Discover the 8 Best Italian Food Restaurants in Ontario

Ontario's culinary landscape is rich and diverse, with Italian food holding a special place in the hearts of many. From the vibrant streets of Toronto to the charming locales of Kingston and Etobicoke, you'll find an array of Italian restaurants offering everything from traditional comfort food to modern gourmet experiences. Whether you're craving a classic pasta dish, a wood-fired pizza, or exquisite fine dining, this guide highlights the top Italian food spots in Ontario that promise to deliver an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Explore these highly-rated establishments known for their authentic flavors, inviting atmospheres, and exceptional service.

Ristorante Sotto Sotto
Sugo
Enoteca Sociale
Giulietta
Olivea
Via Allegro Ristorante
La Vecchia Restaurant Uptown
La Vecchia Restaurant Lakeshore

1. Ristorante Sotto Sotto

An unparalleled authentic Italian dining experience.

Ristorante Sotto Sotto offers an absolutely incredible experience, making diners feel right at home with welcoming, professional, and passionate service. Many rave about their meals being perfection, highlighting standout dishes like the tender and flavorful lamb shank and the perfectly cooked octopus. The gnocchi is often cited as a standout, and the truffle pasta is praised as "out of this world." Guests particularly appreciate the moody and cozy atmosphere, with some remarking that dining here feels truly like eating Italian food in Italy. The tiramisu is frequently hailed as the best ever.

Rating: 4.3 (1266 google maps)
Address: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto
Phone: +1 416-962-0011
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Menu: Indulge in culinary delights such as the lamb shank, Burrata, caprese salad, cacio e pepe, chicken scaloppini with porcini mushrooms, delectable affogato, rich chocolate cake, and the highly-praised tiramisu. Their extensive wine and cocktail selection perfectly complements any Italian food choice.

Image Ristorante Sotto Sotto Italian food

2. Sugo

Savor the taste of Italy with generous, homely portions.

Sugo provides an absolutely phenomenal Italian food experience, characterized by friendly and quick service in a busy yet quaint and homely atmosphere. The food here is described as perfection, with highlights including the tender and flavorful meatball and the exquisite gnocchi. Many visitors feel the authentic Italy vibes, praising the delicious pesto pasta and the incredible crispy eggplant in tomato sauce. It's often said that pasta could taste this good, making it a must-try for lovers of classic Italian-American cuisine in Ontario.

Rating: 4.7 (3980 google maps)
Address: 1281 Bloor St W, Toronto
Phone: +1 416-535-1717
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Menu: Don't miss their signature meatball, gnocchi, and garlic bread. Other popular choices include the Caesar salad, rigatoni, veal parmesan, pesto pasta, spaghetti bolognese, and generous portions of pomodoro and chicken cutlet.

Image Sugo Italian food

3. Enoteca Sociale

A cozy Italian gem offering exceptional dishes and a vibrant kitchen view.

Enoteca Sociale is a top destination for those seeking excellent Italian food and a memorable dining experience. Guests consistently report a wonderful time, especially with the chef's table offering a perfect view of the kitchen in action. The food is described as exceptional, with attentive and cheerful staff enhancing the meal. Many commend their gluten-free pasta, made from scratch, as the best they've ever tasted. The cozy ambiance and amazing waitstaff contribute to a delightful evening, with patrons dreaming about dishes like the steak with Barolo sauce.

Rating: 4.4 (1280 google maps)
Address: 1288 Dundas St W, Toronto
Phone: +1 416-534-1200
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Menu: Explore a range of delicious appetizers, various pasta dishes (including excellent gluten-free options), and highly-recommended entrees like the steak with Barolo sauce. The gnocchi with ricotta and classic tiramisu are also popular choices.

Image Enoteca Sociale Italian food

4. Giulietta

Experience modern Italian cuisine with impeccable service and a refined atmosphere.

Giulietta stands out as one of the best Italian places in Toronto, exceeding every expectation with its flavorful dishes and attentive service. The interior design is beautiful, creating a refined yet welcoming ambiance perfect for a date night. Patrons rave about the "insanely good food," particularly highlighting the gnocchi as "so delicious" they still talk about it. The restaurant pays incredible attention to detail, resulting in beautifully presented and vibrant Italian dishes made with authentic ingredients. Don't miss the fried artichoke, often cited as the best of the night, or the rich lobster risotto.

Rating: 4.6 (1532 google maps)
Address: 972 College St, Toronto
Phone: +1 416-964-0606
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Menu: Must-try items include the fried artichoke, lobster risotto, the classic tiramisu, and cannoli. Also popular are the stuffed olives, beef tartare, fish crudo, seasonal stuffed pasta (like taleggio-filled gnocchi), seafood stew, and a variety of pizzas.

