Two Toronto Italian restaurants rank among best in the world, earning coveted spots on the prestigious 50 Top Italy list. This global recognition is a testament to the city’s vibrant culinary scene, showcasing its ability to compete on the world stage.

Italian Culinary Tradition Recognized by 50 Top Italy

The 50 Top Italy awards ceremony is an annual event that honors the 50 finest Italian restaurants worldwide. The list includes entries from Italy, which are ranked based on reviews from 150 Italian gastronomic experts. Restaurants outside of Italy are reviewed by more than 200 contributors and collaborators around the globe. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the best of the best make it onto the list.

Two Toronto Restaurants Shine in Global Rankings

In the 2025 edition of the awards, two Toronto-based eateries distinguished themselves by landing within the top 15. Little Italy’s fine dining restaurant, DaNico, secured an impressive third place, trailing only behind Rio de Janeiro’s Ristorante Hotel Cipriani and Il Carpaccio in Paris. Another local favorite, Don Alfonso 1890, located in the Weston Harbour Castle, earned the 13th spot, outranking renowned establishments like La Table d’Antonio Salvatore in Monte Carlo and Senzanome in Brussels.

Global Recognition for Toronto’s Food Scene

Both DaNico and Don Alfonso 1890 are among the 16 Toronto restaurants that have been awarded a Michelin Star, a distinction that speaks volumes about their culinary prowess. While it’s not surprising that these esteemed establishments have garnered additional global recognition, it’s a significant achievement that underscores the city’s gastronomic prowess. This recognition serves as a reminder that Toronto’s food scene has what it takes to compete with the culinary giants.

Lead photo by Fareen Karim at DaNico

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

See Full Bio