Neighbourhoods
Little Italy
Little Italy was once pizza and pasta central. Then it was overtaken by martini bars and became a twenty-something's version of the Club District. Now, as the neighbourhood still welcomes a mix of newer and long-established restaurants, we wonder what's next? Tame by day, the neighbourhood has all the pre-requisites one would expect. Gelato? Check. Raving soccer fans? Check. Shady Mafioso hangout? Check. But what it also has is oodles of character, two bursting summer street festivals, a killer music store, a second-run cinema and Toronto's best sandwich.
Looking for something
specific in Little Italy?
Abbey Pub / Restaurants
The Abbey Pub is a low key pub on College St. that serves up standard pub fare along with sports on TV and a casual front patio....
Academy of Music / Services
The Academy of Music stocks humble but comprehensive selection of guitars, pianos, clarinets, saxes and recorders, priced to sell, with classrooms in the back or upstairs where budding virtuosi learned...
Acadia Restaurant / Restaurants
Acadia restaurant opened their doors this week to the summer traffic of College street just North of Clinton. Situated by Cafe Diplomatico and Public, Acadia brings an elevated menu and...
Ali Baba's (Little Italy) / Restaurants
Ali Baba's in Little Italy seems to be one of the frontrunners in terms of fast Middle Eastern fare in the area. The shawarma, falafel, and kebabs are all made...
Amato Pizza (College St.) / Restaurants
Amato Pizza on College does have its small bastion of locals, despite the seeming plethora of other pizza options in the area. The slices you'll get here are pretty filling...
Andy Poolhall / Bars
Michael, the owner of Andy Poolhall, boasts that they had one of the first gay-friendly nights off the Church St. strip (at what used to be Ciao Edie's) in the...
Arabesque / Restaurants
Arabesque sits at a quiet corner on College Street, just east of Dufferin. Inside, Lebanese owner Zoher Hakim cooks up delicious falafel, chicken kebab, eggee and more. Don't forget to...
Ashtanga Yoga Shala Toronto / Fitness Clubs
Ashtanga Yoga Shala on College Street offers a schedule of classes mainly consisting of Ashtanga Yoga and Mysore Yoga, which is considered a more traditional style of Ashtanga Yoga (makes...
Aunties and Uncles / Restaurants
Aunties and Uncles is now in its 14th year of operation and has earned itself quite the reputation. Located near College and Bathurst on Lippincott Street, this restaurant competes with...
Aziza / Restaurants
Aziza is a fresh addition to the College and Ossington strip. They offer an all day breakfast, and are also known for their soups and sandwiches - their chicken, avocado...
Baby on the Hip (College St.) / Fashion Stores
Baby on the Hip has expanded to College Street. This is the second location of the popular baby store that spawned in Leslieville....
Bairrada Churrasqueira / Restaurants
From the outside, Bairrada Churrasqueira on College Street looks fairly unassuming, but on the inside everything about it is a cut above. Decorous waitstaff serve attractively presented meals on one...
Balfour Books / Bookstores
Balfour Books, in its new, smaller, location at 468 College St (west of Bathurst), almost doesn't seem like a used bookstore. Sure, there is a dollar bin right outside the...
Bar Isabel / Restaurants
Bar Isabel, former Black Hoof chef Grant van Gameren's latest outpost, recently opened near College and Ossington, and with it comes some very high expectations. Joined by General Manager and...
Bar Italia / Restaurants
Bar Italia is an institution in Little Italy even though its glory days have long past. The split level restaurant serves a long list of Italian favourites including panini, pasta,...
Berry Mix Frozen Yogurt (College St.) / Restaurants
Berry Mix Frozen Yogurt uses local ingredients and hormone-free milk to create a seemingly infinite number of yummy desserts. The Little Italy froyo shop also provides fruit smoothies and bubble...
Bestellen Restaurant / Restaurants
Bestellen is former Executive Chef of the Mercatto Group, Rob Rossi's, new restaurant. Located at Rusholme and College West, there's been a considerable amount of buzz about Rossi's new...
Bikkuri (College St.) / Restaurants
The Bikkuri on College Street is the latest and third of the Bikkuri sushi restaurants in Toronto joining the AYCE one in the Beaches and the original near the Financial...
Bistro 422 / Bars
Bistro 422 is a College and Bathurst Streets dive that many know of but few remember. Some details that will refresh your memory, though, might be; mixed drink pitchers, a...
