Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto: 10 Spots You Can’t Miss

Picking your favorite Italian restaurants in Toronto is like choosing your preferred pieces from a candy bowl. So many good ones offer such diverse experiences it’s hard to pick just one.

The GTA has had Italian heritage for almost as long as the city has existed. It’s creating a well-established cuisine that roots back to the old country and infuses modern flair. Toronto is one of the world’s places for Italian cuisine, and it’s hard to go wrong wherever you eat.

But anyone thinking about Italian for lunch or dinner may want guidance on where to get the best. We’ve decided to discover the ten best Italian restaurants in Toronto to make that choice easier.

Discovering the Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto’s Italian influence spans back to the 19th century, meaning the culture and cuisine have resonated through the city for hundreds of years. That presence has defined the city as one of the world’s premier locations for memorable Italian dishes from all regions of the old country.

There are so many options for Italian food in Toronto that you wouldn’t even know where to begin. These establishments range from upmarket seafood cafes to casual neighborhood eateries, each special and unique in its own right.

But with so much choice, how do you define the go-to Italian restaurants in Toronto? We’ve got a few ideas.

• 10 Top Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto
  • Discovering the Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto
  • What Makes the Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto?
  • The Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Toronto
    • The Old Spaghetti Factory
    • Scaddabush Italian Kitchen
    • Gusto 101
    • Pizzeria Libretto
    • Grazie Ristorante
    • Trattoria Nervosa
    • Sugo
    • Dimmi Bar & Trattoria
    • La Vecchia Restaurant
    • Pizzeria Via Mercanti

What Makes the Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto?

We admit it would be impossible to visit every Italian restaurant in the city, with the constant influx of new and old, the number of options, and other reasons. However, we’ve made it our task to help cuisine enthusiasts pinpoint some of the must-try dining experiences in the GTA.

So how have we narrowed down our top choices? We dined at the most prominent establishments in the city, using these factors to define their quality.

• The tastiness of the dishes

• Decent value for our money
  

• Accommodating customer service

• Accessible location

• Offers a comforting dining experience

• A certain degree of authenticity
  

Using these factors, we set out on an adventure to find locations that all diners could enjoy throughout the far reaches of Toronto, from casual to upmarket restaurants.

There were highlights and anomalies, exciting characters, and some intriguing decor. All these establishments had something unique to offer, incorporating traditional Italian flair in some form.

It wasn’t easy, but we created a list of our favorites.

Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto	Google Rating	No. of Google Reviews
The Old Spaghetti Factory	4.3	6,981
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen	4.3	3,828
Gusto 101	4.4	3,691
Pizzeria Libretto	4.4	2,818
Grazie Ristorante	4.5	2,600
Trattoria Nervosa	4.4	2,240
Sugo	4.7	2,140
Dimmi Bar & Trattoria	4.4	1,017
La Vecchia Restaurant	4.4	1,670
Pizzeria Via Mercanti	4.5	1,455

The Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Toronto

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So with our ideas on what makes the best Italian restaurants in Toronto in mind, let’s reveal our top 10 locations.

The Old Spaghetti Factory

“Serving the best pasta in the city”

What makes the ultimate Italian eatery for us? This restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere, mouth-watering traditional Italian dishes, and decor that makes you feel at home. The Old Spaghetti Factory ticks all the boxes for what makes a top eatery. It is our favorite Italian joint in the city.

The Old Spaghetti Factory is well-known in Toronto as the go-to place to satisfy that itch for some great pasta with bread, soup/salad, and ice cream. It’s excellent value for money, with nobody leaving hungry!

Pricing: Entrees starts at $11.99

Pros:

• All entrees come with extras to make a full-course meal

• Friendly service

• Relaxed, traditional atmosphere great for families

Cons:

• Some patrons don’t like the old decor

• It gets hectic during peak hours

• Complaints of unclean cutlery

Location: 54 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1A6

Google Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 (6,918 reviews)

The Old Spaghetti Factory ranks in our list as top because of the Toronto institution it’s become. No Italian eatery in the city has more praise, scoring a 4.3-star average across nearly 7,000 reviews. So if you’re looking for great Italian without fuss, you know where to go!

Scaddabush Italian Kitchen

“The epitome of authentic Italian cuisine”

Some restaurants can reel you in with their intriguing decor, but you are wholly impressed with their tasty homemade dishes. Scaddabush Italian Kitchen is one of those eateries offering an enticing, elegant interior paired with gorgeous pasta and fresh-made cheeses.

Scaddabush Italian Kitchen pairs the prospect of fine dining with the tenderness, love, and care of homemade Italian cuisine. It’s a fantastic experience through and through, perfect for those date nights where you want a complete escapist atmosphere set around you.

Pricing: Entree starts at $9.97

Pros:

• Enthusiastic service

• The complete package of decor and fantastic food

• The house-made cheeses!

