Does Toronto have some of the best Italian food? It just might. From cozy family-run trattorias to trendy modern osterias, Toronto’s Italian food scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re craving the comfort of traditional recipes passed down through generations or the excitement of fusion dishes blending Italian flavours with influences from around the world, Toronto offers it all.
We have rounded up our top 10 picks for the best Italian food in Toronto — a delicious mix of classics, hidden gems, and bold newcomers redefining Italian cuisine in the city. Mangiamo!
Table of Contents: The 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto
- Pizzeria Via Mercanti – family-run Italian restaurant famous for its pizza
- Gusto 101 – Modern Southern Italian cuisine
- Cibo Wine Bar – Classic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list
- Cafe Renée – French-Italian cuisine
- Sugo – Italian-American classics
- Cassius – Upscale modern Italian resto-club
- La Salumeria – Toronto’s best Italian sandwich
- Radici Project – Italian-Japanese fusion
- Piano Piano – Playful Italian restaurant
- Fresca’s Pizza – Neighbourhood pizzeria with big slices
Pizzeria Via Mercanti
Family-run Italian restaurant famous for its pizza
188 Augusta Ave | pizzeriaviamercanti.ca
Tucked inside Kensington Market, Pizzeria Via Mercanti is a family-run gem that brings the flavours of Naples straight to Toronto. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade dough, and warm, down-to-earth atmosphere, this spot captures the spirit of authentic Italian dining. With over 40 years of experience, they are known for their perfectly blistered Margherita pizza. It is no wonder that the restaurant was crowned the winner of Best in Chow’s hit show “Pizza Wars.”
Local tip: Sometimes featured on our Kensington Market ‘Taste the World’ Food Tour, this is a must-try stop for anyone who loves a truly authentic pizza experience. Don’t miss their $18 weekday lunch special or Nutella pizza for dessert.
Gusto 101
Modern Southern Italian cuisine
101 Portland St | gusto101.com
Did you know that Gusto (pronounced Goo-sto) means “tasty” in Italian? Located in Toronto’s Fashion District, Gusto 101 lives up to its name with bold flavours and a modern twist on Italian classics. Set inside a converted auto garage, this stylish spot serves hearty dishes like their signature Mafalde Al Funghi, a creamy truffle pasta that has become one of Toronto’s most loved plates. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, with an open kitchen and a rooftop patio that’s perfect for summer dining.
Local tip: Stop by for their happy hour menu, now serving amazing drink and food deals Monday through Friday from 3–5 p.m.
Cibo Wine Bar
Classic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list
522 King St W | cibowinebar.com
Located in two of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods — King West and Yorkville — Cibo Wine Bar blends rustic Italian charm with a stylish, energetic atmosphere. The menu highlights authentic southern Italian cuisine, featuring house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a curated wine list displayed on their iconic floor-to-ceiling wine wall. Whether you’re joining for a casual lunch or a late-night outing, Cibo offers an unforgettable dining experience for any occasion.
Local tip: Cibo Wine Bar is known for its unbeatable weekly deals.
Cafe Renée
French-Italian cuisine
100 Portland St | cafereneebar.com
How does French-Italian sound? Nestled along Portland Street, Café Renée brings a romantic European flair to Toronto’s dining scene. This lively brasserie combines French technique with Italian comfort. Guests can enjoy French-inspired pastas, weekend brunch, a martini happy hour, and a late-night menu perfect for winding down the evening. With its charming garden patio and extensive wine and cocktail list, it’s an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and nights out with friends.
Local tip: Try the signature Ravioles du Dauphiné, a cheese-filled ravioli in brown butter sauce, and be sure to book a reservation in advance, as Cafe Renée fills up quickly.