Bite / Restaurants
Bite is the eatery side of the new Moskito+Bite complex near College and Bathurst. Casual surroundings make way for, um, bite sized portions of seared tuna sliders and more....
Bitondo Pizzeria & Sandwiches / Restaurants
Bitondo's doesn't deliver, which you think would hinder business, but they're not sweatin' it. The place is always busy and if you've had a slice of their pepperoni, you know...
Black Skirt (College St.) / Restaurants
Black Skirt is a recent addition to College Street's bevy of Italian restaurants. Open since January, the eatery takes over the space formerly occupied by Pantry, just west of Dovercourt. Hearing...
Blood and Bandages / Fashion Stores
In business for only a year, this 97-square foot parlour is an attitude-free alternative to crowded salons. The brainchild of Roger Janes - who bought vintage barber chairs on eBay...
Blue Tile Lounge / Fashion Stores
Blue Tile, which got its start in Newmarket in '97, has already made a splash since it opened in Toronto earlier this summer. Landing in prime real estate on College...
Botany Floral Studio / Design Stores
Botany Floral Studio is a Little Italy destination for luscious, uncommon and old fashioned flower varieties. Custom designs tend to feature deep and vibrant colours and lots of tropicals, garden...
BruDa / Restaurants
BruDa is the latest incarnation of the former Negroni — and short lived Carpano — space on College at the eastern edge of Little Italy. Unlike the previous tenants, BruDa...
Burrito Boyz (College St.) / Restaurants
Burrito Boyz on College St. provides a welcome option to late night eats after last call. On the menu are all the familiar options we've come to expect from this...
Burro Burrito / Restaurants
This is part 2 in a series where I attempt to discover Toronto's best burritos. My quest for Toronto's best burrito has brought me to Little Italy. Burro Burrito is only...
Butter Chicken Roti / Restaurants
Butter Chicken Roti is a casual spot that just opened up at College and Bathurst. They've got 15 different kinds of gourmet roti, with plenty in the way of vegetarian...
Cafe Awtash / Bars
Cafe Awtash is a calm and comfortable hookah bar that recently opened at the corner of College and Bathurst street. It's one of the few spots in the area where...
Cafe Diplomatico / Restaurants
Cafe Diplomatico owns one of the most popular patios in Toronto. At the corner of Clinton and College, the restaurant serves up casual Italian fare paired with cold pints. Prepare...
Capitol Restaurant / Restaurants
Capitol is one of those old school restaurants in Little Italy that somehow manages to stay in business year after year. Offering nothing particularly noteworthy on its menu (or ambiance),...
Caplansky's Deli / Restaurants
Y'know you're doing something right when you're being called the messiah of smoked meat, your fare's got a fan club with Geddy Lee in it, and it's so popular it's...
Chiado / Restaurants
Chiado is upscale Portuguese dining, with mains such as pan-seared filet of grouper, grilled octopus with sweet pepper salsa, roasted Australian rack of lamb, and specialty dishes with fresh fish...
Churrasqueira Oliveira / Restaurants
Mmmmm....shrimp. Our review coming soon. ...
Cloak & Dagger / Bars
The Cloak & Dagger has over 20 beers on tap. The venerable College Street watering hole with that lived-in, down-to-earth pub feel has a brew for everyone. Their intimate back...
Coffee Culture / Cafes
Coffee Culture is a franchise. Let's just get that point out of the way. It's a medium-sized (31 stores) Canadian franchise spread across Ontario. Furthermore, it's a franchise that decided...
College Falafel / Restaurants
College Falafel makes falafel, shawarma, Halifax-style donairs and a whole lot of other Mediterranean food from scratch. ...
College Fruit Market / Grocery Stores
Be sure to eat your fruits and veg before heading out for a Little Italy bender. Fresh produce under crisp awnings and lots of faithful locals....
College Street Bar / Bars
College Street Bar, though it's difficult to decipher from the weird and abstract name, is a bar on College Street. Located in the midst of Little Italy, College Street Bar...
Crawford / Bars
Crawford is about to shake up the Little Italy nightlife. Two Saturdays ago nearly turned out to be a bust for me and my friends. While all the essentials (what...
Creme / Baked Goods
Creme cafe is new to Little Italy, offering up the sweetest of treats. Everything is made from scratch and in-house including the gelato. The interior is bright and welcoming with...
Crown and Tiger / Restaurants
Crown and Tiger is a popular hangout for UofT students on College St. It's a good place to go for cheap pitchers and passable pub food and they host live...
