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Top 10 Spots for the Best Pasta in Toronto
If you’re in Toronto or planning a trip soon, you’re in for a real treat because we’ve put together a drool-worthy list of the top spots for the best pasta in the city.
From comforting classics to innovative twists, these mouth-watering pasta destinations will surely satisfy your cravings. So, don your stretchy pants and prepare for a pasta adventure like no other!
Remember, life is too short for average pasta, so read on and discover the best there is in Toronto.
Terroni
Website: http://www.terroni.com/
Address: 720 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-504-0320
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Terroni is a popular Italian eatery in Toronto that embodies an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. The fantastic range of pasta dishes is one of the main reasons why it’s considered a top spot for a delicious pasta meal in the city!
If you’re looking for quality, mouthwatering pasta, look no further than their Fettuccine alla Bolognese. It’s seriously comfort food at its finest with its perfect mix of home-made pasta, meat, and tomato sauce.
Along with that, you’ll want to try their Gnocchi di Nonna—soft potato dumplings that will practically melt in your mouth! In addition, their Fior di Latte Mozzarella salad includes creamy, locally sourced cheese that nicely complements the pasta dishes they serve.
Desserts like their Tiramisu or Panna Cotta are the perfect way to wrap up your meal. Fun fact: If you need someone to wash down all that goodness, go for their group cocktail options like the Italian Mule Punch.
| Local tip: Don’t miss out on their pizza selection as well. The C’t Mang, with black truffle, Bufala mozzarella, and egg, will have you coming back for more. |
Buca Osteria & Enoteca
Website: https://buca.ca/
Address: 604 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-865-1600
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Imagine pulling a chair into a warm, fully relaxed environment and having a moment of bliss with every forkful of scrumptious pasta. That’s Buca, a crowd favourite among Toronto pasta lovers, hidden in a charming alleyway.
Their menu focuses on high-quality ingredients and delectable flavours. Make sure to try the Spaghetti al Nero di Maiale; this knockout dish made with squid ink spaghetti and pork will blow your mind.
The satisfyingly creamy Bigoli with duck egg yolk and hazel shavings is another must-try. But don’t stop with the pasta. Dive into their amazing Assaggini or the Crudo e Carpaccio for some appetisers that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Round up your meal with Buca’s heavenly Ricotta Zeppole, a perfect balance of sweet and cheesy goodness. Need a solid drink pick? You can’t go wrong with their Aperol Spritz or the signature Porchetta Sour.
| Local tip: Heads up! Book a table in advance, ’cause word on the street is that Buca gets pretty busy during peak hours. |
Piano Piano
Website: http://www.pianopianotherestaurant.com/
Address: 88 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-929-7788
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Piano Piano got the memo that good vibes and great pasta go hand in hand. This lively spot has sensational pasta dishes that will have you coming back for more.
The Cavatelli alla Norcina, with its sausage, mushrooms, and oh-so-flavoursome tomato sauce, will have your insides doing a happy dance. And the butternut squash agnolotti could just be your next favourite craving!
The rich and mildly sweet filling combined with sage, parmesan, and browned butter will make you feel like you’ve struck gold.
Don’t forget to accompany your pasta with a choice from their excellent selection of wines; the curated list offers local favourites and international highlights. For a delightful meal finale, dig into their classic tiramisu or signature whiskey cake.
If you’re seeking a light, refreshing sipper, their Spritz & Giggles cocktail will surely hit the spot.
| Local tip: Remember to admire their gorgeous murals. They even have an exposed brick wall that adds to the warm, inviting ambiance. |
Gusto 101
Website: http://gusto101.com/
Address: 101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-504-9669
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:45 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:45 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Here we are at Gusto 101, a spot loved by locals for its tasteful offering of Italian dishes in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The joint has earned its spot on the list of top pasta providers due to its detailed attention to traditional Italian cooking.
Think about diving into their spaghetti carbonara, a must-try, topped off with black pepper that adds a pop of exciting flavour. That’s Mafalde ai Funghi, y’all! You gotta get in on that cause it’s rich in cheese and mushrooms, perfect for vegetarian options.
Don’t just stop at the pasta! Try out their antipasti for a great kick start to your palate’s Italian adventure. How about some hand-sliced prosciutto?
Dessert-wise, you absolutely can’t go wrong with a piece of their Torta di Cioccolato, a decadent chocolate almond cake that’s just the sweetest way to cap off a great meal. Wash it all down with a glass from their brilliant wine selection for a swell time.
| Local tip: Your lucky capris might seem like the perfect attire while dining in their urban patio setup. Be sure to check out their hand-built wine cellar if you can. It’s something! |
Ascari Enoteca
Website: https://www.ascari.ca/
Address: 1111 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-792-4157
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Ascari Enoteca is up next, and it’s one of those places that brings a huge smile to your face, especially with their glorious pasta selection. For starters, try their homemade Malloreddus: small, shell-shaped pasta with sausage, tomato, and saffron.
Their eggplant rigatoni, with its perfectly cooked pasta and rich tomato sauce, speaks volumes about the love they put into their dishes! This joint doesn’t only score high on pasta, though.
