Top 13 Italian Restaurants in Downtown Toronto

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Who doesn’t like Italian food? They are tasty and enjoyable for most people. Whether you’re an Italian in Toronto or just a traveler looking for delicious Italian food, you can find the best Italian restaurants in downtown Toronto. 

Some of these restaurants are romantic enough to stay on the list of date ideas in Toronto. So, enjoy your time with friends, family, or your partner in one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto.

Now, let’s see where to eat Italian food in Toronto.

Find Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown Toronto

From traditional pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas and decadent desserts, the following Italian restaurants in downtown Toronto offer a delicious and authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of the city.

1- Speducci Mercatto – Italian Restaurant in Yorkdale District 

Whether you want to eat Italian food or just buy ingredients to cook pizza yourself, you can always count on Speducci. 

The chef at this luxury Italian restaurant in Toronto has international awards, including Gold and Silver Spoon for risotto and a bronze medal at the ExpoGast World Championships. These awards guarantee that Speducci will not disappoint its guests.

Speducci Mercatto has three menus: 

• Brunch Menu, 
• Take-Out Menu, 
• Dine-In Menu. 

Additionally, Speducci offers great sites for different events. For example, if you want to try Italian food with your family or need a quiet place for a business lunch, you can reserve a private dining room with 16 comfortable seats. 

If you want to enjoy a party at a restaurant, Speducci’s STILE room is the perfect choice for you. It has 120 seats with a spacious dance floor.

• Speducci Restaurant Location: Yorkdale District
• Operation Hours: Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM-Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

2- Ardo Restaurant: Sicilian Food in Downtown Toronto  

Sicilian cuisine is characterized by its unique blend of flavors and influences, which set it apart from other Italian regional cuisines. If you have been living in Sicily, you may know the difference this type of Italian food has. 

Ardo Restaurant is one of the few Toronto Italian restaurants that focus on Sicilian dishes. The restaurant owner, Chef Robert Marotta, is originally from the northeast coast of the island. Therefore, he is a highly skilled professional in creating dishes that transport you to the authentic flavors of Sicily.

Cocktails and wine lists along with a “spuntini” or snack menu are good reasons to eat at this restaurant. Also, try releasing a chair overlooking the kitchen. Here, you can watch magical events and chat with the chef while he or she takes you to the Mediterranean.

Ardo Location: King St East.

Operation Hours:

On Saturdays, dinner is available from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Lunch, Aperitivo, and Dinner are served Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM. 

3- Buca Osteria and Bar- Italian Restaurant in Toronto with Seafood Menu

With a diverse menu featuring Italian cuisine and seafood, Buca Osteria is an ideal option for groups with varying tastes. Whether you like pasta downtown Toronto or want to taste a savory house-made salumi di mara, you are at the right place. 

Buca Osterio has two Italian restaurants in Toronto, one in Yorkville and the other in King West. Therefore, no matter which side of the city you stay, you can get to this restaurant easily.

Furthermore, the branch in Yorkville is very close to the Ontario Royal Museum, one of the best museums in Toronto. 

Therefore, you can enjoy your dinner after a long day exploring the museums and attractions in downtown Toronto.

• Buca Osteria Location: Yorkville, and King West Street (Two Branches) 
• Operation Hours: All days from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

4- Ascari Enoteca- Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto East 

Queen Street East is home to many Italian restaurants in Toronto downtown, one of them is Ascari Enoteca, a well-known place for individuals who want to taste Italian food and wines.

Since the restaurant has a rustic bar, you can enjoy your time without having to order any food. So, you can think about Ascari Enoteca as one of the places to enjoy Toronto’s nightlife.

Ascari Enoteca restaurant has a menu of shared food, which is more affordable for people who don’t eat much. 

• Ascari Enoteca Location: Leslieville
• Operation Hours: All days 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  

5- Don Alfonso 1890 – The Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto in 2023 

Looking for a romantic place to enjoy Italian food in Toronto? Don Alfonso 1890 is the perfect choice for you. It is considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto offering a wonderful view of the port and the city with a great menu of delicious Italian food. 