Cycle Couture / Services
Cycle Couture is the type of bike shop that could only open in a city that's at least somewhat cycling friendly. Even if our bike lane infrastructure isn't where it...
Darwin Bistro Bar / Restaurants
Darwin Bistro.Bar is the newly opened family effort from Junaid and Neeman Rahman and his brother, Ryan Rahman. The team of first time restaurateurs aspires to contribute an intimate bistro...
Dolce Gelato / Restaurants
This hot and humid weather calls for drastic measures. Looking for a way to cool down I recently headed over to Dolce Gelato on College. The relatively new gelateria was...
Duff's Famous Wings / Restaurants
Duff's definitely knows how to serve up award winning wings. Don't get too cocky the first time you visit as they will warn you that medium IS hot, medium...
Easy Restaurant (College St.) / Restaurants
Easy Restaurant has made the trek East and recently opened a sister location to their longstanding Roncesvalles location, on College Street in Little Italy. WIth a higher quotient of bars...
El Convento Rico / Bars
El Convento Rico is a basement club in Little Italy that features drag queen shows Fridays at 1am and Saturday at 12:30am....
Emmet Ray / Bars
The Emmet Ray - a new bar at College and Dovercourt - with its large, brass lettering and sober-looking interior, looks at first glance that it might be competing with...
Fancy Franks / Restaurants
Fancy Franks has been open for just four days, but the gourmet hot dog shop has been generating murmurs of excitement since a bold-coloured mural appeared on its College St....
Felichia Bridal / Fashion Stores
Felichia Bridal is an upscale bridal shop that sells wedding gowns, bridal dresses, and evening wear. Their College West location is by appointment only. Gowns and dresses range in price...
Frank's Kitchen / Restaurants
Frank's Kitchen is found just east of The Dip on College St. Helmed by former Centro head chef Frank Parhizgar, the restaurant has been getting rave reviews from old school...
Fresca Pizza / Restaurants
Fresca Pizza has replaced the burnt out Massmo's on College Street west of Spadina. Pizza (whole pies and slices) are the things to get here but there's also pasta available...
Freshslice / Restaurants
Freshslice brings another late night slice option to Little Italy. Also open during the day, this mostly take-out pizza place now has four locations in Toronto following its domination of...
Friendly Magnolia Fine Foods / Grocery Stores
Friendly Magnolia Fine Foods is a wonderful little grocery found in little Italy, just West of Euclid street. Full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheeses. Lots of groceries, homemade desserts...
Fuel House / Restaurants
Fuel House might live in the shadows of College Street giants but it should not be overlooked. Occupying the space that used to be Olivia's at 53, Fuel House...
Ghazale (College St.) / Restaurants
Ghazale on College Street is known for its consistency. While it's certainly not the only place to get a falafel or shawarma in the area, it is one of the...
Golden Wheat / Baked Goods
To me, the name Golden Wheat is evocative of home made, salt of the earth, old world goodness. On a really sunny spring day, my roommate Alyssa and I...
Grace Restaurant / Restaurants
Grace Restaurant calls home the space on College formerly known as Xacutti. Inside the restaurant has been completely redone and features banquet tables, an outdoor patio and a modern farmhouse...
Green Grind / Cafes
The Green Grind, a new cafe with an environmentally conscious mandate, opened in Little Italy this week. Curious to see what this new addition could bring to the already...
Grotto Lounge / Restaurants
Grotto Lounge is a new restaurant and lounge in Little Italy that serves up a variety of pizza and pasta as well as calamari, bruschetta, veal and other grilled meats....
Habits Gastropub / Restaurants
Habits Gastropub in Little Italy serves up lamb burgers, homemade ravioli, dry aged beef striploin and other pub fare to go along with pints of Beau's and other local craft...
Hadley's / Restaurants
Hadley's, nestled between Little Portugal and Dufferin Grove on College Street, is a restaurant with a simple vision: providing "honest, homemade food." For the past six months, owners Eric Hadley...
Hapa Izakaya / Restaurants
Hapa Izakaya opened its doors in September 2012 in Little Italy, as yet another Vancouver restaurant chain making a move for Toronto. With 10 years of Izakaya acclaim on the...
Hey Meatball / Restaurants
Hey Meatball just rolled in as the latest restaurant addition to Little Italy, located near the intersection of College and Crawford. As you probably guessed, meatballs are the main dish...
