Top Southern Italian restaurants in Toronto, Canada

Took my parents here today for Father’s Day. They have a beautiful brunch menu and fantastic service every single time I come here. Today was probably my 5th time at this restaurant and Positano consistently surpasses my expectations. Going back for dinner tonight with the rest of my family.

We had my birthday dinner here. Service was above and beyond. My husband had the short ribs which were perfect and I had the sea bass. I’m not a big fish eater but this was so good and perfectly cooked. Cheesecake was light and delicious for dessert. And a wonderful chocolate cake as well to celebrate. Service was attentive but not intrusive. We will definitely be back. Definitely recommend. Thanks for a wonderful dinner.

Pretty good dinner experience. Went early on a Fri afternoon (5:30) and got seated right away. Gentleman serving us was extremely friendly and accommodating. They didn't have the wine I wanted by the glass but opened a bottled anyway so I could try it. All the food ordered was very good from starters to dessert. Nice, cozy spot. Was quiet when we got there but got louder when it started getting busy. Will definitely return to try other dishes.

It’s a pity that we don’t have 4.5 stars because it’s exactly the note I would have given.
We took 3 lasagnas, you can taste it’s homemade with good ingredients, however it was not enough roasted and there still was a little bit of water coming from the tomato sauce that hasn’t been reduced enough.
The dessert (cheesecake) was good, it’s an excellent idea to do small portion (and small price) especially after eating pasta.
Overall the quality-price (28$ lasagna tip and taxes included) is more than decent, it’s a good address.
We will come back to try something else and to see if I maintain 5 stars or if it’s closer to 4.

I really like the food and drinks here. Most of their wines are not available at LCBO; they are brought in from Italy by the owner, and I think they are definitely worth trying. The food is delicious; every dish is perfect. Compared to other Italian restaurants, it doesn't have as much cheese, which I am very happy about. The prices are reasonable, and I will come back. Recommended: meatballs, mushroom salad, lobster linguine. We ordered quite a lot and were very full, so sadly, we had no room for dessert, which is a bit regrettable.

Great food. Place is small so definitely make reservations. Will visit again. Thanks for a great evening.

Every single bite even after I was full, was amazing. I am glad that I found this restaurant. Will return and try other menus soon.

Shared a lovely light dinner with friends at Positano and we were very happy with the experience. Very fresh and tasty food, friendly and prompt service, great atmosphere.

Excellent Neapolitan pizza place; probably my favourite in the city. Awesome pizza with really good dough and great sauce. Our server was very nice as well, and the actual restaurant has a pleasant Italian ambiance.

wow! i love this place! an accidental discovery walking by - pefect place for a self love sunday
the hostess was incredibly warm and welcoming, and answered all my questions
my turkish coffee and tea were for real, the best ive ever had - their brunch and dinner menu looks INCREDIBLE - i am really lookong forward to coming here to try evwrything
its very clear they rake immense pride and care in rheir ingredients and service
the atmosphere is also very relaxing with very nicebackround music - definitely feels like an authentic mini escape from the hustle and bustle of the city - will be my self love sunday splurge every week!
1000% reccomend!

Back in the 90's when 7 Numbers opened I used to be there weekly, I very much liked the feel of an Italian eatery that welcomed us like being in Nona's kitchen. Moved away from the area and forgot it was there until recently when someone mentioned it.

I took the family there because I hadn't been there in many years. Regretfully I can't say I'll be back, it now seems tired despite being in a different location.

Service was fine, the wine was excellent. Unfortunately the food now seemed more like leftovers in Nona's kitchen and no longer fresh or creative.

I hope they find their passion again

Dined in for a birthday and it was perfect. Such a cozy little restaurant. The service was warm and welcoming. Food and drinks were spectacular. Highly recommend trying this restaurant if you’re curious!

Beautiful warm atmosphere, loved the vibe of the real candlesticks throughout the restaurant. Our server was nice and very attentive! The grilled octopus was delicious, the lobster tail linguine was good but not that special. The Nutella tiramisu was to die for - must try this dessert! Will be back!

One of the best Italian restaurants I have been to across Canada. The food was lip smacking good. We had made reservations. The ambience is great. The place was completely packed when we were there. Everything we had was fabulous. The Fungi Ravioli was the clear winner amongst Everything we ordered. Our server Ivana was par excellence withe her service. Friendly, great recommendations and a great smile. A must visit place.

Wife and I split a ceasar salad, spinach gorgonzola gnocchi, and lamb shank. The salad was perfectly dressed, the flavours of the gnocchi and lamb were on point and complemented each other nicely. They clearly put in some effort on their Christmas decor. Service was prompt, and we were both stuffed at the end of the meal. It was freezing cold and rainy when we went and it was just what we needed. Price was fair, overall a great experience.

Cozy family run pizza stop. Great tasting pizza and, friendly customer service and a little outdoor / indoor seating area. Thanks from you returning customer!

