Living in a city as big as Toronto obviously has its advantages: the walkability, the constant crop of events and festivals, and of course, all of the food. With so many raved-about restaurants so close at hand, settling on one can be a bit overwhelming. We’re huge fans of Italian food, so to help ease the selection process, here are our 3 favourite Italian restaurants in Toronto that you should visit pronto:
Campagnolo – 832 Dundas St W
You’ll fall for Campagnolo before you even taste the food thanks to its European-inspired atmosphere. The Italian restaurant is both modern and rustic (with wooden tables and fancy light fixtures), which makes it all the more welcoming. Then there’s the food. Where to begin? Maybe with the burrata cheese starter followed by the sweet corn agnolotti or chicken cacciatore. Really, you can’t go wrong! If you feel like sipping on something other than wine, the restaurant also serves up specialty cocktails.
L’Unità – 134 Avenue Rd
This little Italian osteria and wine bar tucked away in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood makes you feel like you’re dining in a super stylish wine cellar (need we say more?). After all, it offers more than 500 varieties of wine from both Italian and local producers. The fresh and traditional fare also promises to please. The pizzas and pastas are so simple, yet so so delicious – as all authentic Italian food should be. Did we mention that their cannoli is out of this world?
Bar Mercurio – 270 Bloor St. W
Located directly across from Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum in the Annex sits one of the city’s best Italian spots, yet many don’t even know it exists. The fact that it’s such a hidden gem only adds to its charm. The food is consistent and incredible, from the house made gnocchi dressed in a gorgonzola sauce to the 15 different types of pizza that are baked to perfection in a classic wood oven. It’s an Italian staple that you’ll wish you had discovered sooner.