Hogtown Pub and Oysters / Restaurants
The Hogtown Pub and Oysters is the re-branded and re-thought Auld Spot on College St. ...
Hoopdriver Bicycles / Services
If you're looking to build a dream bike, but you've always been a fan of steel and/or vintage frames, Hoopdriver is the place for you. While they also carry a...
Huntclub / Galleries
Huntclub is a new multidisciplinary studio and gallery space that calls Little Italy home. Over the last decade, Toronto's art scene has spread far beyond its original ground zero of...
Il Gatto Nero / Restaurants
Il Gatto Nero is a long-standing Italian spot in Little Italy. Open daily until 2am, the restaurant and bar offers up a long list of pizza and pasta options and...
In Style Optical / Fashion Stores
In Style Optical is a one-stop shop for any four-eyed patrons looking for eye examinations or eye wear. The College Street establishment offers an on-site optometrist to provide complete eye...
Izakaya (College St.) / Restaurants
Izakaya, which opened two months ago, offers traditional sushi a la carte as well as an all-you-can-eat menu. The shiny new sushi joint located near College and Spadina glows like...
Johnny Jackson / Restaurants
Johnny Jackson is a new, and rather unusual, entry onto Little Italy's bar and restaurant scene. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, they've clocked in just under a week of...
Jun Jun Bar / Bars
Jun Jun Bar is the bar connected to the Jun Jun Hotel. It's received a bit of a makeover recently and is now hosting the odd dance party that's bringing...
June Records / Services
June Records is the latest record store addition to College St., and it's taking over the old Ammo Video space. Located between local favourite Soundscapes and the new thrift store/record...
Jungle Juice / Restaurants
Jungle Juice, located at College and Bathurst, offers a selection of fresh juices alongside various milkshakes, low-fat smoothies, paninis, soups burritos and other Brazilian faves. ...
Kalendar / Restaurants
In my neverending quest to find the best places in Toronto for brunch, I decided to try out Kalendar, a restaurant in Little Italy. Lush and intimate, the interior design...
La Carnita / Restaurants
La Carnita has permanently "popped up" in the former location of Briscola near the corner of College and Palmerston. The restaurant unites the talents of Andrew Richmond, a designer turned...
La Forchetta / Restaurants
La Forchetta Ristorante mixes traditional, regional Italian cuisine with contemporary flavours. The menu features homemade pasta, risotto, rack of lamb, venison, veal, mussels and salmon....
La Fromagerie / Grocery Stores
La Fromagerie on College is a tiny cheese store selling a range of specialty cheeses, fresh breads, croissants and a wide variety of olives. ...
Leao D'ouro / Restaurants
It's not easy to get seafood right. Either the freshness is compromised or the seasoning doesn't work or it's overcooked or undercooked. But the coastal Portuguese know their...
Li'ly / Bars
Li'ly is a self-described resto-lounge in Little Italy. Except plenty of martinis and live DJs every Friday and Saturday night....
Lilliput Hats / Fashion Stores
My head is gigantic. This makes finding and buying hats very difficult as they rarely fit and almost never look very good. Due to this unfortunate genetic predisposition I have...
Lily of the Valley / Fashion Stores
Lily of the Valley in Little Italy does a little bit of everything. They're a self-described boutique salon that can style your hair as well as take care of your...
Linus Inc. / Fashion Stores
Linus Inc. tries to be upscale, not high end. That's what owner Luke Martin tells me as I enter his new space on College just west of Dufferin. And I...
Lit Espresso Bar (College St.) / Cafes
Lit Espresso has opened a second location in Toronto - this one on College Street near Ossington. Like the Roncesvalles original, there's Stumptown coffee on offer, plus plenty of seating...
Mad Italian Gelato Bar (College St.) / Restaurants
Mad Italian Gelato Bar has expanded to Little Italy and joins the intense gelato competition in the area with Dolce Gelato and Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe. Check out our review of...
Maggie's / Restaurants
Somewhere in between closing time at rowdy Sneaky Dee's and the midday bustle of Kensington Market, Maggie's opens up for brunch on College Street. Serving up a variety of delicious breakfast...
Manic Coffee / Cafes
Manic Coffee is the new cafe on the Bathurst & College block, catering to local hipsters, computer salesmen and firefighters alike. I stop in on a weeknight with some friends and...
Marinella / Restaurants
Marinella, an Italian resto in the heart of Little Italy, has a large west-facing patio making it an ideal option for an outdoor lunch or a romantic dinner date. With...
