the sunshine in and during the winter, the vibes are still warm and summery.
Trattoria Nervosa transports you to a restaurant in Italy and their lasagna will prove my point.
The restaurant has been in Yorkville since 1996 and continues to be a fan-favourite in the neighbourhood, so be prepared to wait in line for a table, but it's so worth it.
Gusto 101
Price: 💸💸
Address: 101 Portland St, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Known for its Mafalde Al Funghi, also known as the mushroom pasta, Gusto 101 has made a name for itself in the city because of how good that dish is.
The restaurant is tucked away on Portland Street, in the Toronto Entertainment District and has a vibe you simply cannot miss.
During the winter sitting in the sunroom is the best because it lets in all the natural sun and warmth while you admire the snowfall.
Besides their pasta, the Branzino is another dish that cannot be overlooked. It is simply delicious.
Cibo Wine Bar
Price: 💸💸
Address: Various locations.
Why You Need To Go: There are various Cibo's in the city, and each location has its own personality. But one thing they have in common is the wine.
Cibo has a long list of wines, and you'll probably notice that from the moment you walk through the doors because there are so many bottles displayed as part of the restaurant's decor!
Cibo is a staple and has quite a diverse menu, so you will definitely find something you'd like on their menu. Also, the pizza oven in the restaurant makes ordering a pie a little more enticing, doesn't it?
Eataly
Price: 💸💸
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: Eataly is a lot more than a restaurant. In fact, it's basically a department store for all things Italian.
Eataly has a grocery store filled with fresh and imported goods, but they've also got many different things to enjoy at their many restaurants.
If you haven't been to Eataly yet, make sure to give yourself some extra time to explore — you'll need it.
PIANO PIANO
@narcitytoronto The elegant Italian restaurant has taken TikTok by storm with its affordable lunch special offering a high-end three-course meal at a modest rate. You can choose an appetizer, pizza or pasta and ice cream or Nutella tiramisu for $34 at any of its locations for in-person dining seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. After seeing countless TikToks on her FYP, Brooke decided to check it out to see if it actually lived up to the hype. #pianopiano #toronto #torontofoodie #ontario #narcity #canada
Price: 💸💸
Address: Various locations.
Why You Need To Go: PIANO PIANO hasn't been in the city for a long time but has placed its mark in Toronto. They've got a lunch deal that people cannot pass up and that's caught the attention of many Torontonians.
For $34, you can enjoy a three-course meal every day of the week between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and the offerings are delicious.
Additionally, their decor is so beautiful that you'll want to dress cute for your visit.
Ristorante Sotto Sotto
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: If you want to dine like Drake, checking out Sotto Sotto would be the way to go. In fact, it's one of Drake's favourite Toronto restaurants, and so your chances of bumping into him are kind of high.
Sotto Sotto has been a staple Italian restaurant in the Yorkville area for over 30 years and is still as popular as ever before.
From salads, soups, pastas, fish and more, you can expect to have authentic Italian food.
Oretta
Price: 💸💸
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: Oretta is an Italian restaurant in Toronto with exquisite decor and a happy hour worth checking out.
From 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every weekday, diners can get their hands on food and drinks starting at $6! From pizzas to pasta and more, the deal is too good not to check out.
Also, during the summer, the King Street West location has a patio that brightens up the whole street with its beautiful and vibrant decor.
Sugo
@macyandwill we've been meaning to go here for literally MONTHS #sugo #sugotoronto #toronto #torontoitalianfood #torontofoodspots #torontofood #torontofoodreview #torontofoodie
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1281 Bloor St W, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Sugo is an Italian American restaurant that has gone viral on TikTok for its scrumptious spaghetti and massive meatballs.
The aesthetic is vintage, and bringing your viral Canon digital camera with you to snap some photos would be perfect for the vibe check.
Dimmi Bar & Trattoria
Price: 💸💸
Address: 140 Cumberland St, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: If you've never been to Dimmi's, then you should because it is delicious. This Italian restaurant serves classics like pizza and pasta, but they also have hot sandwiches, a whole bunch of appetizers and risotto.
The Yorkville gem overlooks a quaint street and square where people-watching is the main activity.
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice
@__alicekim Visit TikTok to discover videos!
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1220 Queen St E, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Tucked away in Leslieville, this Italian restaurant has a massive nose at its entrance, and it's kind of the symbol behind the spot.
Gio Rana's Really Really Nice has vintage pictures hung all over the walls, candles to light up the space and a heartwarming menu that will make you feel all cozy inside.
Don Alfonso 1890
@krystlengamann Will this be one of the first restaurants in Toronto to receive a coveted Michelin star? Have you been to Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto? #donalfonsotoronto #donalfonsoto #torontofood #torontorestaurants #torontorestaurantreview #torontodateideas #thingstodointoronto
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Address: Harbour Square, 38th Floor, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: This Toronto restaurant has been named one of the best Italian restaurants outside of Italy, and if you don't believe it, even the Michelin Guide has given it a star.
At this fine-dining Italian restaurant, you can expect to eat in the sky as you enjoy your meal in a restaurant surrounded by glass and with a bird-eye view of the city.
They've got much more than the simple Margherita pizza and spaghetti bolognese you might expect. Instead, this Michelin Star restaurant serves ravioli stuffed with West Coast crab and 35 days dry aged Japanese wagyu rib-eye.
Ristorante Sociale sign.
The bar at Ristorante Sociale.
The dining room at Ristorante Sociale.
Dancer at Ristorante Sociale.
Appetizers at Ristorante Sociale.
Cacio e Pepe at Ristorante Sociale.
Branzino at Ristorante Sociale.
Dessert at Ristorante Sociale.
Cocktails at Ristorante Sociale.
Drinks at Ristorante Sociale.