Why not kick things off with a plate of their marinated olives to get your palate primed for the main course? After that delight of a pasta dish, treat yourself to the cannoli.
The ricotta filling is practically heavenly! And did I mention their wine list? It’s a roster of downright amazing Italian labels..
| Local tip: While the whole place is cosy and appealing, try to snag a seat at the window for a prime people-watching spot. If you’re around on a Monday, they have a $25 pasta and wine affair called “MangiaCake Monday”, which sounds like a sweet deal |
Oretta King West
Website: https://www.oretta.to/kingwest/home
Address: 633 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-944-1932
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
For all the pasta lovers looking for a stylish setting, Oretta King West is where it’s at. Their pasta dishes come packed with an array of creative and delicious flavours.
You have to try the Linguine Carbonara; it’s served with guanciale, which adds a succulent variation to your regular carbonara dish. Or delight in the hand-cut Tagliatelle Bolognese infused with classic flavours.
Beyond pasta, start off with a selection of their Piccole Pizza for mouthwatering appetisers. As for dessert, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to top off your meal than their Tiramisu with a delightful coffee kick.
How could I forget to mention their cocktails? Top-class! Try the classic Negroni or their famous Spritz to complete your Italian adventure.
| Local tip: Just a quick heads up: you might want to snap an Instagram shot in their photogenic interior; the place is stunning with modern artistic touches! And, if you’re dropping in for lunch, their $25 prix-fixe menu is a steal. |
Nodo Junction
Website: http://nodorestaurant.ca/
Address: 2885 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-901-1559
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Oh boy, let’s talk about the merchant logo! This joint is in a league of its own when it comes to pasta. Trust me, you’ll be hankering for their Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with its delicious blend of garlic, olive oil, and chilies for a spicy kick.
But don’t stop there, folks! Their Arancini is, quite simply, a revelation! It is a crispy rice ball with mozzarella and peas as stuffing. Oh, it’s a thing of beauty!
Now hold on! You can’t go dipping into that pasta without wetting your whistle. Their selection of beers and wines is as diverse and exciting as their pasta offerings.
And after you’ve cleaned your pasta plate, let’s talk about dessert. Their Gelati Assortiti is the stuff of legend and the perfect sweet ending to a delicious meal.
| Local tip: Their patio seating is lovely during the warmer months and every Tuesday, they offer half-off bottles of wine. Now, if that’s not worth a pasta Tuesday trip, I don’t know what is! |
Ristorante Sotto Sotto
Website: http://www.sottosotto.ca/
Address: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-962-0011
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Ristorante Sotto Sotto is a place that’s just oozing with Italian charm, and let me tell you, it’s got some fine pasta dishes. Their Gnocchi Gorgonzola is a diet-busting delight you won’t want to miss, and their Spaghetti Vongole E Bottarga as well.
Before you tuck into that pasta treat, do check out their amazing antipasti selection. It’s the perfect hint of things to come.
And after the pasta, why not indulge in their delightful cannoli for dessert? It’s just the closing note you’ll appreciate.
Pop open a bottle of their top-class Italian wines, which perfectly pair with any of their pasta dishes.
| Local tip: Don’t forget to take a cosy sweater if you’re dining on their gorgeous patio, as it gets a bit nippy in the evening. And don’t hesitate to ask the waitstaff for wine suggestions; they know their stuff. |
La Palma
Website: http://lapalma.ca/
Address: 849 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-368-4567
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Next stop on our pasta tour, we’re hitting La Palma! This spot is not just visually appealing, but they seriously know their pasta.
The 100-layer lasagna is a standout dish that you absolutely have to try! Their Spaghetti Alla Gricia is a creamy, cheesy, and peppery wonder that’s as satisfying as the day is long.
But why rush into the main course? Get started with the Smoked Trout Dip; it’s a local fave.
And since no meal is complete without a sweet ending, make sure you try their olive oil cake; it’s, well, too delicious for words. They’ve also got a killer cocktail list, and the Picante Paloma comes highly recommended.
| Local tip: Always ask for the daily specials; chef Craig Harding might surprise you with unique and seasonal dishes. And yes, do check out their exciting Sunday brunch menu. |
Famiglia Baldassarre
Website: http://famigliabaldassarre.com/
Address: 122 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 4H1, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-293-5395
Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Let’s wrap up at Famiglia Baldassarre. Spoiler alert: Their pasta’s a knockout! This little pasta factory has rapidly become a must-visit for pasta enthusiasts all over the city.
The menu changes daily, but if you’re lucky, you’ll get a chance to try their Rigatoni all’Amatriciana. And if their stuffed Agnolotti is on offer, well, be prepared for a heavenly pasta experience.
Before you launch into the world of pasta, try their focaccia. It’s a perfect opener for the taste buds. And after the divine pasta, go for their Panna Cotta. It’s as sleek and creamy as they come.
Don’t forget to pair your meal with a notable wine selection for an outstanding dining experience.
| Local tip: Do swing by earlier, as they tend to sell out their pastas fast. They don’t accept reservations, so be prepared to line up. Good news: their takeaway pasta options are stellar. |
