MISTURA
Italian

At Mistura, popular, convivial chef- co-owner Massimo Capra turns out classic Northern Italian cuisine which clearly suits the well-heeled crowd enjoying an evening out. The generous spacing of tables in this gracious, airy room offers lots of elbow room and maneuverability, so lacking in most popular places. With excellent seasonal dishes, served by a friendly knowledgeable staff, it’s no wonder patrons keep coming back for more. A must try is the Wild Boar Agnolotti in a savoury sour cherry and brown butter sauce. The well-organized wine list clearly lists prices making it much easier when choosing and comparing wines. Partner Paulo Paulini roams the rooms making everyone feel like extended family.

265 Davenport Road (just west of Avenue Road)      (416) 515-0009

ARIA
Italian

Popular Toronto restaurateurs Elena Morelli and Guido Alberto Saldini were invited to open a second restaurant next to the Air Canada Center. The interior space has floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch almost 30 feet high and include a two-story wine cellar. Aria's food has been winning raves. Highlights include Baby Cuttlefish with citrus, chilies and fresh marjoram, Grilled Octopus and warm panzanella salad, and the roasted Ontario Quails with bone marrow polenta, wild mushrooms and foie gras jus. Select the perfect wine from the large list and perhaps a grappa to end your meal.

25 York Street (south of Front Street)
(416) 363-2742

BIAGIO
Northern Italian

Classic perfection in the elegant dining room is reflected in Biagio’s Milanese menu. Savour Osso Buco, succulent Grilled Lamb, Seafood, Risottos and homemade Pastas courteously served by their professional staff and matched with an excellent wine cellar. Hot tip: reserve a table in Toronto’s most sought after patios in the city.

155 King St. E. (at Jarvis St.)      (416) 366-4040

BUCA
Italian Enoteca

This trendy, popular restaurant is found tucked down a laneway. Make your way into the spacious dining area with towering brick walls — a reminder of its previous life as a boiler room. Today, however, you’ll admire the hanging cuts of cured meats by the open kitchen. Order a starter which might include the house-cured prosciutto and absolutely addictive baked in house fresh bread. Enjoy authentic combinations of intense rustic flavors matched with Italian wines from their extensive list.

604 King St. W. (just west of Portland St.)
(416) 865-1600

TUTTI MATTI
Italian

Tutti Matti means “Everybody’s crazy”, and one has to be to not return again and again for Chef Alida Solomon’s cooking. She prepares comforting dishes which include a range of in-house made Pastas and special seasonal dishes; call ahead in the summer to try the stuffed Zucchini flowers, or Polpetta, and hearty soups in the winter. This is authentic Tuscan cooking at its best. Well chosen regional wines.

364 Adelaide St. W. (at Charlotte St.)
(416) 597-8839

SPLENDIDO
French/Italian

Splendido is sophisticated fun. So fashionable and so pretty, with its painted flowers and sculptured lights, chefs in painter's hats behind a glass wall splashed with electric colours. This award winner attracts an upbeat, star-studded crowd. The French/Ital cooking reaches high aesthetics using seasonal local ingredients. There's wood-burning grilled delicacies, juicy yorkshire suckling pig, melt-in-your-mouth pastas and risottos. Sensuous food menu and sumptuous portions--All complemented with sexy, sweet pastry creations and a wide-ranging wine list.

88 Harbord Street      (416) 929-7788

ZUCCA
Italian

Personal touches soften the elegant space and add to the relaxed atmosphere where uptown and downtown meet, welcoming an ever-expanding group of devout followers. Remarked for fresh, simple, authentic Italian cooking. Here, every dish is given thoughtful, loving attention. Of note is the vegetable carpaccio, the Cornish hen and, of course, the creme caramel. The well-priced wine list favors Italians, with a few North American and European additions.

2150 Yonge Street      (416) 488-5774