  Cons:

• Notes about cocktails not being so great

• Some instances of rushed food preparation

Location: 200 Front St W Unit #G001, Toronto, ON M5V 3J1

Google Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 (3,828 reviews)

Suppose you’re looking to make more of an experience from your Italian eatery. In that case, Scaddabush creates a unique visit with intriguing decor and flavorful dishes. The restaurant sees a 4.3-star average, with nearly 3,800 reviews backing its worthiness as a top Italian establishment in Toronto.

Gusto 101

“Step into the heart of Calabria”

Who doesn’t love the sun-kissed Southern Italian classics paired with an alluring sip of wine? Gusto 101 cultivates good Calabrian living in the heart of Toronto, serving traditional dishes in a more esoteric, contrasting setting.

Gusto 101 is found in an industrial setting and leverages the extraordinary interior to create a standout dining experience. The food will feel like it comes straight from Nonna’s kitchen but brings a wine tap into the mix to ensure the tastes of Southern Italy constantly flow for your party.

Pricing: Entrees start at $17.00

Pros:

• A very memorable Italian dining experience

• Plenty of options for those with varying dietary requirements

• An ambiance great for groups of friends

Cons:

• The pizzas are not the restaurant’s strong point

• Lacking in some areas of service

• Limited time to enjoy your dinner in peak hours

Location: 101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3

Google Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (3,691 reviews)

Gusto 101 remains another well-established favorite for Toronto locals. Nearly 3,700 reviews are singing this Italian eatery’s praises, dishing up a 4.4-star average, with many diners returning to enjoy the unique setting.

Pizzeria Libretto

“Freshly made pizza that’s cooked to perfection”

Pizzeria Libretto is a chain of restaurants around the city that would often spark concern over quality. However, there’s no denying that these establishments have won the hearts and minds of Toronto locals; their wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are divine.

Pricing: Pizzas start at $18.00

Pros:

• Easy-going joint serving excellent Neapolitan-style pizzas

• The laid-back atmosphere for no-hassle dining

• Satisfying portion sizes

  Cons:

  • Not as accommodating to those with dietary requirements

  • Complaints about inattentive service

  • The takeout system could be better

  Location: 155 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 3B7, Canada

  Google Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 (2,818 reviews)

  We’ll take Pizzeria Libretto’s University store into account as it’s arguably the most popular out of the locations in Toronto. This flagship restaurant enjoys a 4.4-star average with over 2,800 continuing to herald their delicious wood-fired pizzas.
  

  Grazie Ristorante

  “Italian Comfort food at its finest.”

  

  Sometimes we want to get straight to the point and enjoy some familiar Italian comfort food. That notion is why Grazie exists. It’s a well-known establishment in Toronto that keeps things chill and brings classic dishes to the table that are undeniably heartwarming.

  

  Grazie Ristorante is another brand with a few locations throughout Toronto. However, that doesn’t mean the quality suffers because of multiple venues. Their relaxed environments offer the perfect atmosphere to sit with friends and family and enjoy your familiar Italian dishes without any fret or fuss.

  Pricing: Entrees start at $16.00

  Pros:

  • Outstanding balance between portion size and tastiness

  • Very reasonably priced for what you get

  • Pleasant dining ambiance

  Cons:

  • A seemingly significant difference between dine-in and takeout quality

  • Reports of questionable hygiene around the venue

  • Service needs improvement

  Location: 2373 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C8

  
  Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (2,600 reviews)

  Grazie Ristorante enjoys one of the higher ratings of Italian restaurants in Toronto, with their Yonge St venue scoring a 4.5-star average of over 2,500 reviews. If you’re only looking to get a great Italian meal without all the fluff, here’s your best bet.
  

  Trattoria Nervosa

  “Savor the taste of Italy”

  

  There’s nothing to be nervous about when dining at Trattoria Nervosa (we’ll see ourselves out)! This Italian cafe is the epitome of relaxed dining environments, with a fantastic patio and an alluring interior that complements the classic flavors of their signature dishes.
  

  

  Locals love coming for a pizza, pasta, or lasagna because of their highly attentive service, accessible location, and that atmosphere that resonates with Italian charm. If you’re after a divine three-course dinner without the pressures of fancy dining, there’s a winner in Trattoria Nervosa.

  Pricing:  Entrees start at $16.99

  Pros:

  • Generally fast, effective, and friendly service

  • A vast array of tasty classic Italian dishes

  • The patio seating is a must if available.
    

    Cons:

    • Some confusion over their booking system

    • There can be long waits for a table

    • Recent reports of service quality slipping

    Location: 75 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1B8, Canada

    Google Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 (2,240 reviews)

    Trattoria Nervosa has proven as a tried and tested local favorite, helped by its highly accessible location near the University of Toronto. The restaurant enjoys plenty of positive feedback from its over 2,200 reviews, a

    warding them a 4.4-star average.

    Sugo

    “A classic comfort food experience”

    

    When you think of Italian restaurants, what crosses your mind? Casual, traditional eating environments? Tables with red and white plaid tablecloths? A sense of culinary joy shared around a family-run establishment? That’s what Sugo is, hardly leaving their customers disappointed with their classic comfort dishes.

