One part Toronto-based couple, one part Italian gelato and one part Asian-influenced flavours is the makeup of Kekou Gelato House. This downtown spot is serving up gelato, Popsicles, and beverages inspired by the popular and hidden flavours of Asia. The gelato base is made from scratch, using the simplest of ingredients — egg yolk, milk,

On the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, you’ll find panoramic views of Toronto, along with some of the best Californian/Mexican cuisine outside of Baja state. As the northernmost state in Mexico and the southernmost point in California, Baja cuisine is the perfect blend of culture and flavour. At Kost, the Bisha Hotel’s newest restaurant,

Little Italy’s own La Paloma is one of the best gelaterias in the city because it is one of the most authentic. Since 1967, they have only used the finest ingredients and followed only a traditional recipe to create the rich and delicious gelato generations of Torontonians have fallen in love with. To further the

Those hoping to grab some pre-opera nosh at Little Anthony’s are in for a surprise. Gone is the 17-year old haunt; in its place sits LA’s Italian and Bar, a completely revamped version of the downtown eatery.

This neighbourhood bakery is one of the most famous in Toronto – with good reason. It’s been home to the iconic “Big Slice” since 2004, and its baked goods are not to be missed. Italian classics like cannoli, sfoglie, tiramisu and bombe are made fresh using traditional family recipes and meet lasagna, several flavours of

Over the last 20 years, brothers Robert and Gus Savonarota, have built a large and loyal following of diners, thanks to their menu of classic Italian fare, including pizza, panini and pasta dishes, like fettuccine Siciliana and orecchiette aromantica. Customer favourite pies included the pizza campagnola topped with smoked mozzarella cheese, potato, crumbled sausage, caramelized

This adorable gelato shop’s story begins with a rise to fame while operating out of a food truck. Nani’s Gelato was born through a goal of finding good quality artisan gelato that infuses Indian and Asian flavours. In Punjabi, “Nani” means grandmother–a suitable name for sweet desserts that will bring back a nostalgic taste of

Nino D’Aversa started out as a bakery but one glance and you’ll know it’s so much more. Apart from its specialty breads and baked goods, you’ll also find a delicious spread of pasta, pizza and gelato at this Italian trattoria. It’s a place where you can enjoy an espresso and a treat or bring the

Is there a better way to spend your summer afternoon than eating gelato? Maybe eating alcohol-infused gelato while sipping on wine? That’s what On Third Thought is here for. This gelato and wine bar prides itself on being allergen-conscious and vegan-friendly. That means it leaves out all the stuff you don’t want and adds in

After months of waiting and many teaser photos on Instagram, Oretta has finally opened its doors at 633 King St. W. The power trio behind the restaurant includes Food Network celebrity chef David Rocco, restaurateur Salvatore Mele (who also owns Capocaccia Trattoria in Summerhill) and executive chef Christian Fontolan.

At Osteria Giulia, a luxurious little dinner spot with a focus on northern Italian cuisine, chef Rob Rossi (L’Unità, Giulietta) puts forth a menu of dishes made from seasonal ingredients. The 66-seat interior yields a contemporarily rustic vibe with honeyed tones,limestone and wood-panelled walls and folded ceilings. Among the house specials is the focaccia di

Osteria Rialto is the flagship restaurant in the historical Paradise building which also houses Bar Biltmore and Paradise Theatre. The restaurant, spearheaded by executive chef Basilio Pesce and bar director Robin Goodfellow (Bar Raval and PrettyUgly), takes its inspiration from non-regional Italian cuisine, using ingredients found in Ontario. This means Rialto is dedicated to Italian

Nortown’s own Padella is a great little taste of Italy way outside little Italy. Step inside into the warm ambience of modest yet refined decor, which, like the menu, is simple and straightforward, with no distractions, allowing for the flavours of the quality ingredients to be the star of the show. The fare is more

Longtime North York favourite Paese is living up to its name as an icon of Armour Heights. “Paese” is the Italian word for town or village, which takes on a more local and community- and neighbourhood-driven approach by the people behind Paese. Their menu is filled with options of handcrafted and house-made Italian-inspired dishes, each

Victor Barry had Splendido. He was chef/owner and it was fancy and delicious and beautiful … and not so full. Because fancy is over. It’s gone the way of quiche and French onion soup. Also, Mr. Barry (so he says on the menu of his new resto) wanted to slow down and be more family-focussed.

To know ’em is to love ’em with Pizzeria Libretto. The chain of Neapolitan pizzerias is one of the city’s best known because it is so many people’s favourite. You should definitely come for the pizza no matter if you’re vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free. The funghi di boscowhite pizza is one of Pizzeria Libretto’s most

Sure, Hollywood Gelato may have started Toronto’s love affair with gelato over 10 years ago, but these days, my go-to spots in the Yonge and Eglinton or midtown areas are Il Gelatiere and Gelato Simply Italian, two shops offering what’s easily some of the best gelato in the city.

The Italian chain Scaddabush is the place to go for hand-pulled mozzarella that is spread atop many of its tasty and affordable dishes. With a crowd composed of many professionals on a break from work or coming from a day at the office, there is definitely a celebratory feeling here. The interior feels like a

Serano has been serving up sweetness in Toronto since 1994, operating both a bakery that delivers goodies straight to your door as well as a bakery and cafe that allows fans to sit and enjoy a coffee and a cookie in a cozy atmosphere. The bakery specializes in European pastries, desserts, custom cakes and imported

A restaurant so nice they named it twice! Ristorante Sotto Sotto is the Annex’s long-established destination for upscale, south-central Italian fare with all food made as if it were the old country. Owner and founder Marisa Rocca moved to Toronto from Rome over 25 years ago and, through much hard work and determination, has an