Amelie CameronFinding the best Italian restaurant in Toronto is a fun challenge because the city’s food scene is packed with amazing pasta spots and stylish dining rooms.
If you’re planning a romantic date, a business lunch, or a cozy family dinner, Toronto always serves up fantastic flavors. To help you figure out where to go, we’ve checked out the most popular places and soaked in the vibe at each restaurant.
After all that and listening to what the community loves, we’ve put together the ultimate list of Italian restaurants that are sure to make your next meal unforgettable. Read on!
How much does an Italian restaurant cost in Toronto?
A meal at a quality Italian restaurant in Toronto typically runs anywhere from $25 to over $120 per person, depending entirely on the style of the establishment.
| Dining Category | Average Cost Per Person |
| Casual & Pizzerias | $15 – $30 |
| Mid-Range Trattorias | $35 – $60 |
| Upscale & Fine Dining | $70 – $120+ |
How We Reviewed
1. Enoteca Sociale
Website: https://sociale.ca/
Address: 1288 Dundas St.
Contact: 416-534-1200 | [email protected]
Hours: Sun-Wed: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Thu-Sat: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
If you’re craving bold, peppery pasta just like in Central Italy, Enoteca Sociale is a must-try.
Their kitchen is all about authentic Roman pasta, serving up classics like Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe and Bucatini all’Amatriciana. There’s always fresh sourdough and focaccia on the table, too!
The dining room feels cozy and rustic, which makes it perfect for a romantic date.
When we dropped by, the friendly service and rich flavors made our night really special.
There are just a couple of things you should know before booking. First, their special multi-course pasta tasting menu has set options, so they can’t make changes for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.
You’ll also want to be sure about your plans because canceling with less than 24 hours’ notice comes with a strict fee per person.
Elegant dinner for special celebrations
Had such an amazing time at this beautiful, elegant, and tasty restaurant! We had Keira as our server and she was so incredible. The main bartender that was working this night was also fantastic, but I did not get his name 🙁 The entire staff was incredible that night! The food was, WOW!!! Some of the most delicious pasta I have had in the city! I was blown away. This is the type of restaurant where you can come for a girls night out, a small birthday, an anniversary, or other intimate celebrations!
- Nina Stupar | Google Review
Memorable chef’s table experience
We tried the Chef’s Table bar seats experience (a tasting menu with seats facing the kitchen and watching the hustle and bustle of the staff at work). We couldn’t have asked for a more unique and interesting experience. The quality of the food and the wonderful service were top notch, and the drink pairings were very well chosen. Overall, one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had in Toronto.
- Amir Soltani | Google Review
2. Blu Ristorante Toronto
Website: https://bluristorante.com/
Address: 214 King Street West
Contact: 416-921-1471 | [email protected]
Hours: Brunch: Sat-Sun: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM; Lunch: Mon-Sun: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM; Weekday Dinner: Sun-Thu: 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM; Weekend Dinner: Fri-Sat: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM
If you want a mix of fine dining and great live music, Blu Ristorante Toronto is a top pick. On weekend nights, you can listen to live guitar and piano performances while relaxing on plush burgundy banquettes under soaring 25-foot ceilings.
The talented kitchen, led by Executive Chef Eric Bucher and Chef Pradhan Jan, serves up traditional Italian favorites with a modern twist. This includes Truffled Beef Carpaccio and Sweet Potato Gnocchi.
Plus, their three-course pre-theatre menu is timed just right for catching a play.
Just know that if you’re thinking of booking a private event, you’ll have to meet some high food and drink minimums that can change depending on the day.
Also, only one private room is completely soundproof, so you might hear some noise from the main dining area.
Birthday dinner with live music
7 ladies celebrating birthday of a cousin. Great choice for a restaurant to celebrate. We did the tasting menu which was excellent. Just the right amount of food properly phased serving. Brian our server is attentive and funny. Loved the live music we got to sing along with the performer.
- Sylvia Aldovino | Google Review
Serene anniversary dinner with attentive service
This was an amazing evening and Restaurant, the food was great. The special raviolis were amazing, the atmosphere was very relaxing and serene. The host, and waiters were very hospitable. We had Michael, he was a gym from the beginning, full explanatory menu details, attentive, courteous, SERVICE, professional, yet approachable, and friendly. He definitely made our visit worth coming back! Thanks again, Michael for making our anniversary that much more special!!!
- K Hare (Private) | Google Review
3. Ristorante Sotto Sotto
Website: https://sottosotto.ca/
Address: 120 Avenue Rd.
