When it comes to tracking down the absolute best meals in a city as food-obsessed as Toronto, regular reviews only tell half the story. To find the spots that are truly doing something special, you have to look at where the industry insiders go on their rare nights off.
We asked Toronto’s top chefs to name their personal favourite Italian restaurants — ranging from luxurious, no-budget splurges to effortless neighbourhood spots where a couple can walk out full for under $100.
Below is an insider’s guide to Toronto’s best Italian restaurants, according to the city’s top chefs.
Sammarco — picked by chef Tomer Markovitz from Romi’s Bakery
This contemporary bisteccheria redefines the classic steakhouse with slick, Italian automobile-inspired design accents. The menu leans heavily into flawless execution, featuring dry-aged Ontario beef, tableside martinis, and showstopping house-made pastas. “Flawless from start to finish,” says Markovitz. “Perfectly designed room, with perfectly professional service to flawlessly executed dishes. Every detail is well thought through. Makes you feel you get your money’s worth. Rob Rossi and David Minicucci did an amazing job.”
Enoteca Sociale — picked by chef Massimo Capra from Capra’s Kitchen
A mainstay in Toronto’s West End, Enoteca Sociale focuses intensely on the traditional, soul-satisfying flavours of Rome. With an exceptional cheese-aging program and a dedication to authentic techniques, it delivers an elevated but deeply accessible dining experience. ” I am always guaranteed a great plate of pasta and innovative-yet-classic appetizer in a great Osteria/trattoria setting,” says Capra. “These chefs know what they are doing!”
Bar Vendetta — picked by chef Mona Sleiman from Quench Catering
Located on Dundas West, Bar Vendetta is a warm, mid-century-styled neighbourhood hub known for its graphic walls, fantastic natural wine pairings and scratch-made pastas that strike the perfect balance between comfort and chef-driven creativity. Sleiman admits she and her partner are obsessed with the team there and highly recommends their personal routine: ordering a couple of glasses of wine, their bitter green salad, and sharing a few plates of their scratch-made pasta.
Radici Project — picked by chef Jonathan Williams from Park Hyatt Toronto
Tucked away in Little Italy, Radici Project is run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team. The restaurant beautifully blends Italian culinary foundations with delicate, soulful Japanese flavours and techniques. Williams describes the concept as really special, noting that their technique is exceptional, the flavours are layered and the people behind it are some of the most genuine and passionate in the industry.
Occhiolino — picked by chef Roderick Tomiczek from Canoe
Nestled near College and Bathurst, Occhiolino pairs a sleek, minimalist design with a vibrant, playful energy set to an eclectic Italian disco soundtrack. The open kitchen churns out beautifully presented, hand-made seasonal pastas alongside their signature salted olive oil soft-serve ice cream. It’s my go-to for a quick bite or a satisfying meal that doesn’t break the bank,” says Tomiczek.
Famiglia Baldassarre — picked by chef Jeff Kang from Take BBQ House
Part wholesale manufacturing facility and part lunchtime-only eatery, Famiglia BaldassarreFamiglia Baldassarre is legendary in the Toronto food scene. There are no shortcuts here, just a hyper-focused, daily changing menu of fresh, handmade pasta served with purist Italian tradition. “Their focus is simple but executed to perfection — fresh, handmade pasta,” says Kang. The quality and consistency are outstanding, and it’s the kind of place you can always rely on for a satisfying, delicious meal.”
Sugo — picked by chef Gianluca Ruggieri
Complete with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and a boisterous dining room, Sugo channels the classic, unapologetic spirit of an Italian-American diner where the portions are massive and the sauces carry real depth. Ruggieri shares that it perfectly captures the spirit of feeding you way too much food and sending you home completely happy. For a budget-friendly night out under $100 for two, he suggests sharing a meatball, the spaghetti al pesto, a glass of wine each, and checking out their daily pasta specials.
Ciao Roma — picked by chef Basilio Pesce from Porzia’s
Bringing the authentic streets of Rome to Ontario, Ciao Roma specializes in pizza baked in long rectangular trays and cut to order. The dough is light and airy, serving as a perfect canvas for simple, traditional premium ingredients. As a massive pizza fan, Chef Basilio appreciates the complete lack of pretension, saying it genuinely makes him feel like he is back in Rome, particularly when ordering his top picks: the classic Pizza Rossa and the potato pizza.
Tavernitis — picked by chef Sergio Abrunho from Taberna Nacional
A classic staple that trades on generational comfort, Tavernitis is the definition of a low-budget, high-reward neighbourhood spot where authentic Italian flavours are served without a trace of modern pretension. Chef Sergio notes that the friendly environment instantly makes you feel like you are having dinner among family, and points out that the prices are so accessible that a $100 bill is more than enough for a beautiful dinner for two.
Sud Forno — picked by chef Claudio Aprile from Via Allegro Ristorante
Part of the Terroni family empire, Sud Forno on King East operates as a gorgeous, high-ceilinged Italian bakery, café and grocer that is perfect for pristine Roman-style pizza slices and traditional pastries.When I’m wanting something more accessible and ‘ready to wear’ Sud Forno is my all time favourite place,” says Aprile. “The perfect grocer! A quick pizza and bombaloni with a short dbl espresso are a perfect midday break.”
Cafe Diplomatico — picked by Daniel Barna from Danny’s Pizza Tavern
Affectionately known to locals as The Dip, this historic community hub has anchored the corner of College and Clinton for decades, famous for its massive patio, classic breakfast items, accessible pasta and unbeatable soccer-viewing energy. “Cafe Diplomatico feels stuck in time in the best possible way,” says Barna. “The coffee is the best, and it’s going to be absolutely BUSSIN’ for the World Cup.”
Mattachioni — picked by chef Giovanna Alonzi from Sud Forno
Equal parts boutique grocery store and casual pizzeria, Mattachioni is celebrated across the city for its uncompromising approach to naturally leavened dough, vibrant music, and unpretentious room. “Simple and delicious. They make great dough with no shortcuts,” says Alonzi. “The atmosphere, people and music are wonderful. I usually order the Boccadasse and a beer — it’s exactly what I want, every time.”
