Italian restaurants in Toronto revere the numerous, surprisingly distinct culinary traditions spanning Italy's diverse provinces. From the pepperoncino laced food of the South to the dizzying array of fresh seafood of the Mediterranean or the hearty, truffle infused dishes of the north, these places offer up a range of dishes that you're unlikely to spot on a standard do-it-all menu.
Here are my picks for the top regional Italian restaurants in Toronto.
See also:
The best Italian restaurants in Toronto
The top 30 Italian restaurants in Toronto by neighbourhood
NORTHERN ITALIAN
F'Amelia is a popular Cabbagetown institution serving north-Italian inspired fare. Start with the fresh and impossibly sweet scallops or the spicy, pan-seared calamari served in a complex sausage sauce. From there, work your way to the gamey papardelle with braised rabbit or the vegetarian friendly green risotto served with seasonal accompaniments.
THE VENETO
Joso's in Yorkville serves impeccable seafood inspired by the Dalmatian coast. The spaghetti al nero di seppie, coloured glossy black by cuttlefish ink and tasting like Venetian fog, is certainly a nod to the north east Italian province. Alternatively, have a go at the strikingly fresh selection of grilled whole fish -- just don't expect to come out of this place without paying in the three digits.
ABRUZZO
La Cascina is an uptown eatery that does not attempt to be fashionable. Instead, it relies on delectably good food and a following of in-the-know regulars. The menu changes daily and is heavily dependent on seasonal, Ontario produce. Make sure to try the impressive, 12-dish antipasti menu, which offers a good glimpse of the seasonal charcuterie, cheeses and small prepared dishes on offer.
TUSCANY
Though the portion sizes at Tutti Matti might be on the smaller side, the flavours at this Entertainment District spot certainly aren't. In fact, this Tuscan restaurant serves some of the best pasta in the city. Make sure to pop by in late summer when they serve up sinful crisp zucchini flowers that melt in your mouth. Have a sip of your Aperol spritz, close your eyes and pretend you're in Florence.
ROME
For lunch, Falasca SPQR rotates though more than 30 traditional Roman pizzas al taglio -- priced by weight. The "Numero 1" -- a zucchini, four-cheese pizza -- is an award winning offering. For dinner look forward to bucattini all'Amatriciana, creamy Carbonara or bare bones Cacio e Pepe, all traditional Roman dishes that will certainly satisfy most any craving.
NAPLES
Though a number of pizzerias have opened up in recent years claiming to serve traditional Neapolitan pizza, Pizzeria Libretto still rules that scene. The blistered Magherita coated in rich tomato sauce and studded with basil and fresh Ontario fior di latte is an obvious favourite. For something with a kick, the Nduja pizza perfectly showcases Calabrian sausage pairing it with creamy stracciatella.
CALABRIA
Housed in an old bank on Etobicoke's lakeshore, Cellar Door serves up some of the city's best Calabrian dishes. Complimentary homemade rosemary foccacia with olive oil makes for a tasty starter. Pair it with their salumi platter, which is reflective of your party size. Share one as an appetizer or pick from the assortment of pizzas. For something different, try the smoky, wood-roasted potato gnocchi.
PUGLIA
At 7 Numbers you're sure to have an interesting dining experience - the food is cooked and served up by mama Rosa, a real-life Italian nonna. The menu changes daily so if you're lucky enough to catch it, make sure to try the fresh, oozy burrata or their tender and spicy braised rabbit. One item you're sure to always find is the veal lasagna -- some swear it's the best in the city.
SICILY
Black Skirt is a rare find in Little Italy, which is ironically lacking in good quality Italian food despite its name. Here they serve up superb Sicilian inspired food like arancini and lemony, grilled sardines. For something you're unlikely to have ever tasted unless you've been to Palermo recently, try the creamy pistachio pesto pasta.
LOMBARDIA
Stelvio is where you will find some of the best curated selection of cheese in Toronto, all hailing from Italy's Alps. The dishes here are hearty, evocative of their alpine origin. Start with the sciatt, perfect deep fried clouds of cheesy goodness. As a main, try the Zigeuner -- beef seasoned with rosemary, wrapped around a wooden stick and grilled -- and make sure to eat it as is, it's more fun that way.
UMBRIA
La Bruschetta in Corso Italia doesn't aim to be snobby - instead it exudes the quiet elegance of Italian food done right. Pass on the salad and start with spuntini, grilled polenta served with an assortment of toppings. Pasta is split up into short and long varieties which are dressed accordingly. An order of the Frascarelli will give you a real taste of Umbria with truffle shavings elevating humble, creamy ricotta.
EMILIA ROMAGNA
Paganelli's on Front Street is the perfect place to become a regular. For seafood lovers, start with the Gran Fritto, a crunchy, salty melange of calamari, squid and shrimp served with a rich, spicy tomato sauce. For your main have the pheasant risotto dressed with black truffle, a dish for which they're well known. For something meatier, make sure to try the spicy suckling pork, the chef's take on porchetta.
What did I miss? Add your suggestions for best regional Italian restaurants in the comments.
Writing by Maria Vanta
by Guest Contributor via blogTO
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