Sugo
Italian-American classics
1281 Bloor St W | sugotoronto.com
Looking for comfort food that tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen? Sugo has you covered. This cozy spot serves hearty red-sauce favourites like spaghetti and meatballs, veal parmigiana, and penne alla vodka. With its bold flavours, welcoming atmosphere, and quick service, Sugo has become one of Toronto’s most talked-about Italian restaurants. Right next door, their sister restaurant Bar Sugo (1279 Bloor St W) offers a more elevated dining experience with craft cocktails, wine, and a curated menu that pairs perfectly with a night out.
Local tip: Sugo does not take reservations, so plan to arrive early or be ready for a short wait during dinner rush. It is worth it for their famous veal sandwich and rich tomato sauce.
Cassius
Upscale modern Italian resto-club
624 King St W | cassiusonking.com
Opened in April 2025, Cassius on King brings a refined yet modern energy to Toronto’s King West dining scene. The atmosphere is a moody blend of old-school Italian opulence and contemporary design, featuring mirror-polished columns, backlit banquettes, and warm lighting that creates an elevated setting for dinner. The menu highlights beautifully presented modern Italian classics, including fresh pasta, seafood, and signature entrées made with high-quality ingredients.
Local tip: Visit for an elevated dinner experience and stay for the late-night atmosphere as the space transitions from upscale dining to a vibrant supper-club scene.
La Salumeria
Toronto’s best Italian sandwich
Are you ready to try the best Italian sandwich in Toronto? La Salumeria has been serving the city for over 40 years, earning a loyal following for its incredible deli sandwiches stacked with premium Italian meats, cheeses, and house-made sauces. This family-run Midtown shop is a true neighbourhood staple, offering both authentic panini and shelves full of imported pastas, olive oils, and gourmet ingredients that transport you straight to Italy.
Local tip: Order the mortadella sandwich or let the staff craft a custom panino for you!
Radici Project
Italian-Japanese fusion
588 College St | radiciproject.ca
Radici Project delivers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that blends the traditions of Italy and Japan through a sustainable, local lens. Founded by chef Emiliano Del Frate and sake sommelier Kayo Ito, the restaurant is dedicated to heritage, craftsmanship, and farm-to-table dining. Each dish is inventive yet grounded, featuring combinations like beet-dough tajarin in garum butter or olive-oil-poached halibut finished over binchōtan charcoal.
Local tip: For the best experience, order the chef’s tasting menu and let the team guide you through their favourite seasonal dishes and pairings.
Piano Piano
Playful Italian restaurant
88 Harbord St | pianopianotherestaurant.com
Founded by chef Victor Barry, this vibrant restaurant is loved for its playful take on traditional Italian cuisine, with favourites like Mafaldine alla Vodka, Fun Guy pizza, and decadent tiramisu. Each location has its own unique personality, from the pink floral interiors at the original Harbord Street spot to the stylish downtown and uptown settings that carry the same charm. Piano Piano is just one of those restaurants that never goes wrong!
Local tip: Piano Piano is popular for both date nights and family dinners, so reservations are recommended.
Fresca’s Pizza
Neighbourhood pizzeria with big slices
Located in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Kensington Market area, Fresca’s Pizza offers large slices, thin-crust perfection, and a comforting home-style vibe. Founded by the Huynh family, this spot has earned its reputation for consistently solid pizzas, signature house-made basil garlic oil, and value that keeps people coming back.
Local tip: Fresca’s Pizza serves an unbeatable slice – and depending on the day, it may be one of the delicious stops featured on our Kensington Market ‘Taste the World’ Food Tour!
Join us on a food tour to experience the flavours of Toronto
If exploring the best Italian food in Toronto has left you hungry for more, join Tasty Tours on a Toronto food tour. Our guided food tours take you behind the scenes of the city’s most delicious neighbourhoods, including the Kensington Market ‘Taste the World’ Food Tour where we sometimes feature local favourites like Fresca’s Pizza and Pizzeria Via Mercanti — and so much more. Discover the stories, people, and passion that make Toronto one of the best food cities in the world.
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