Contact: 416-962-0011 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Thu: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Fri-Sat: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
For over thirty years, Ristorante Sotto Sotto has been a favorite hangout for Hollywood celebrities and music legends. But the real charm is in its rustic, homemade Italian cooking, dreamed up by founder Marisa Rocca.
The kitchen shines when it comes to classic Roman pasta dishes and cozy favorites like Mamma Laura’s Meat Lasagna and fresh seafood.
The dim lighting and glowing candles create a romantic vibe, perfect for celebrating something special.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind before visiting, though. The setup can be tricky for some because the main washrooms are only accessible by a steep staircase to the second floor.
Also, their reservation rules are pretty strict, and you’ll need to leave a big credit card hold for small groups or a non-refundable deposit for larger parties.
Romantic Italian dinner in downtown toronto
Sotto sotto is a upscale italian restaurant in downtown toronto. We immediately got seated in a romantic environment dining area. Our server came up quickly to give us suggestion. We ordered Filet Mignon, and Seafood Risotto. Both taste great, I strongly recommend both dishes. We finished up with the tiramisu, it was average but it still gave a great touch at the end of our meal. I would definitely go back again to the restaurant
- Mandy Z | Google Review
Warm service that stands out
Amazing service!! Vince was amazing and made the experience beyond words!! Our server, Andrea, was super attentive and the food/drinks came really quick. Food was good, like any Italian restaurant but the service was the star of the show, would come back again just to be served by this warm team
- Taj Halepoto | Google Review
4. Donatello Restaurant
Website: http://www.donatellorestaurant.ca/
Address: 37 Elm St.
Contact: 416-595-5001 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM; Fri: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM; Sat: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
If you’re taking a break from trying local Indian restaurants, Donatello Restaurant offers a great European alternative right in the city. Their menu focuses on comforting Italian classics, with standout dishes like fresh house gnocchi and tender veal marsala.
When you go here, you’ll find plenty of space for private events, with a variety of rooms that are perfect for both corporate groups and family milestones.
During summer, you can unwind on the front terrace or the romantic rooftop patio, making it the perfect place to share a bottle of wine and enjoy some fresh air.
Just be aware that if your group is eight or more, you won’t be able to pick from the regular menu and will need to go with a set menu instead.
European-style ambience and standout gnocchi
Great ambience and decor throughout the restaurant. The view out of the arched windows gives a European feel. There are a few vegetarian options available as well. The host is a very pleasant gentleman who explains everything in great detail. The gnocchi is a standout dish, and ranks among the best gnocchi I’ve ever had.
- Jagdeep | Google Review
Go-to Toronto dinner spot with accommodating service
This was our second visit to Donatello Restaurant this year, and it’s easily become one of our go-to spots in Toronto for dinner. Each time the servers were incredibly accommodating, ensuring that our dining experience was top-notch from start to finish. We enjoyed a delightful meal featuring the peppercorn steak, perfectly cooked lamb chops, salmon, tender grilled calamari,and a fresh, flavorful Caprese salad. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. We look forward to returning every time we’re in Toronto—Donatello never disappoints!
- F H | Google Review
5. Grazie Ristorante
Website: https://www.grazie.ca/grazie-toronto
Address: 2373 Yonge St.
Contact: 416-488-0822 | [email protected]
Hours: Sun-Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Grazie Ristorante is known for their great Italian cooking, using simple, fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.
When we stopped by after searching for dependable lunch restaurants, we noticed that everything was made to order.
Their menu is huge, with tasty thin-crust pizzas named after famous Italian cities, so it’s a big favorite among families. The sauces are cooked fresh for each meal, and the pizza dough is always hand-tossed right before baking.
But if you’re someone who likes to customize their food, you should know the kitchen sticks to a strict no-modifications policy so they can keep things running smoothly.
Also, people with severe allergies or celiac concerns need to be careful, as the restaurant clearly says they can’t take responsibility for possible cross-contamination.
Friendly Service and must-try goat cheese salad
Had a great experience at Grazie restaurant—friendly service and high-quality food. The eggplant lasagna was absolutely delicious, and I really enjoyed the non-alcoholic mojito; it looked great, tasted fresh, and wasn’t too sweet. The highlight was the baked goat cheese salad—it’s a must-try. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of it.
- Branded Vision | Google Review
Refined Italian meal with thoughtful details
A refined and delicious restaurant. For me, the char on the bread, the flaky pastry outside the goat cheese, and the texture of the pasta sauce… all on point, so nothing to complain about with the food. I just wish the Parmesan added to the pasta had been freshly grated from a whole block, since it would give the dish a richer flavor.