Image Giulietta Italian food

5. Olivea

A charming Italian restaurant in Kingston with fresh flavors and a romantic ambiance.

Olivea is celebrated for its amazing Italian food, bursting with flavor, served in a romantic atmosphere. The staff are consistently praised as friendly and helpful, taking great care of their patrons. Many consider it a gem for delicious and reasonably priced Italian cuisine, with the carbonara frequently mentioned as a favorite dish. Visitors often comment on how fresh everything tastes and appreciate the intimate ambiance. It's a quaint yet popular spot in Kingston, known for its extensive wine selection and delectable main courses and desserts.

Rating: 4.5 (1371 google maps)
Address: 39 Brock St, Kingston
Phone: +1 613-547-5483
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Menu: Highlights include perfectly cooked tagliatelle, the beloved carbonara, fantastic seafood linguine, and fresh oysters. Don't forget to try their soft, yummy gnocchi, the fig salad, and for dessert, the panna cotta. Meals often start with fresh focaccia and olive oil.

Image Olivea Italian food

6. Via Allegro Ristorante

An elegant Italian fine dining experience with a superb wine selection and live music.

Via Allegro Ristorante offers an exceptional fine dining experience, characterized by absolutely wonderful service and an upscale decor with an extensive wine list. The atmosphere, service, and food are consistently rated as top-notch. Many appreciate the beautiful patio with live violin performances, creating an elegant and inviting ambiance perfect for a special night out. Considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, it boasts an extraordinary wine and alcohol selection, with food that is consistently praised for being delicious, featuring authentic pizza dough and fresh pasta.

Rating: 4.5 (1421 google maps)
Address: 1750 The Queensway, Etobicoke
Phone: +1 416-622-6677
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Menu: Popular choices include the delightful rice balls, fresh pasta dishes, authentic pepperoni pizza, indulgent lobster pasta, and unique options like rabbit pasta and perfectly prepared octopus. Don't forget to savor their exceptional bread and the whole brazino.

Image Via Allegro Ristorante Italian food

7. La Vecchia Restaurant Uptown

A charming uptown spot delivering authentic Italian flavors with warm, attentive service.

La Vecchia Restaurant Uptown provides a wonderful Italian dining experience with incredibly attentive and organized service, offering great suggestions for your meal. The ambiance is described as nice and cozy, though not overly fancy, making it a comfortable yet elegant spot. Guests consistently praise the "absolutely delicious chicken" and the impeccable service that extends to special occasions. Many commend it as one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, noting its romantic ambiance with warm lighting and elegant decor. Popular dishes include the tagliatelle al pollo, penne ala vodka, and the unforgettable tiramisu.

Rating: 4.4 (2527 google maps)
Address: 2405 Yonge St A, Toronto
Phone: +1 416-489-0630
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Menu: Enjoy a variety of Italian entrees such as the veal entree and succulent chicken. Pasta lovers will appreciate the tagliatelle al pollo and penne ala vodka. End your meal with their highly recommended tiramisu, complemented by a selection of balanced and artistic cocktails.

Image La Vecchia Restaurant Uptown Italian food

8. La Vecchia Restaurant Lakeshore

Lakeshore's Italian haven offering stunning views, exquisite dishes, and impeccable hospitality.

La Vecchia Restaurant Lakeshore is a beloved spot beautifully located on Marine Parade, offering stunning views and a charming, nicely decorated interior despite its large space. The service is consistently top-notch, with staff known for their incredible attentiveness and warm hospitality. This restaurant checks all the boxes for a great Italian dining experience, featuring a well-curated menu and a fantastic atmosphere. Diners rave about the delicious pizza with its thin crust, fresh ingredients, and full flavor, alongside amazing pasta dishes like the Linguine di Mare and the "life-changing" Saccheti Al Tartufo.

Rating: 4.5 (2838 google maps)
Address: 90 Marine Parade Dr, Etobicoke
Phone: +1 416-251-5999
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Menu: Indulge in pizzas such as Margherita, Funghi, and Diavola. Appetizers like bruschetta, calamari, and arancini are popular starters. For main courses, try the Linguine di Mare, the highly praised Saccheti Al Tartufo, chicken Savoi, or Branzino. Their fresh beet salad and delectable custard dessert are also highly recommended.

Image La Vecchia Restaurant Lakeshore Italian food

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for an authentic taste of Italy, a cozy spot for a family meal, or an elegant setting for a special occasion, these top Italian food restaurants in Ontario will meet your needs well. From the rich pasta dishes to the crispy pizzas and refined entrees, each establishment offers a unique and memorable culinary journey. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!