Mars Food / Restaurants
Mars Food on College is a neighbourhood institution. Open 24 hours on weekends it's famous for its greasy breakfasts, muffins and class diner vibe. Photo by RWNess on Flickr...
Mexi-Can Market / Grocery Stores
Mexi-Can Market parades its mantra in its name. "We don't want to be a Latino market, serving just Latino customers," the owner tells me. "We want to have these products...
Mod Club / Bars
Live music, DJ sessions and dance parties are all part of the mix at the Mod Club, a popular live music venue in Little Italy. ...
Monarch Espresso Bar / Cafes
Monarch Espresso Bar offers a socially acceptable excuse to head to the Monarch Tavern at 9:00 a.m. While the drinking, debauchery, and live music starts after the sun goes down,...
Monarch Tavern / Bars
The Monarch Tavern is a long time fixture on Clinton street in Little Italy. With recently revamped food and drink offerings, the Monarch now serves up 15 craft beers on...
Montfort / Restaurants
Montfort is a relatively new addition to Little Italy, serving up a range of Mediterranean dishes that have made their Oakville and Milton restaurants popular. ...
Ms. Emma Designs / Fashion Stores
Handcrafted women's clothing made on the premises. Featuring unusual and elegant fabrics....
Mullins Irish Pub (College St.) / Restaurants
Mullins Irish Pub on College St. is one of several Mullins locations in Toronto, and serves up fairly standard pub fare--from chicken wings to fish 'n' chips--as well as beer...
Nature's Bay / Grocery Stores
Nature's Bay is a health food store on College Street, just east of Bathurst, that stocks organic grains and supplements, prepared foods, juices, gluten free options and organic clothing....
Nirvana / Restaurants
A row of greasy spoons and the legendarily loud Sneaky Dee's have, until recently, made the corner of College & Bathurst a haven for the rowdy. Not that I...
No One Writes to the Colonel / Bars
No One Writes to the Colonel feels just like a 70's throwback lounge, but more homey than groovy, and laid-back than swank. First off, it's in a house, formerly a...
Octopus Garden / Fitness Clubs
Octopus Garden has a new multi-level space that accommodates two huge sunny studios and is home to Urban Herbvoire's 2nd location - perfectly convenient for a post-yoga juice break. ...
Of a Kind / Fashion Stores
Of A Kind is a vintage and vinyl shop run by a group of four friends and their expanded social network. Kyle Turner, one of the owners, tells me it...
Okey Doke Tattoo Shop / Services
Okey Doke Tattoo Shop is a good jog from Cabbagetown. When I get to the shop, located at College and Ossington, and gracefully dismount from my bike, I have a...
Orbit Room / Bars
The Orbit Room is a live music venue upstairs from Bar Italia that features jazz, funk and R&B music every night of the week....
Paaeez / Bars
Paaeez is a rather minimalist hookah bar and martini lounge right in the middle of Little Italy. ...
Paul S Churrasco / Restaurants
Paul. S Churrasco is the latest food joint to hit the College and Ossington area. This Portuguese churrasqueira also serves up ribs, fish and cutlets....
Perla Restaurant / Restaurants
Perla Restaurant doesn't have much in the way of fancy (on its walls or on its plates). The mantra here is simple, traditional Portuguese food with staples including caldo verde...
Phil's Original BBQ / Restaurants
Phil's Original BBQ is a well-loved BBQ joint near the corner of College and Ossington that serves some of the smokiest, tastiest meat this side of Texas....
Pink Twig / Design Stores
Pink Twig is fairly new to Little Italy. Open less than two years but consistently rated one of Toronto's best flower shops. The cheery playfulness of Tanya List and Amy...
Pita 2 Go / Restaurants
Pita 2 Go is not your run-of-the mill pita place. Proof? This spot offers chicken shawarma poutine (yes, you read that right), butter chicken wraps, and chipotle chicken shawarma on...
Playful Grounds / Cafes
Playful Grounds is a kid-friendly cafe that has left the Elmos and Alphabet off the wall. This place has real espresso, tasteful decor, healthy snack options, and (perhaps best of...
Proudest Pony / Fashion Stores
The Proudest Pony is just a few months old, but it is already making its mark (or should I say, 'hoof print'?) on this quiet stretch of College. Just east...
