The one place in Toronto where finding a stiff caffè, the finest gelato, TO's best sandwich, underground acts, insanely delicious grilled octopus, and haggis (if you’re into it) is never more than a minute away. This particular Little Italy is considerably younger, cosmopolitan, and friendlier to creatives than its sister hood in NYC. And probably a little less obnoxiously Italian (which in this case is a good thing). In the midst of its own renaissance, a number of interesting and unique restaurants, bars, and shops run by some of Toronto’s up-and-coming have opened up and reinvigorated this once recently sleepy street. Just make sure to bring an empty stomach and a full wallet to get a taste for the real Little Italy.
The city's best octopus and craft beer selection
The scent of freshly made dough and seasonal vegetables being deep fried will stop you in your tracks. You can’t not resist. Then you find out they make fried mac n’ cheese (frittatina) and personal pizzas made to order and it’s a done deal. All the food served here is authentic to what you’d find on the streets in Southern Italy: its oven and Friggitrice (deep fryer) have been designed and handmade in Naples. No other restaurant in Canada has a pair of these beautiful machines. Must eats: Pizza Fritta, Battilocchio (a pizza you can hold in one hand), Zeppole.
