Best Italian restaraunt in Toronto
 

I'm taking my mom to see the Lion King on April 5. She is Sicilian and would like to go to a great Italian restaraunt. We would like to go somewhere close to the theatre. Any suggestions?

We like Verona which is almost accross the street from the theater. It is also a Fodor's pick.

The Kit Kat is owned by Al CArbone, who is Italian although born in Niagara Falls.<BR><BR>He has a big Cadillac, sort of like people we imagine from Sicily might drive.<BR><BR>The Kit Kat has Italian and other food on the menu.<BR><BR>There's strip of restaurants on the opposite side of King Street from the theatre, one block west of the theatre, and the Kit kat is one of these.<BR><BR>Several blocks east of the theatre, on King Street, is Il Fornello, apart of a small chain, and I'd class it as mid-good.<BR><BR>VErono, as suggested, is just west of Kit Kat. If I were you and had the time, I'd just go and scout out the two, and pick the one with the menu you prefer.<BR><BR>At the high end, Centro on Yonge Street north of Eglinton and the main dining room of the King Edward Hotel are both italian (plus, plus, plus) but there are very out of the way.<BR><BR>BAK<BR><BR>

Out of all the Italian restaruants I have tried in the theatre district, I would say La Fenice is the best one. Its also located in the strip of restaraunts across the street from the theatre. <BR><BR>La Fenice has been around for 15+ years, polished service, and truly authentic food. The only catch is the La Fenice is more northern Italian cuisine.<BR><BR>Of the other recommendations given, I'd pick Verona over Kit Kat. Verona is good, but the owners other restaurant, Bellini's, in the Yorkville part of town is better.

Well, people of course have their opinons.<BR><BR>But yesterday I asked Al if his was the best Italian restaurant near the theatre, and he said yes.<BR><BR>None of the places mentioned, incidentally, matches the USA-style Italian restaurant with red and white checked tableclothes and huge portions and mama in the kitchen and little kids playing in the corner.<BR><BR>Expect less food at higher prices.<BR><BR>BAK<BR><BR>

I vote for La Fenice if you want one near the theatre. No to Kit Kat. Another Italian restaurant downtown is Romagna Mia (106 Front St East) is known for its risotto and is the restaurant our friends from Milan call their "home resturant" when they come back to Toronto for visits.

Amazingly, it took until now for me to suggest you punch up www.Torontolife.com and click on the restaurant section.<BR><BR>Type Kit Kat into the search box (it counts as Bistro, not Italian, in the listings) and then click on the link to the map.<BR><BR>On the map that comes up, the red circle at the top of the pin is the location of the theatre. This will give you a good idea of what is where.<BR><BR>The entire block in which the Kit Kat is located is full of restaurants, including La Fenice and Verona, which have been strongly recommended by other posters.<BR><BR>Within the TorontoLife site, you can cget specific reviews of each, and a good idea of price, and the map gives you an idea how far everything is.<BR><BR>Club Lucky, which is part of the Kit Kat organization, is on John Street, just north or Adelaide. (John is at the side of the theatre)<BR><BR>The search engine takes you to most of the other restaurants mentioned, too.<BR><BR>You're best bet, if time permits, is to walk by the restaurants earlier in the day, take a look at the menus (they're are posted outside) and make a choice, and then go in and make a reservation for that night.<BR><BR>The restaurants close to the theatre are so good that there's no point eating far away and then trying to get to the theatre in a crowded, last minute, rush.<BR><BR>BAK<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Thanks for all the suggestions! I did make a reservation for Verona (my hubby and I ate there last year) but I will check out the others when we arrive on Thursday. We are eating at the Verona (maybe) on Friday before I take Mom to see the Lion King