Queen Video (College) / Services
Queen Video has three locations in Toronto including this one on College St. in Little Italy....
rapp optical / Fashion Stores
Rapp Optical has the unique distinction of carrying its own Canadian-made line in its flagship College Street store. It's a combination of Rapp's personal and patriotic philosophy, at prices ranging...
Rebozos (College St.) / Restaurants
Rebozos (College St.) opened its doors just a few short weeks ago, although I first met owner Indalecio Marroquin during his short-lived tenancy at 214 Augusta. The petite Kensington Market stall...
Red Fish / Restaurants
Red Fish, a new sustainable fish restaurant on College, may be decked out with white linens, but it's not trying to be some austere fine dining establishment. At first glance,...
Red Pegasus / Design Stores
Not just a pegasus, a red pegasus. Any old winged horse doesn't move product, we need one with fire in its belly. Owned and operated by Rachel Chester,...
Regina Pizzeria & Trattoria / Restaurants
Rocco and Anna make Regina's the neighborhood place to be in the heart of Little Italy. Dine in or have them deliver their homemade pizzas, pastas, or tasty sandwiches....
Revival / Bars
Best know as a live music venue, Revival also houses a downstairs lounge and an italian and seafood inspired dinner menu. ...
Riva Supper Lounge / Restaurants
Riva Supper Lounge is an Italian restaurant, bar and lounge in Little Italy with items on the menu such as Tuscan bruschetta, crispy polenta fries and lobster gnocci. ...
Riviera Bakery / Cafes
Riviera Bakery is a bustling bakery-cafe in Little Italy that serves as somewhat of a meeting place for local neighbourhood gossip. ...
Ryoji Ramen and Izakaya / Restaurants
Ryoji Ramen & Izakaya recently opened its doors in Little Italy, and we wandered in seeking some warmth. Would inviting service and comfortable surroundings warm our hearts? Would our tongues...
Sam James Coffee Bar / Cafes
Sam James does some amazing things with coffee... like making it taste like blueberry. He also makes cappuccinos with heart designs on top, so whatever additional coffee knowledge or skill...
San Francesco Foods / Restaurants
San Francesco Foods has been a part of the Toronto landscape for going on almost 60 years now. A family-owned Italian takeaway renowned in particular for its veal sandwich, competition...
Sashimi Island / Restaurants
Sashimi Island has reopened under new management as the latest AYCE sushi joint on College. Although no rival to the Annex, this strip of Little Italy has slowly become...
Sellers & Newel / Bookstores
Sellers & Newel is a rare new entry into the retail book market in Toronto. Stocked with a wide variety of books, ranging from rare collector's items to $3 paperbacks,...
Shawarma Bites / Restaurants
Shawarma Bites brings a little of the Middle East to the College and Bathurst area. They make classic falafel, salads, platters and, of course, shawarma, and they're open late on...
Sheba Ethiopian / Restaurants
Sheba Ethiopian has the same stark aesthetic shared by almost all Ethiopian restaurants in this city. Uninspiring décor seems to be par for the course. Thankfully the robust flavours and...
Sheherzade / Restaurants
Sheherzade is the sister restaurant to Pomegranate. Like its older sibling, Sheherzade specializes in Persian food but the focus here is less homestyle and more the traditional food eaten at...
Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe / Restaurants
Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe in Little Italy has been serving up some of Toronto's best gelato for 50 years. They also have sandwiches, desserts and Italian coffee. ...
Sidecar / Restaurants
Sidecar is the newest addition to the Little Italy strip, having just opened in the spot formerly occupied by that weird Versace bar. Inside, the place looks like the...
Slow Room / Cafes
The Slow Room has recently emerged near College and Dovercourt. Its delicious coffee, authentic Italian fare and a well-seasoned barista are sure to make it a neighbourhood favourite. New coffee shops...
Smiling Buddha / Bars
The Smiling Buddha programs live music daily, DJ parties, fashion shows and magazine launches....
Smoke's Poutinerie (Little Italy) / Restaurants
Smoke's Poutinerie in Little Italy offers a veritable smorgasbord of options, from your classic greasy poutine to a variety of vegetarian options. Ideal for drunkenness, exam time, and the French....
Smokeless Joe / Restaurants
Smokeless Joe has moved to College Street. No longer compact in size, Smokeless Joe boasts over 200 different bottles and a dozen beers on tap that are constantly changing. Their...
Sneaky Dee's / Bars
At Sneaky Dee's on Saturday morning, our waiter is looking a little rough, but he manages a smile before tottering away to get our tea. Weekend breakfasts here appeal to...
