This article is sponsored by Don Alfonso 1890.
At Don Alfonso 1890, being singled out is nothing new. Among the first Toronto restaurants to receive a Michelin star, the fine-dining spot has also garnered praise as one of Canada’s 100 best restaurants and one of the world’s 50 top Italian restaurants outside of Italy. Now, the local spot with international connections has added a DiRōNa Gold Award of Excellence to its burgeoning collection of distinctions and accolades.
The only North American location of chefs Ernesto and Alfonso Iaccarino’s haute Italian concept, Don Alfonso 1890 was brought to Toronto in partnership with Nick Di Donato, of Liberty Entertainment Group. A place that brings the flavours of the Amalfi coast to its stunning home inside the Westin Harbour Castle, Don Alfonso 1890 delights guests with stunning views, magnificent plates and the type of service that makes every guest feel elite.
A former student of the Iaccarinos, chef de cuisine Davide Ciavattella creates food that’s as precise and artistic as it is desperately delicious. Each bite is informed by tradition yet made new through modern treatments, creativity and dedication to finicky preparations. Set off by the restaurant’s muted palette, every swish of sauce, meticulous garnish and precise knife cut takes centre stage.
This March, Don Alfonso 1890 was honoured with a 2024 Gold Award of Excellence from The Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNa). The haute spot joins an elite crew of 16 North American restaurants, and a mere three Canadian destinations, to receive the coveted prize.
Since 1990, the non-profit group DiRōNA has worked to promote fine dining in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
The 2024 Gold Award of Excellence carries on the tradition, highlighting spots that “go above and beyond, offering an unforgettable dining experience through exceptional cuisine, premium hand-crafted beverages, impeccable service, and a luxurious and unique fine-dining atmosphere,” according to the group.
As the city’s demand for fine dining options reaches fever pitch, Liberty Entertainment Group continues to feed the need with elegant locales defined by their style, both on and off the plate. Siblings to Don Alfonso 1890, both DaNico and Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi are the group’s newest additions to the city’s ritzy restaurant roster.
At Little Italy’s DaNico, Michelin-starred executive chef Daniele Corona creates magic from Asian and Italian culinary traditions. DaNico, is another one of Liberty Group's award winning restaurants after being awarded the DiRoNa Award of Excellence and shortlisted by Design et Al for best restaurant design Globally and within the Americas.
Sassy and slick, Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi in partnership with Toronto Maple Leaf Mitch Marner and Kevin O'Leary, is Union Station’s newest go-to for stylish surroundings, riveting people watching and a menu of impeccable offerings.
At Don Alfonso 1890, guests choose between a signature tasting menu and à la carte offerings, ranging from pheasant-stuffed ravioli kissed with Grana Padano foam to the chicest slow-cooked suckling pig in existence. Between bites, it’ll become abundantly clear that Toronto’s restaurant scene rivals the world’s best.
Visit Donalfonsotoronto.com for more information and to reserve your table.
