Toronto has long been a magnet for celebrities, drawing stars for film shoots, concert tours, or — in Drake’s case — because they call the city home. But if you’ve ever wondered where they choose to dine in the 6ix, one restaurant stands out for its reputation as a hotspot for some of the world’s most famous faces.
Tucked away in the heart of Yorkville, Sotto Sotto is a legendary Toronto restaurant known as much for its celebrity clientele as for its warm, intimate atmosphere.
Its location is no accident. Just steps from the Mink Mile — home to high-end fashion houses like Gucci, Balenciaga, Dior, and Cartier — dining at Sotto Sotto carries a sense of prestige. Outside, it’s not uncommon to spot sleek Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens and Porsches lined up along the curb, a fitting backdrop for the glamour within.
The restaurant cemented its place in pop culture after being name-dropped in Drake’s 2013 track Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2, where he raps: “After hours at Il Mulino or Sotto Sotto, just talkin’ about women and vino…”
For Drake, though, it’s more than just a lyric. He’s often described the spot as his “second home.” During a 2022 FaceTime interview with UFC fighter Israel Adesanya, filmed while he was dining there, he declared Sotto Sotto the “best restaurant in Toronto.”
Drake’s brand OVO (October’s Very Own) even released a Sotto Sotto clothing range in 2023.
Drake may be one of its most devoted patrons, but he’s hardly alone. Over the years, stars like Brad Pitt, Oprah, Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Natalie Portman, and Bruce Willis have all been spotted enjoying meals there, according to CTV News.
The restaurant’s story is just as captivating as its clientele. Founded by Marisa Rocca more than three decades ago, Sotto Sotto first opened its doors at 116 Avenue Rd. Rocca, who immigrated to Toronto from Rome with “limited English,” began her Canadian career washing dishes at a downtown restaurant. As she learned the language, she advanced to manager before striking out on her own by opening Sotto Sotto in 1993.
Today, Sotto Sotto is celebrated for its refined Italian cuisine, paired with a carefully curated wine and cocktail list. Its interiors are equally renowned: softly lit, with limited seating and an intimate ambiance that makes it an ideal destination for date nights and special occasions. Of course, dining here comes at a premium, with a menu priced well above average.
The restaurant’s legacy was tested on December 25, 2014, when a fire destroyed its original location. Remarkably, just 51 days later, it reopened a few doors down at 120 Avenue Rd., where it continues to thrive to this day.
That resilience, combined with its atmosphere and cuisine, has only strengthened its reputation as one of Toronto’s most iconic dining spots.
Sotto Sotto
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 120 Avenue Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Founded in 1993, Sotto Sotto has built a reputation as one of Toronto’s go-to spots for celebrities. The Yorkville institution is celebrated for its refined Italian cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Set in one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods, it blends elegance with intimacy, making it a favourite for both famous visitors and locals alike.
Sotto Sotto’s Menu
And for those outside the city, Sotto Sotto expanded in 2019 with a sister location in Oakville, ensuring its signature mix of glamour and Italian charm reaches even more diners.
With TIFF right around the corner, don’t be surprised to see your favourite celebs pictured dining at Sotto Sotto.