Super delicious pizzas! Both pizzas were fresh and delicious. 🍕
Friendly staff ☺️
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Arghavan Rastegari

What a hidden Gem! Caffino has amazing food and the decor is great! I had the calamari and veal and it was amazing. We split the Maria pizza which was also very good. Decent prices and I'm told the Gnocchi was amazing as well.

I've had better frozen pizza... sorry.

Update: To be fair to the owner, I am providing a more in-depth review... I tried the pepperoni pizza, expecting something special given the high Google reviews. Unfortunately, it tasted just like an average frozen pizza from a store. The crust was thick and chewy, not fresh or crispy as you'd want from a pizzeria. The toppings, including the sauce and cheese, were plain and lacked flavor. Although it looked good with plenty of pepperoni and cheese, it didn't deliver on taste in my opinion. In summary, this pizza was a letdown as I was looking for a great pizza experience. It's fine for a quick meal, but not for someone like me who really enjoys good pizza. I gave the service 4 stars because the staff were friendly and accommodating. N.B. I did not try other items on the menu, which may live up to the Google rating.

We celebrated my son’s baptism & 1st birthday at Pizza e Pazzi last weekend. It was an excellent experience from beginning to end. We had 40 guests and everyone loved their food. The portions were large and delicious. The customer service was superb. We’ll be back for sure! Don’t hesitate to book them for any private event. They won’t disappoint.

Got the special Lamb with mushroom gnocchi, the lamb was cold while the sauce was barely room temperature, the gnocchi was hot but the sauce was pretty cool in comparison, flavours were mid at best, really wasn’t anything to write home about. The ravioli was okay, the asparagus was some of the most bitter I’ve ever tasted, i do enjoy the flavour of asparagus but this was way too much. Im really not picky with food and usually give good reviews even if the food is just alright; service was lacking, no bread to start which other tables had, waitress seemed unsure of her own menu and the food being poorly done all contributed to this 2 star. Seemed like this restaurant got lazy after their previous streak of great reviews. Wont be coming back, dont really recommend.

Perhaps the pizza is good?

The service is really friendly, warm and unpretentious. Like going to an Italian friend's home for dinner. Ordered the grill calamari, meat ball, pasta, lamb shank and the lemon pie. The Italian wine is easy to drink. We lived in New York City and New Jersey for years and had many good Italian meals. This is the best Italian restaurant we had in Toronto. Will come back for sure.

So happy to meet the owner, Rosa, after our meal today. What a lovely, passionate and friendly lady! Her high spirit shines through the food she serves. Thanks for a lovely meal !!

Doesn’t look like much from the outside but their panzerottis are amazing. Plus the owners are incredibly nice people and deserve your patronage. But again, the food is worth it.

food was so so good and really good portion sizes. calamari was perfect! definitely recommend if close to budwiser stage or tfc stadium.

What a delicious Italian food! The pasta is fresh, the sauces and meat are super well seasoned and so tasty! The staff is extremely friendly and the ambient is a small spot that makes you feel homey and cozy! Will definitely be coming back!

My recent outing with two coworkers at Caffino left me with mixed feelings about the establishment. While the staff's friendliness was a highlight, the culinary offerings fell short of expectations.

Service and Ambiance: From the moment we walked in, the staff at Caffino greeted us with warmth and courtesy. The inviting ambiance set a comfortable tone for our evening, and the attentive service was a definite plus.

Culinary Lows: Unfortunately, the food we ordered did not match the initial positive impression. The calamari, while promising, was marred by an excessive amount of salt that overshadowed any other flavors. The caprese salad, typically bursting with the freshness of tomatoes and basil, fell short in delivering a memorable taste experience. Even the pizza, a staple at many restaurants, failed to impress with its mediocrity.

Inconsistent Espresso Martini: Ordering an espresso martini, I was met with an unexpected inconsistency between the two drinks. The first one I received seemed to lack the vibrancy that defines this classic cocktail, making me wonder if it had been sitting ready for some time before being served.

Silver Lining: Amidst the culinary disappointments, the one redeeming factor was undoubtedly the staff. Their friendly and accommodating demeanor added a touch of warmth to an otherwise lackluster dining experience.

Final Thoughts: Caffino, while showcasing an inviting ambiance and welcoming staff, fell short in terms of its culinary offerings. Over-salted calamari, a lackluster caprese, and an inconsistent espresso martini left us wanting more from our dining experience. While the atmosphere and service were commendable, the subpar food quality makes it difficult to fully recommend this establishment for a satisfying dining outing.

What a fantastic meal and experience! The decor is out of this world and once greeted inside you are made to feel like family! The food was amazing and authentic! The drinks were perfect. Our waiter Marco was so so personable, making amazing suggestions. The owner Roas was so personable, especially with our kids !
Can’t wait to return :) what an experience!

Loved my recent visit to Positano. Loved the ambience. It’s a cozy place to have a great meal. Since, it was raining we couldn’t sit outside but it wasn’t an issue for us.
The service was quick. We loved the food and drinks.
They told that they bake their bread in their kitchen. It was fresh and soft and we loved the butter too.
Thank you Positano for a nice evening.