Don Alfonso 1890 is a 3-star Michelin restaurant located in Casa Loma in Harbourfront. So, if you are staying in a studio apartment in downtown Toronto, you are very close to this restaurant and can enjoy its savory dishes several times. 

However, for a restaurant like Don Alfonso, with many awards and prizes, you should expect a more expensive menu. But it can be a memorable dinner for you and your loved ones. 

Location: Harbourfront 

Operation Hours:

• Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM

• Sunday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

• Monday: Closed

• Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

6- Pizzeria Libretto – The Best Italian Restaurant in Toronto for Vegetarians

What if you are on a special diet? Don’t worry, you can still find the best Italian restaurants in Toronto. 

For vegans and people who are on a gluten-free diet, Pizzeria Libretto offers special food. The chef at this restaurant prepares gluten-free crust for pizza and other Italian foods. Therefore, you can order your food without worrying about it having wheat or meat. 

But this restaurant is not just for vegans or vegetarians, it offers Neapolitan dishes. You should taste its so-called VPN Pizza to enjoy the local natural ingredients of Naples. 

Pizzeria Libretto has three branches in Toronto. One of them is located in the University District in downtown Toronto. Therefore, if you are staying in a studio apartment in Adelaide street, you can get to this apartment on foot. 

• Pizzeria Libretto Location: University District
• Operation Hours:  Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM – Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM

7- Carisma Restaurant- Top Italian Restaurant in Downton Toronto 

Looking for a classy restaurant to gather with your friends and enjoy Italian food in Toronto? As the name indicates, Carisma is one of the most charismatic Italian restaurants in downtown Toronto.

Since this restaurant has a mouthwatering menu for desserts, you can enjoy your evenings and taste chocolate gelato at this restaurant.

Don’t forget to taste its special white wines and cocktails. You can also reserve the restaurant for your parties and events. 

Carisma Restaurant Location: Downtown Toronto, Adelaide St East. 

Operation Hours: 

• Monday to Friday: Lunch: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Dinner: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Saturday: Dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

8- Toca- An Italian Restaurant in Downtown Toronto Close to CN Tower 

Do not confuse the name of this restaurant with tacos, which is a Mexican dish! This Italian restaurant in Toronto is called Toca.

One of the points of this restaurant is its proximity to CN Tower, the most popular landmark in Toronto. So, enjoy your dinner at Toca and then go observe the city from the top of this tower.

Toca restaurant chefs have made a special menu for events like New Year, Valentine’s Day, or other events. Therefore, you will have extraordinary experiences on these special dates. 

Toca restaurant chefs have made a special menu for events like New Year, Valentine’s Day, or other events. Therefore, you will have extraordinary experiences on these special dates. 

Toca Location: Downtown Toronto, Wellington Street West.

Operation Hours:

• Monday to Friday: Lunch: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM- Dinner: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Saturday: Dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

9- La Fenice- Italian Restaurant in Downtown Toronto 

La Fenice is one of the other great Italian restaurants in downtown Toronto close to CN Tower, which is within walking distance of this restaurant. Additionally, Le Feince is one of the oldest restaurants in Toronto, dating back to 1984. So, its food is more classic and nostalgic. 

La Fenice has been around for several years and guarantees high-quality Italian food in Toronto. Having Italian food in this restaurant makes you feel like you’re in Italy. 

Don’t think of this restaurant as an outdated place. It has collected many love stories inside its heart. You will feel this vibe when you enter this restaurant. 

La Fenice Location: King Street West. 

Operation Hours:

• Sunday: Closed
• Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

10- Figo- Italian Food in Toronto with a Contemporary Twist

The Entertainment District has housed many great Italian restaurants in Toronto. One is Figo, an Italian restaurant offering more than just traditional pizza or pasta.

The well-designed dining room at Figo welcomes everyone to this restaurant. But the menu is more exciting than the design. Using new methods and contemporary techniques to make food has turned this restaurant into an extraordinary place to eat Italian food that tastes different.

Furthermore, with an open kitchen, Figo restaurant is not afraid to showcase how they prepare food. So, do you want to know how they cook your pizza? You don’t have to go into the kitchen; the kitchen is next to you.

