Pasta, pizza and wines from Piedmont — we’re struggling to think of a more dynamic trio. It might explain why, over the last six months, Toronto has seen a surge in new restaurant openings, with Italian restaurants leading the charge.
Some skew classic, serving some of the city's most exciting pizza with blistered crusts and tasty toppings, while others take inspiration from New York, with spaghetti and saucy meatballs just begging to be mopped up with a slice of garlic bread. Elsewhere, chefs are creating their own fusion magic, folding Asian influences into fresh pasta dishes and reimagining tiramisu with unexpected infusions.
Whether it’s exactly like nonna used to make or nothing like it, we’re here for this sudden spike in la dolce vita stretching from downtown to Roncy. From new concepts to neighbourhood standouts, here are the best new Italian restaurants in Toronto right now.
The 7 best new Italian restaurants in Toronto
1. Liliana
1198 Queen St. W.
Former Vela chef Marvin Palomo puts an Asian twist on Italian classics at Queen West’s Liliana. The halal-friendly menu draws on Korea, Japan and the Philippines, featuring silky beef carpaccio; housemade pappardelle; and a banana, coconut and coffee gelée-infused tiramisu, all served in a cozy brick-walled dining room that was home to Dandylion.
2. Fangio Trattoria
1111 Queen St. E.
Leslieville locals can breathe easy: Fangio Trattoria has taken the wheel at Queen and Caroline, replacing longtime Ascari with a concept so familiar it even keeps the iconic red Formula 1 race car logo. Framed as a “respectful rival,” Fangio Trattoria's menu runs from classic pasta plates to an indulgent 11-oz bone-in veal chop.
3. Notte Ristorante
9 Church St.
New for 2026, Notte Ristorante ushers in the evolution of Amano Trattoria and Bar Notte in the St. Lawrence District. The modern Italian spot blends aperitivo and dinner into one lively experience, serving housemade pastas, Roman-style pizzas, generous sharing plates and a bar program designed for the late-night crowd.
4. Proper
392 Roncesvalles Ave.
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
Ryan Nangreaves @good_work
If you’re gonna do it, do it right, right? That’s the philosophy behind Proper, an Italian-American red-sauce spot ushering in a new era for Roncy. In the former home of Cubana, chef Julien Cawagas — veteran of Toronto kitchens like Giulietta — serves from-scratch pasta, chicken parm and seafood with confidence.
5. Pastalia
1180 Queen St. W.
The world is your ravioli at this build-your-own pasta place in West Queen West. With a base of handmade fettuccine, stack your bowl with as many toppings as you’d like — from chorizo, to roasted eggplant and baby mozzarella. You can even choose from sauces like arrabbiata or bolognese. It’s Italian comfort food at its simplest — and finest.
6. Spaghetti Western
998 Kingston Rd.
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Opened in August 2025, this family-run pasta and panuozzo restaurant in the Upper Beaches pays homage to the classic film genre. Noodles are made from scratch; the pizza dough sourdough bun, used in their oversized sammies, is supplied by neighbourhood bakery Grayson’s. And be sure not to skip the tiramisu — you’ll thank us later.
7. Bar Allegro
597 College St.
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It was only last year that French restaurant Pompette shifted to Vinoteca Pompette. Now, it’s been dubbed Bar Allegro and billed as an Italian aperitivo-style bar, sticking with excellent cocktails, wine, sharing plates and snacks. “Covid pushed us into a restaurant format,” read their announcement. “Now we return to what inspired us from the start.”