Had a cheese slice and it looked much better than it tasted. The taste was slightly better than a supermarket frozen pizza. The three stars are for the service and pizza combined. The lady was really polite and kind who served me and she deserves 5 stars, unfortunately the pizza did not

Came to visit based on all the reviews and they most definitely did not disappoint.

Absolutely yummy food that was also very filling. The back outdoor patio was great even if it was raining. We'll be back!

Although the pizza was very good, the Pesto Gnocchi was completely bland. Couldn't taste any pesto or cheese and it was basically almost the equivalent of just boiled gnocchi. Past reviews have stated the same thing about the pesto gnocchi so I'm saying this as constructive criticism with the hope that they will reapproach how they prepare the pesto gnocchi. I would go again for the pizza but not the pasta.

Located in the Liberty neighborhood within an old industrial building, Caffino provides as wonderful surprise reveal as you pass through the wrought iron gates and into an innocuous door...a casual yet dressy bohemian inspired decor with a truly classical Italian menu. The first area as a bar and bistro seating area with views of the open kitchen, which you pass through into the main dining area surrounded on three sides with bright airy French pane windows. A wonderful eating environment.

We order a Caesar salad and Caprese salad (both very good) which is accompanied by complimentary fresh baked bread season with olive oil and rosemary (very delicious). For our mains we had pappardelle ragu, spaghetti carbonara, and linguine alle vongole (all of which were excellent) ending with a traditional tiramisu (also excellent although it had a bit too much cocoa power topping for my taste). All in all an excellent meal.

Service was on point with a charming wait staff who were attentive and prompt. Definitely a winner if you are looking for classic Italian cuisine. Enjoy!

Following up on my previous review as I visited again and ordered a Panzo. Absolutely amazing! Great size, fresh dough and fillings, just perfect all around. I highly recommend the Panzo alongside the pizza it just cant be beat! Will be visiting again shortly!

Original review:
Really good pizza! Nice and fresh toppings, great balance of sauce and dough and perfectly cooked. Definitely recommend to all pizza lovers and food lovers alike! 😋

The menu offered a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes, each one made with the freshest ingredients and expertly prepared. We started off with mussels and clams in a white wine sauce and grilled calamari. Both cooked perfectly and bursting with flavor.
Main courses included Pizza, Pasta alla Gricia, Lemon Bisque Shrimp spaghetti and Branzino. I’d love to say something negative here, but it’s impossible. These dishes were just outstanding. The branzino on another level of freshness and perfect preparation.
To finish off the meal, we had the tiramisu. It was light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of coffee.
I would highly recommend Positano Restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Italian dining experience in Toronto. The food, atmosphere, and service were all exceptional and I can't wait to go back!

Fantastic hidden gem on the west end. Seriously, this place is so good. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is an absolute must. It’s massive, perfectly seasoned and loaded in cheese and garlic butter. The pizza is also a must..thin crust, great sauce, big slices. Tried the cannelloni today and it didn’t disappoint (nothing does here).. every bite loaded with meat. Owners are great, super friendly.. only wish I lived closer.

This is a new gem 💎 we just founded it. Amazing food, ambiance and service! We loved it there and have such great time. We were there before the TFC game but we actually want to go back and have more time to enjoy the delicious food. Everything we ordered was really good. Price was reasonable and the quality surpassed any expectations.

This place is a hidden gem. The entrance is tucked away alongside of a factory building and it's like you enter into a new atmosphere. Our server was very clear with the current specials and made us feel welcomed. I ordered the rigatoni tenderloin pasta and my boyfriend ordered the shrimp rose pasta special. Both pastas were cooked perfectly and the sauce was immaculate and not too overpowering. We also both ordered espresso martinis and a charcuterie board as an appetizer. I highly recommend the cocktails because they pack QUITE the punch.

Me and my girlfriend went for a dinner date and neither of us had heard of this place before. The staff were very friendly and everything we tried was amazing! Definitely ask them for the special for the day because they all taste phenomenal. Can’t wait for warmer weather so we can enjoy their patio!

We stopped here just because our Airbnb was not ready yet and we wanted to kill time.. I'm not even exaggerating when I say I thought about the gnocchi my entire visit. At every single meal I had (including at CN 360) all I wanted to eat was the gnocchi again. We even stopped here on our way back to the airport but unfortunately they are closed on Sundays. The woman working was so nice and welcoming too! We tried paying frequently and she kept insisting that we pay only once we were ready to leave even though it was a take out place. If we're ever back in Toronto, we will be stopping here.

Nice place to enjoy a night out, but not memorable enough to make us want to go back.

We also experienced totally different service levels from the two waiters that attended our table: while one did her best to ensure we are enjoying our dinner, the other one failed completely. Telling us he will be back in a minute and never coming back, leaving from our table while we would still talk to him, and ignoring us when trying to get his attention. I wasn’t crazy either about the kitchen not being able to contain well the smell of fried food, which resulted in our clothes fully soaked in the smell of fried seafood by the time we left.
Not a bad experience overall, but just a one and done kind of location.