Best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Yonge and Lawrence

Price: Moderate (271)Price: Expensive (227)Price: Very Expensive (139)

17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Día Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

1. Día Restaurant & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(34)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Yorkville

Booked 3 times today

Día Restaurant & Lounge is a newly opened gem of international cuisine that you'll find steps away from the Sherbourne subway station. The ambiance is a blend of modern, stylish, and comfortable, with artful details and spacious seating arrangements. Reviewers rave about their diverse menu, highlighting dishes like the Bitter Caesar, Fried Korean Chicken, and a cheese board with satisfying extras. Praises extend to their enticing cocktail menu and impressive desserts. The service at Día receives high regard for its professionalism and attentiveness, contributing to the overall excellent dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Día is highly recommended for its superb food, ambiance, and service.

2. Danico

4.7

Exceptional(53)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy / College St.

Booked 8 times today

Toronto’s highly awaited DaNico has opened its doors in the historic landmark bank building in the heart of the Palmerston-Little Italy neighbourhood. Created by hospitality giants Liberty Entertainment Group and Don Alfonso 1890, DaNico offers Michelin style cuisine, exceptional service and uniquely bespoke design. Partner and Michelin star Chef Daniele Corona brings his exceptional talent to this fine-dining destination restaurant. As executive chef, his signature menu focuses on the modern Italian culinary tradition he is regarded for, combined with modern Asian influences, utilizing the very finest, local, and sustainable ingredients available in the country. DaNico is the pinnacle of Toronto’s dining scene -- now on the global stage.

A photo of TOCA - The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto restaurant

3. TOCA - The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

4.6

Exceptional(1966)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Entertainment District

Booked 36 times today

TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, is lauded by many as the best Italian restaurant in the city. It is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, with guests hailing its delicacies such as the lobster gigli, burrata, ossobuco, and Tiramisu, made truly memorable by a hint of tasty liqueur. The commitment to quality is seen not only in the food, but also in the exceptional, highly personalized service mentioned in many reviews. Patrons are made to feel like regulars with staff like Joella, Amy, and Luis providing top-notch service. The ambiance of TOCA also mirrors the fine dining culture in Italy, providing a memorable experience right from the entry to the warm farewell.

4. Don Alfonso 1890

4.7

Exceptional(1735)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Harbourfront

Booked 40 times today

Don Alfonso 1890 in Toronto has emerged as a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine, earning rave reviews from diners for its "perfect quality" food and outstanding service. Whether one opts for the classic or contemporary tasting menu, every dish is impeccably presented and packed with fresh, Italian-inspired flavors. The standout wine pairings, explained meticulously by sommeliers, add a further level of complexity to the menu. Notable amongst the dishes is the innovative bison dish that leaves a lasting impression. The tactile experience is enhanced by the sharp and contemporary décor, mirroring the inspiration behind the menu. An upstairs lounge offers uniquely designed cocktails to cap off an unforgettable dining experience, that many recommend for special occasions and food connoisseurs.

5. Amano Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(264)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • St. Lawrence Market

Booked 26 times today

Amano Trattoria has established itself as a standout venue for authentic Italian cuisine. Patrons laud the excellent quality and deliciousness of the food, some going as far as to suggest its offerings remind them of dining in Italy itself. The staff, especially Marcus and Ryan, are recognized for their exceptional service and extensive knowledge of the menu, ensuring a unique dining experience for customers. The restaurant's Arancini starter, scallops, Bucatini, and carpaccio, amongst others, receive specific mentions for their unbeatable taste. Despite suggestions for improvements in ambience and occasional noise levels, Amano Trattoria's consistent delivery of a delightful gourmet experience and their passion shining through every dish makes it a top recommendation for a truly vibrant Italian dining adventure.

6. Bar Vendetta

4.7

Exceptional(328)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Portugal / Dundas West

Booked 37 times today

Bar Vendetta, located on Dundas West, is a constant hit amongst the connoisseurs of Contemporary Canadian cuisine. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant for its excellent food, service, and lively ambiance. "Fantastic food and service in a unique and energetic room," says one patron, echoing the sentiment of many others. The fresh, innovative, and carefully prepared dishes have earned Bar Vendetta the title of "best pasta bar on Dundas West". Many reviewers also appreciate the great wine and cocktails pairing perfectly with the food. Notable dishes include the crown cacio e pepe, the unusual yet delectable burrata with red pepper jelly, tomato salad with three types of onion, and honey gelato. Bar Vendetta continues to exceed expectations with its consistently outstanding food and service.

7. Buca Vaughan

4.5

Awesome(88)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Vaughan

Booked 18 times today

Buca Vaughan is a shining star in the world of contemporary Italian cuisine. Based in the heart of Vaughan, it's lauded as one of the most delicious restaurants in Canada. Reviewers consistently praise its impeccable service and exquisite food, describing dishes like the Branzino crudo, nodini, salumi, bigoli, pappardelle, and truffle pizza as being 'beyond compare'. The restaurant has perfected the balance of innovative yet authentic Italian gastronomy, making it a preferred choice for local patrons as well as travelers. Patrons are also delighted by the restaurant's elegance, attention to detail, and its downtown-restaurant experience offered in Vaughan. In short, Buca Vaughan deserves high praise for bringing exquisite contemporary Italian cuisine to Vaughan.

8. Parola Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(101)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Thornhill

Booked 1 time today

Parola Ristorante has been hailed by patrons as an authentic Italian dining experience that consistently satisfies and surpasses expectations. Reviewers have praised the exceptional food quality, with the euphoric comparison to some of the finest dining experiences in Italy. From the generous food portions, excellent service, to the intimate, cozy atmosphere, no detail is overlooked in creating a truly delightful culinary experience. Repeat visitors celebrate the hospitality, particularly the personal greeting from the owner that bolsters the welcoming ambiance. Whether a special occasion, group night out or an intimate dinner, Parola is not only recommended but declared a 'must-try' gem, promising to deliver an unforgettable fine dining experience.

9. Venga Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(45)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • The Junction

Venga Cucina, situated in Toronto, is renowned for its authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Patrons hail it as the best place for pizza, or more specifically, "pinsa" in Toronto. The love and craftsmanship the chef puts into each meal, especially the pinsas - a delightful cross between focaccia and pizza - are undeniably appreciated by the customers. Reviews boast about their light and crisp texture, topped with fresh ingredients. Venga's menu offers variety, with pizzas topped with figs, mushrooms, beef brisket, and even wild boar sausage. The owner, Gino, is one of only two Canadians certified to make Pinsa Romana, ensuring each bite is a true culinary experience. Whether it’s your first or third visit, Venga Cucina leaves a lasting impression.

A photo of Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar – Richmond Hill restaurant

10. Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar – Richmond Hill

4.6

Exceptional(777)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Richmond Hill

Booked 5 times today

Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar – Richmond Hill provides high-quality Italian cuisine, as attested by numerous reviews. Patrons commend the fantastic service, with servers frequently singled out for their efficiency. The food garners high praise for its freshness and excellence, with the homemade mozzarella and prosciutto being a favorite of many. The atmosphere is considered engaging, with a more inviting ambiance than several other local establishments. Reviewers highlight the restaurant's unique offerings, suggesting it stands out in the crowd of Italian-influenced restaurants. Furthermore, the establishment is described as not only family-friendly but also ideal for group dining, illustrating its vast appeal.

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Yonge and Lawrence

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