Figo Location: Adelaide Street West. 

Operation Hours:

• Sunday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

11. Bar Vendetta

Bar Vendetta is an Italian restaurant Toronto downtown offering a relaxed vibe and a focus on handmade pasta, small plates, and great wines. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a casual meal in the neighborhood.

What to Expect:

• Delicious Handmade Pastas: Try the “Corzetti” with walnuts and zucchini or the “cacio e pepe” with ricotta, lemon zest, and black pepper.
• Fresh Salads: The “Puntarelle salad”, made with chicory, parmesan, pumpkin seed brittle, and anchovy dressing, is a standout.
• Wine Selection: A wide range of Old World and Mediterranean wines, plus a few local options.
• Drinks and Small Plates: Pair your meal with highball cocktails or share a few small dishes.

Bar Vendetta is ideal for anyone wanting a simple yet flavorful Italian meal in downtown Toronto.

Location: 928 Dundas St. W., Toronto

Operation Hours: All days 5 pm-10:30 pm for dinner

12. Enoteca Sociale

This Roman-inspired restaurant offers a cozy patio perfect for enjoying Italian food and people-watching. The menu by Chef Kyle Rindinella features simple, seasonal dishes like classic cacao e pepe and fresh salads made with local ingredients.

Why Visit Enoteca Sociale?

• Italian Wine Collection: One of the best selections in the city.
• Fresh and Seasonal Menu: Highlights include pasta dishes and salads made with Ontario’s finest produce.
• Family-Style Dining: Ideal for groups, with shared dishes served in a unique wine cellar setting.

A great choice for food lovers looking for authentic Italian restaurants in downtown Toronto.

Location: 1288 Dundas St. W., Toronto

Operation Hours: All days 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

13. Blaze Pizza

If you’re looking to taste flavorful pizza downtown Toronto, Blaze Pizzapizza is the best option. Blaze Pizza offers quick and delicious custom pizzas made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This spot is perfect for those who love to personalize their meals.

Why Blaze Pizza?

• Fast and Fresh: Pizzas are ready in just 180 seconds thanks to their blazing hot ovens.
• Customizable Options: Over 30 toppings to choose from, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
• Crust Choices: Gluten-free, cauliflower, vegan high-rise, and more.

Location: 10 Dundas St. East

Operation Hours:

• Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Wednesday: Closed

Blaze Pizza is a great choice for a quick, satisfying meal that caters to all tastes and dietary preferences.

Bottom Line 

You don’t have to be Italian to love Italian food. That’s why many travelers search for Italian food in their destinations. Food lovers don’t have to worry about finding the best Italian restaurants in Toronto. This city has many great places for foodies. 

FAQs

1-Are There Any Italian Restaurants in Toronto that Offer Gluten-Free or Vegan Options?

Yes, for people with special diet, Pizzeria Libretto is the best Italian restaurant in Toronto. They offer special menu with gluten-free and vegan pizza and other Italian foods. 

2-Where Can I Find Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Toronto?

You can find authentic Neapolitan pizza in Toronto at several renowned pizzerias that adhere to the strict standards set by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) for making traditional Neapolitan pizza. Some popular spots known for serving authentic Neapolitan pizza in Toronto include:

• Pizzeria Libretto,
• Pizza e Pazzi,
• Queen Margherita Pizza.

Looking for Short rental stays near Italian Restaurants Downtown Toronto?

If you are going to stay in Toronto for a short time, you can try one of our affordable and yet luxury stays:

• Premium Apartment by Hilton by Eaton | Short Term Furnished Rentals Toronto
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• Skyscraper Core Biz District | Eaton Center Down Town Toronto
• Panoramic Furnished SkyView by Sheraton, Trump & Hilton Hotels in DownTown Toronto
• Hotel Style Condo by Hilton Hotel – Furnished and Affordable Short Term Rental
• High Rise Studio Apartment Downtown Toronto | Short Term Rentals
• Penthouse in Core Biz District Toronto – Furnished and Affordable Short Term Rental

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