Soundscapes / Services
Soundscapes is surely one of Toronto's most beautiful record stores. Located in the heart of Little Italy, here you'll find an excellent selection of indie rock and a go-to spot...
Southside Louie's / Restaurants
Southside Louie's is a pub and pizza parlour that has been in Little Italy for more than a decade. Ribs, chicken wings, nachos, burgers, pasta, calzone and pizza are all...
Souz Dal / Bars
Souz Dal's new location has been open for about a month, and is located just a few doors down from its old haunt in Little Italy. The move was prompted...
Suba Nightclub / Bars
If you go to Suba Nightclub at College and Spadina, you should go after midnight and you should be young and it will also probably be helpful if you are...
Sunshine Natural Foods / Grocery Stores
New to College and Dovercourt as of 2007, Sunshine Natural Foods is the sort of place that makes you want to move into the neighbourhood, just so that it'll be...
Sushi Bon / Restaurants
It was a dark and very, very stormy night. The Mister and I had just graciously left a bargain book store we had thoughtlessly run into to dry off -- okay,...
Sushi Island / Restaurants
Sushi Island in Little Italy is popular for their all you can eat sushi deals. If you can get past all the complicated rules (such as everyone at the table...
Sushi Q / Restaurants
Sushi Q, found on a walk-up near the Metro in Little Italy, shouldn't be confused with the similarly named chain of kiosks founds throughout Toronto-area malls. ...
TAT Burger / Restaurants
TAT Burger is a brand new dinner/take-out spot on College, just west of Dufferin. This small diner offers the classic greasy-spoon options at some very reasonably prices. We showed up to...
Taverniti / Restaurants
Taverniti is a small, quaint restaurant that's set up shop in the heart of Little Italy at the familiar location once occupied by the now defunct John's Classic Pizza. Sandwiched...
Ted's Collision / Bars
If you find yourself on College Street in the wee hours and martini bars aren't your thing, head to Ted's Collision. An old pool table, front and back patios...
Telepizza / Restaurants
Telepizza does your standard, greasy, generously sliced pizza. This spot has plenty of seating as to appeal to the late night crowd, and a standard roster of toppings as to...
The Arthur / Design Stores
The Arthur is a vintage decor shop stocking unique pieces tagged with individual histories. Liz Ikiriko, owner of the new store on College at Euclid, tells me the shop was...
The Big Chill / Restaurants
The Big Chill, tucked away around the north-east corner of College & Manning, is hardly tough to spot. Much in the spirit of local ice cream parlour legend, Dutch...
The Caledonian / Restaurants
The Caledonian is what all Scottish pubs ought to be; charming, warm and true to its heritage. Full blooded Scottish owners, Donna and David Wolff offer a warm hospitality that...
The Candy Bar / Grocery Stores
The Candy Bar opened at the start of April on College Street, just west of Ossington — an area with plenty of bars and restaurants, but not nearly enough confectionery...
The Comic Book Lounge and Gallery / Bookstores
The Comic Book Lounge and Gallery is a new edition to the world of hobby shops. Founded on February 8th of this year by owners Sean Menard and Kevin Boyd,...
The Common / Cafes
The Common, a beloved little cafe just east of Dufferin on College, is terrific evidence of an evolving neighbourhood; one that has changed a lot in recent years but still...
The Depanneur / Restaurants
The Depanneur has opened for your convenience at the corner of College and Havelock, just shy of Dufferin. Don't expect to find a plastic jug of wine or Du Mauriers...
The Fish Store / Restaurants
If there's a perfect sandwich in Toronto, it just might be found at The Fish Store. Tucked away behind a pale blue facade just west of Grace on College Street,...
The Little Dog Steamies / Restaurants
The Little Dog popped up a couple months ago in the former space of it's older sibling, The Big Chill, on Manning at College. This tiny joint doesn't serve the...
The Monocle Shop (Toronto) / Design Stores
Monocle began as a magazine, and later morphed into a global media brand. But to the unbriefed and average College Street passerby, Monocle is just a new eclectic little boutique...
The Pomegranate / Restaurants
"The Pomegranate! You have to go" my friend assailed me a few months ago while we were discussing the spoils of Little Italy. I went there last night...
The Roxton / Restaurants
I think I love the Roxton. It's not the kind of adoring love where I send them roses, write little love letters and make up poems that don't make any...
The Saloon / Fashion Stores
The Saloon seems more like a Queen St. tattoo parlour or vintage shop than the quaint Harbord Street salon that it is. Unlike my usual salon - with its perfectly...
