One of Toronto’s most prestigious restaurants, Don Alfonso 1890, is already known for being one of the city’s most internationally acclaimed restaurants. The international concept is helmed by two Michelin-starred chefs, Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, with locations in Italy, New Zealand and China. The Toronto location is the pair’s only North American outpost. Now, the restaurant has received more worldwide recognition, in the form of the Prosecco DOC Award.
The prestigious honour is presented by the 50 Top Italy guide, and basically signifies that the Casa Loma eatery has the best Italian food in the world outside of Italy. That means it beat out major culinary cities like New York City and London, which is a pretty big deal. In fact, most of the other restaurants awarded are in the United States and France, but Cioppino’s in Vancouver cracked the list, too, grabbing the 49th spot.
Don Alfonso also received the Meal of the Year Award, which was given to the restaurant’s multi-course, prix fixe tasting menu. The experience is a mouthwatering, modern Mediterranean masterpiece that, naturally, transports diners to Italy with fresh ingredients and luxe European decor. The menu includes dishes like organic seasonal vegetables, risotto, wagyu beef, Nova Scotia lobster and traditional Italian desserts.
Don Alfonso is open as a limited run pop up inside Casa Loma, and it originally started as a small engagement inside the same space. In its short, sporadic tenure, Don Alfonso has received multiple awards and recognitions, making it an international food destination and, of course, one of the best restaurants in Canada.
Authentic to its core, Don Alfonso 1890 has locations in Italy, including Sant’Agata on the Amalfi Coast and Levello in Basilicata, as well as outposts in New Zealand and China. The Toronto location is tucked inside Casa Loma at 1 Austin Terrace, and reservations for dining in are encouraged.