Is there anything better than a big old plate of pasta? Seriously, we can’t think of a single thing. As one of those dishes that can be served in hundreds of different ways, we think if you told us we could only live on pasta for the rest of our lives, we would simply say “thank you.” Lucky for us, Toronto doesn’t shy away from great taste when it comes to pasta offered in the city. There are loads of great Toronto restos serving up some of the best pasta dishes in town! From classic spaghetti to rigatoni, gnocchi, and even lasagna, these great places are mouth-wateringly good.
Here are 12 delicious Toronto spots for the best pasta in the city (in no particular order).
TRATTORIA NERVOSA
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Moving on over to Yorkville, we’re hitting up a tiny little joint that packs a massive punch. Trattoria Nervosa is known for its cozy and quaint ambience, its incredible wine list, and, of course, its killer pasta. Although you might miss some of the attmosphere when you enjoy these eats from home, the dishes are delicious enough to hold the experience up alone.
Our recommendation from this spot is the Capellini pasta. Complete with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, and fresh basil, there’s really no going wrong.
Where: 75 Yorkville Ave
CIBO WINE BAR
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Just down the street from Nervosa (and in a few other neighbourhoods around T.O.), you’ll find Cibo Wine Bar. Just as the name suggests, this resto has gone the wine list to beat. It’s so long it has its own multi-page booklet to flip through (or scroll through online for takeout). But, of course, the pasta you pair that wine with shines as well.
With a wide selection of pasta made fresh in-house, there are tons to choose from. There are so many great options it’s hard to narrow it down, but if we HAD to make one recommendation it’d be the Tagliatelle with wild mushroom, black truffle paste, and white wine sauce. Yum!
Where: Find your nearest location here
DAL MORO’S FRESH PASTA TO GO
Take great pasta to go with one of the easiest options for delicious fresh pasta in the city. Dal Moro’s is designed to be enjoyed on the go, so it adjusted pretty perfectly to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. They offer so many freshly made pastas and house-made sauces that you can combine in over 100 different ways!
There’s more great stuff on this menu than we can imagine, but if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box recommendation (ha ha get it? Cause this pasta comes in a box…), we’ve got to suggest any of the pasta topped with Nero di Seppia. This liquid black ink sauce is sure to impress.
Where: Find your nearest location here
SUGO
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Any Toronto local knows that Sugo is where it’s at. The spot frequently has lineups out the door of folks eager to get a taste of their iconic red sauce. Oh, and that one waiter (you know which) is basically a local celebrity now. We’re sure he’s drawing in the crowds too ?.
Although pretty much everything on this menu is a guaranteed hit, we’ve got to recommend the Rigatoni and/or the giant Meatball. Finish things off with their Tiramisu and you’ve got quite the feast on your hands. Trust us on this one, y’all. You’re gonna love it.
Where: 1281 Bloor St W
PIANO PIANO
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You know that one scene in Ratatouille where they combine flavours and it’s like an entire orchestra goes off in their heads because of the taste? That’s kind of the vibe you get when you try the eats at Piano Piano. No wonder they allude to music in their name! This spot has some of the best pasta in town.
Today on the menu, we’re recommending a bite of their Amatriciana Rigatoni. It packs just the right balance of tomato and spice.
Where: 88 Harbord St & 623 Mount Pleasant
GUSTO 101
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We wish we could dine on this incredible spot’s rooftop terrace right now. But instead, we’ll have to settle for takeout. That’s alright though, these eats are delicious enough we can still get excited about them with an adjusted experience.
When you order from Gusto 101, you can’t go wrong with a plate of their Mafalde ai Funghi. It’s got four different mushrooms involved for that full flavour punch. Mmm, our mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Where: 101 Portland St
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TERRONI
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From all the way in Los Angeles to right here in Toronto, the Terroni Italian restaurant empire is making waves from coast-to-coast. There are a few delicious locations of the spot right here in the city, and each one is serving up the iconic pasta that made the place famous. They only use fresh pasta made in-house daily, so you know you’re in for quality when you place your order.
As for our recommendation? We’ve got to throw our weight behind any of the many versions of ravioli this place cooks up. Whether they’re filled with spinach and ricotta, duck confit, or delicious butternut squash, these little pasta pockets are to die for.
Where: Find your nearest location here
EATALY
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We can’t talk pasta and not mention Eataly, right? The new-ish to the city Italian market has mastered the art of the perfect bite. Their in-house restaurant La Pizza e La Pasta (which you can get takeout from now) serves up incredible plates of the iconic Italian dish. Plus, if you love the artisanal pasta you enjoy as takeout, stop by the market to pick up the ingredients to make it at home!
The spot has pasta selections made fresh in-house AND imported directly from Napoli. Either option is great, and we’re recommending a bite of the classic spaghetti pomodoro.
Where: 55 Bloor St W
FIGO
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This trendy Italian spot is always a crowd-pleaser. Yeah, we know. No crowds these days. BUT everyone you’re quarantining with will be delighted when you surprised them with takeout from here. They’ve got every Italian-inspired dish you could imagine, and when it comes to pasta, they’ve done it right.
With fresh ingredients and premium culinary techniques, Figo’s menu is stacked with great eats. We’re recommending the Bucatini Ragu as our favourite pasta selection. It’s made with wild boar, pork and veal ragu, San Marzano tomato, red wine, and of course, parmigiano.
Where: 295 Adelaide St W
AGIO
This next spot is the St Clair joint that’s got people talking. Hurry up and place your order to enjoy the delicious pasta (and other Italian eats) they’re serving up. You can enjoy these eats a la carte, or indulge in the spot’s 4-course prix fixe menu.
If you opt for the prix fixe menu, you’ve got a delicious choice between Lobster Ravioli or Seafood Penne (or create your own pasta). If you go for a la carte, your options are endless. The house favourite is the classic Spaghetti Bolognese. You also can’t go wrong with a plate of Linguine al vongole (fresh clams in a white wine pesto sauce) or any of their gnocchis.
Where: 1351 St Clair Ave W
7 WEST
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This spot may not be known for their pasta, but they still pull through when it comes to the iconic dish. The cozy Charles Street location is famous for its late-night hours and delicious bites. Delivery from here is available 24/7, 365 days a year. So whenever that craving hits, they’ve got you covered!
They serve up stellar pizzas and sandwiches too, but for pasta, we’ve got to recommend the Penne Carbonara or the Mac N Cheese. Either one of these dishes feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Where: 7 Charles St W
FUSARO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
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Last but not least, we’ve got Fusaro’s Italian Kitchen. This popular spot has got you covered when it comes to all the pasta classics. Their menu includes everything from gnocchi, to penne a la vodka, to bolognese, aglio olio, and more.
Any one of the dishes from here is sure to be a hit, but our personal favourite is the Florentina. With chicken, spinach, and fresh tomato basil pesto on top of delicious rigatoni, there’s seriously no going wrong.
Where: 147 Spadina Ave & 294 Richmond St E
So open up your favourite delivery app and get to ordering, people! Some of the best pasta in Toronto is calling your name. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got some takeout to pick up…
