A Toronto restaurant that’s already received its fair share of acclaim is among the latest batch of recipients of one of the industry’s most prestigious awards.
Awarded every year to restaurants that, according to their website, exemplify “exceptional dining experiences across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean,” the 2025 Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) Gold Award of Excellence recipients have been revealed.
Though Toronto has been recognized for its unique and impressive culinary landscape by food critics and normal folk alike over the years, only one restaurant from the city made the cut. Still, though, I guess we’ll take what we can get.
For its eighth year running, Don Alfonso 1890, which resides at the Westin Harbour Castle, has received what’s widely regarded as one of the most distinguished culinary honors in North America.
That, of course, and a highly-coveted Michelin star, which Toronto’s Don Alfonso, as well as its sister locations in Italy have also got covered.
According to DiRoNA’s website, the awards are based on four pillars; “culinary quality, beverage selection, service, and ambiance,” which are scored by judges analysing the restaurant’s menu, reviews and images of their dishes.
“Every DiRoNA-awarded estblishment highlights a handpicked, topitier restaurant, chosen for its exceptional quality, ensuring that every meal is a remarkable experience from start to finish,” the awarding body’s website reads.
First opening its doors in Toronto back in 2018, the restaurant is the first North American venture for Michelin Star Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, who founded the concept in Campania over 40 years ago.
While it’s not exactly what you could call a hometown hero, it’s still always nice to see Toronto’s culinary scene get the respect it deserves.
Don Alfonso 1890 was just one of three Canadian restaurants to receive the award this year, with Dining Room at Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Ontario and Vancouver, BC’s Five Sails also making the cut.
Toronto restaurants to receive DiRoNa awards in the past include Little Italy’s DaNico, BlueBlood Steakhouse, Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse and TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton.
Don Alfonso 1890 is located on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle at 1 Harbour Square.
