Restaurants in Little Italy (Toronto)

By the Way Cafe

In the heart of the Annex neighborhood, this popular cafe, in existence for over 20 years, caters to the bohemian crowd and anyone else who wants to enjoy themselves in a laid back atmosphere where the service is warm and friendly. Renovated to make it look more like a bistro, the cafe also features an outdoor patio for those warm summer months. Menu items range from falafels to Mediterranean style chicken entrees for about CAD8 a plate, from Middle Eastern combo dishes to vegetarian burgers.

Giovanna Trattoria

Located on the edge of Kensington Market, Giovanna Trattoria is able to take advantage of the fresh produce and other ingredients around it. The specials are based on seasonal availability, assuring some of the most authentic Italian in the city.  The cuisine is mostly Mediterranean Italian, featuring an assortment of light pastas and risotti as well as mains. While the service here has been at times questionable on account of its unfriendly owner, the food remains wonderful and worth a try.

Kalendar Koffee House

With deep red walls and candlelit tables, this coffee house-cum-restaurant is the ultimate in intimate. Or, if dining alone, you can sit near the wall of windows and watch the crowds saunter past through Little Italy. For a light meal, dig into a Scroll Sandwich, a flaky roti wrap stuffed with your choice of spicy meat, chicken or vegetables. If you have heartier fare in mind, savor the Spinach-Stuffed Pasta in Pesto Cream Sauce. Herbal fruit teas, aromatic coffees and a pleasant wine list help top off any meal.

Coco Lezzone Grill & Porto Bar

On College Street, in Toronto's Little Italy, Coco Lezzone Grill & Porto Bar a upscale restaurant attracts those seeking a warm, gentle atmosphere and great Italian food. With a contrasting bright blue façade, this eatery is hard to miss. Inside, a classical music soundtrack against subtle lighting adds to the proposing ambience and engaging décor. Open just for dinner, the menu is strictly Italian. Pasta dishes include Fusilli with Chicken in a Pesto Cream Sauce or try a delicate Rack of Lamb with the mandatory side of mint.

Ye Olde Brunswick House

By far the oldest beer house in Toronto, this venerable institution has been entertaining university students; and those who wish they were back in college; for over 120 years. Located on Bloor West, close to Lee's Palace, Ye Olde Brunswick House is the spot to let loose with overflowing pitchers of cold beer, solid pub fare, friendly service and live music. Pool enthusiasts have six tables to call their own and Wednesday is local band night. But the action really heats up Thu-Sat, with legend Rockin' Irene and keyboardist Nate performing as they have for the past quarter-century.

Mars Food

In business since 1951, Mars restaurant in Kensington Market area offers diners all-day breakfasts. The secret to its success is simple: the staff makes every customer feel at home; the prices are reasonable; and the food is, as the motto says, out of this world. Apart from the all-day breakfast, the diner is famous for its Griddle Cakes, Cheese Blintzes and the thickest milkshakes in town. The lunch-dinner menu includes Burger Platters and Breaded Schnitzel.

Veni Vidi Vici

Located in Toronto's Little Italy, the upscale restaurant,Veni Vidi Vici, might not have a sign out front, but, thanks to the Roman god's head above the door, it's hard to miss. The competition is fierce, but any restaurant that names itself after Julius Caesar's famous "I Came, I Saw, I Conquered" quote, definitely has the chutzpah to make it work. Dishes include pizzas with prosciutto, tomatoes, goat cheese and roasted peppers, Pappardelle Anitra (mushrooms and smoked duck in a pumpkin cream sauce) and a Stuffed Breast of Chicken.

Bar Italia

In the fast-paced world of bars and cafes, the fact that this hipster hangout has been around for many years makes it an old-timer. The bar features 1990s-style Italian cuisine and a second-floor lounge jumping with live music. Special nights include jazz Wednesdays, live R&B Thursdays and DJ Vania Fridays. Also on Friday and Saturday, drop in for the hopping house band, Jelly Stone. In the summer, the outdoor patio looks out onto the street scene.

Café Diplomatico

You'd think that a place that has seen the likes of Sophia Loren darken its doorway, would be intimidatingly overdone. Not this unpretentious Little Italy hotspot! That lack of pretension is reflected in the crowd it attracts, from gawking tourists to long-time locals. They come for the great atmosphere, the cheap beer, the summertime patio, the perfect cappuccino and the downscale Italian food -Pepperoni Pizza (tomato and cheese), beautifully deep-fried Panzerotti and Homemade Pasta.

The Dakota Tavern

Dark interiors, country style décor, low lighting, a huge crowd and live music greet you as you enter the portals of The Dakota Tavern. Gorge on lip smacking mac and cheese, crunchy red cabbage, spiced nuts and cherry tomato salad, and fish served on tacos with cabbage and lime: as you listen to some fine country music. On their famous brunch days, your platter is lined up with unlimited food: cheese, steak, bacon, eggs, juice, coffee, pancakes among other goodies, that you can wash down with a mug of chilled beer. This is a good place to meet new people, groove to good music and have a filling meal. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.

Nova Era Bakery

Take a slice out of the European lifestyle at Nova Era. Founded in 1991, the College Street bakery is one of seven Nova Era locations where you can dabble in a variety of traditional European desserts as you sip your hot café. Freshly baked breads and pastries are the house specialties. Satisfy your sweet tooth by indulging in tarts like Crème Caramel and the fan favorite Nata, a Portuguese custard tart. In addition to a collection of cakes, Nova Era caters to making custom decorative cakes for any occasion. Light breakfast and lunch sandwiches are also served. If you want to venture away from the drinks of the caffeinated variety, opt for Sumol or Compal, cold fruit beverages imported from Portugal.

Sintra Fine Dining

This wine bar and grill in the Dundas and Ossington area is a lavender and bleached wood tribute to Iberian coastal cuisine. Hearty portions of fresh seafood, grilled meats and fine Portuguese wines are served with pride in a familial and inviting atmosphere. Menu items are also available for takeaway. Main courses include Coelho A Sintra; grilled rabbit with migas,Bacalhau Dourado; pan-seared BC black cod with shiitake mushrooms, and Frango No Churrasco; flame-grilled baby chicken with piri piri sauce.