The Standard Pizza and Pasta / Restaurants
The Standard Pizza and Pasta Bar is a popular gathering spot in Little Italy to watch big soccer matches. The food? Standard (if a bit greasy) Italian staples like pizza,...
Toby's Famous Eatery / Restaurants
Toby's Famous Eatery on College serves up pub fare and 24 beers on tap....
Trattoria Giancarlo / Restaurants
Trattoria Giancarlo is a favourite destination for Italian food in Little Italy. The restaurant has recently expanded with a new, contemporary look and stunning College St. entrance. ...
Urban Herbivore (College St.) / Restaurants
Urban Herbivore has opened a second location in Toronto - this one inside the Octopus Garden near College and Dovercourt. The menu is essentially the same as their original Kensington...
Urban Thai / Restaurants
Drowning in a sea of ol' arrabiata, the College Street strip is made the better for housing the still saucy, spicy, but unmistakably un-Italian Urban Thai. Penny-pinchers and big spenders...
Utopia Cafe / Restaurants
My perfect summer-time afternoon goes something like this: 1. A table at Utopia's cozy back patio. 2. A pitcher of sangria. 3. Giant burritos that satisfy all my friends - carnivore and herbivore...
Vecchio Frak / Restaurants
Vecchio Frak is a family-style Italian restaurant in Little Italy that serves up typical fare like calamari, rigatoni and a variety of pizza....
Virginia Johnson / Fashion Stores
Virginia Johnson has opened a new retail boutique in a bright and airy space on College near Ossington. The Canadian textile designer has shown off her unique prints down on...
Vivoli / Restaurants
Vivioli is located near the corner of Grace and College in Little Italy. On the menu is pizza, pasta and other Italian fare. They also have a rooftop (pictured) which...
Voodoo Child / Cafes
Voodoo Child was created, says co-owner Scotty Daté, to offer "superior quality." Recently opened, and announced street-side by a sandwich board, the barebones wood interior is immediately eye-catching. "We're doing...
Wedding Cake Shoppe / Baked Goods
On our way to the Wedding Cake Shoppe, Melissa muses, "imagine one of us was going to pick out our wedding cake right now?" The thought is more jarring to...
Wild Wing (Little Italy) / Restaurants
Wild Wing brings more options for wing lovers in Little Italy. Competition to Duff's down the street, this rapidly expanding wing chain has a ridiculous variety of wing flavours, available...
Wilson 96 / Bars
Wilson 96 is a new-ish bar on College that really is a breath of fresh air in what has become, to me anyway, a pretty tired strip of Toronto night-life....
Woodlot / Restaurants
Woodlot is a charming Canadian-inspired restaurant and bakery on Palmerston on the eastern edge of Little Italy that's gotten quite a bit of buzz since it opened in 2010. The...
Wrapido / Restaurants
Wrapido is, obviously, all about wraps, offering roti as its specialty. Individual wraps are in the $5-$6 range, with salads, drinks, and other sides available for combos. Indoor seating is...
Ziggy's at Home / Design Stores
Ziggy's at Home on College Street in Little Italy sells a range of contemporary furniture, flooring, lighting, bath and design accessories. ...
Neighbourhoods
Other Neighbourhoods
- Annex
- Baldwin Village
- Bayview and Leaside
- Beaches
- Bloor West Village
- Bloorcourt
- Bloordale Village
- Cabbagetown
- Chinatown
- Church Wellesley Village
- Corktown
- Corso Italia
- Danforth
- Distillery District
- Dundas West
- East Chinatown
- Eglinton West
- Etobicoke
- Financial District
- Forest Hill Village
- Harbourfront
- Junction
- Junction Triangle
- Kensington Market
- King East
- King West
- Koreatown
- Leslieville
- Liberty Village
- Little India
- Little Italy
- Markham
- Mount Pleasant
- North York
- Ossington
- Pape Village
- Parkdale
- Port Lands
- Queen West
- Richmond Hill
- Riverside
- Roncesvalles Village
- Rosedale
- Scarborough
- St. Clair West
- St. Lawrence Market
- Upper Beaches
- West Queen West
- Yonge & Bloor
- Yonge & College
- Yonge & Dundas
- Yonge & Eglinton
- Yonge & St. Clair
- Yonge & Wellesley
- Yorkville
Community
Something missing?
Know a great local business we should include on the site?
