Toronto truly is a city that has everything, including world-class Italian food. One of its leading restaurants, Don Alfonso 1890 was recently awarded the title of 2023's second-best Italian restaurant in the world by the prestigious 50 Top Italy.
Although it was bumped off the top spot it claimed in 2022 by Da Vittorio Shanghai, it still exists as the only Canadian restaurant in the top 10, getting in ahead of Gucci Osteria, Massimo Bottura's tryst with Tokyo. Vancouver's Cioppino's was the only other Canadian restaurant on the list, clocking in at the 33rd spot.
Top 50 dubbed Toronto "the most Italian city in North America" while also showering Don Alfonso's location with praise, calling it "spectacular" and its dining room "elegant and great."
"The restaurant offers many Mediterranean-style dishes that have always distinguished the gastronomic philosophy of the Laccarino family," the guide said. "For this reason, you will also find many local ingredients of excellence, starting with the meat and continuing with the vegetables. An extensive wine list and perfect Italian-style service made tailored for the customer."
The online Top 50 guide is one of the most prestigious rankings of all things Italian food, both inside the country and across the globe. It also features different categories like luxury, patisserie and wine, with over 300 inspectors travelling far and wide in anonymity to find only the most delectable and worthy spots to make the list.
“Once again, we are supremely proud and grateful to be recognized with such a prestigious international honour,” Nick Di Donato, president and CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, said. “I heartily congratulate Chef Corona and his team for their unwavering commitment on our culinary journey, which began with our collective vision to provide guests an exceptional dining experience and put Toronto — and Canada — on the global stage."
Don Alfonso 1890, which until very recently operated as a pop-up in Casa Loma, found its permanent home on the 38th floor of the majestic Westin Harbour Castle, serving its customers modern Mediterranean fare with a side of views of the Toronto harbor. In what has been a truly landmark year for the restaurant, it was also awarded its first Michelin Star in Toronto's inaugural Michelin guide which was released in September 2022.
With such a remarkable pedigree to boast about and equipped with the skills to back it up, who knows what new heights chef Daniele Corona and his team will touch next? One thing is a given, though — Don Alfonso 1890 will continue to serve delicious food every day, until its last.
Don Alfonso 1890 is located on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel at 1 Harbour Square.