    

    If you’re looking for meatballs, spaghetti, or sandwiches that will have you raising your arms to the sky in joy, Sugo’s got you covered. You won’t find any better Italian-American joint within the Greater Toronto Area, living up to everyone’s community restaurant expectations.

    Pricing: Entrees start at $19.00

    Pros:

    • One of the best homemade red sauces in town

    • Great value for money

    • A very friendly, homey eatery

    Cons:

    • Long-reported wait times

    • Almost always busy and can get loud

    • Service is very casual, which some patrons don’t enjoy

    Location: 1281 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7, Canada

    Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (2140 reviews)

    Sugo is a neighborhood favorite, achieving one of the highest ratings for Italian restaurants in Toronto. This little nook enjoys a 4.7-star average with over 2,100 reviews to back its prevalence as an excellent choice for red sauce classics.

    Dimmi Bar & Trattoria

    “Come see what everyone’s talking about”

    

    Simple and beautiful is the philosophy at Dimmi Bar & Trattoria, ensuring they offer an excellent selection of dishes made well. Let’s not forget the experience involving great wine, dedicated service, fantastic places, and brilliant vibes.

    

    Dimmi Bar & Trattoria defines good living through hearty Italian cuisine, and that’s the driving factor as to why it gets so many visitors. The accessible location makes it easy to drop in for comfort classics in a pleasant, well-adjusted dining environment.

    Pricing: Entrees start at 19.00

    Pros:

    • The pasta dishes are wonderful

    • Easy place to visit if you have a sudden craving for Italian

    • Charming interiors with a lovely patio

    Cons:

    • Some complaints of being overcharged

    • Rushed service when busy

    • Cocktails aren’t up to scratch

    Location: 140 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8, Canada

    Google Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 (1,017 reviews)

    Dimmi Bar & Trattoria’s popularity comes from its ideally situated location. Still, the food solidifies its place as a top Italian restaurant in Toronto. It’s all the classics made as they should, scoring a 4.4-star average with over 1,000 reviews.

    La Vecchia Restaurant

    “Transcend into a bastion of Italian culture”

    

    Is 20th-century Italian more your thing? La Vecchia might be the perfect location to cure your itch for traditional cuisine supplemented with modern Italian cultural icons, from celebrations of landscape to iconic moments in films.

    

    La Vecchia thrives on the large number of customers it gets from Italian culture enthusiasts. Guests enjoy the artisanal atmosphere, resonating a more artistic vibe without compromising on the integrity and quality of the traditional dishes.

    Pricing: Entrees start at $17.00

    Pros:

    • Pasta made in-house

    • An Italian experience that feels out of the ordinary

    • Highly-acclaimed classic, flavorful dishes

    Cons:

    • You’ll likely have to wait a while for a table

    • The consistently full restaurant leads to some service confusion

    • Not as accommodating for those with dietary requirements

    Location: 2405 Yonge St A, Toronto, ON M4P 2E7

    Google Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 (1,670 reviews)

    La Vecchia is a diner that allows guests to transcend into a bastion of Italian culture, offering the sights, sounds, and tastes of 20th-century Italy. The uptown location scores a 4.4-star average with over 1,600 reviews, showcasing proof as a citywide favorite.
    

    Pizzeria Via Mercanti

    “Your go-to place for a wood-fired pizza”

    

    Finally, we’ll cap off our best Italian restaurants in Toronto list with a local pizzeria known as the idyllic pizza joint. The straightforward decor, welcoming atmosphere, and, most significantly, fantastic thin-crust pizzas reassure guests as a good choice.

    

    Pizzeria Via Mercanti impresses with its wood-fired flavors, robust local draft beer selection, and even its range of seafood dishes. It’s another place that welcomes drop-ins, where anyone can grab a decent pizza, knock back a drink, and soak in the good vibes with friends and family.

    Pricing: Starts at $17.00

    Pros:

    • One of the best wood-fired pizzas in Toronto

    • A cozy environment for those looking for relaxed dining experiences

    • Varied options for those that don’t want pizza

    Cons:

    • Some complaints of the uninterested wait staff

    • If busy, you might struggle for a table

    • Takeout quality is poorer than dine-in

    Location: 188 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4

     Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (1,455 reviews)

    Pizzeria Via Mercanti’s Augusta Ave location underlines why the restaurant is one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto. Their feedback has been awarded a 4.5-star average, with nearly 1,500 reviews spreading the love for the venue. It’s the place to go if you want a wood-fired pizza!
    

    Kiss Your Fingers with the Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto

    There are hundreds, if not thousands, of Italian restaurants in Toronto, and picking the best is an eternal challenge. However, our top 10 stand out because they tick our boxes of what makes a great Italian restaurant, where friends, families, and parties can visit and enjoy the experience.

    Toronto’s rich Italian heritage is on full display with these restaurants that we can’t recommend enough. If you’re craving a memorable pizza, pasta, or another classic dish, look no further than these top choices.