Halton/Peel Exhibit
Each region of the GTHA has its own unique story to tell. These exhibits highlight some restaurants within the Halton and Peel regions that have serve important roles in their communities.
By clicking a business, you will be taken to that establishment's collected artifacts.
241 Pizza (est. 1986)
“241 and one for all!” 241 Pizza is a leading Canadian franchise of over 30 years since its opening in 1986. They take pizza very seriously and their goal is to offer Canadians a variety of great quality food at an affordable price. Paired with various side dishes like salad, chicken wings, desserts, and drinks, 241 prides themselves on serving with quality and care every time. Presently, 241 Pizza has over 50 locations between Ontario, Newfoundland, and Saskatchewan. With this many locations and customers, it’s no surprise they have fully customizable pizza pies including plant-based, Detroit style, dairy-free, and gluten-free!
Baffo’s Pizza (1971-2014 )
Baffo’s Pizza and Pasta opened in Bolton in 1971 and is now permanently closed as of 2014. If you were the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com
Gino’s Pizza (est. 1981)
Gino’s Pizza is one of Ontario’s most recognized pizza chains. It all started in 1981 with the first location opening in Oakville, ON. As of 2013, Gino’s Pizza has over 100 locations throughout Ontario. They are proud of the “human factor” in their business, as they’ve worked with and sponsored many clubs and initiatives and continuously worked to make their business more accessible over the years. Gino’s menu has a variety of dishes for everyone, with gourmet pizzas, wings, sides, desserts, and panzerotti. Most pizzas are customizable and cater to specific dietary restrictions. If you are the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Grano Ristorante (est. 1986)
Located at 285 Enfield PI, Unit R-108, Mississauga, ON, this family-run Eatery has been open since 1986. With a 36-seat space, Grano’s transports customers to Tuscany, with authentic and upscale Italian dishes, focused on good quality, freshness, health, and tastiness. Meals are prepared fresh and hand-made, and guests leave the establishment satisfied and art of the Grano’s family. Grano’s has a selection of classic Italian antipasti, pasta, meat, and fish dishes. Dishes can be beautifully paired with their hardy Italian wine and domestic Canadian beer. If you are the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Joe’s Pizzeria (est. 1967)
Joe's Pizzeria & Pasta House has been open since 1967 and is located at 51 McMurphy Avenue South, Brampton, ON. They offer classic pizzas alongside various pasta and dinner options, such as chicken parmesan. In addition, customers can order panzerotti, wings, sandwiches, salads, sides like garlic bread and chicken strips, in addition to dipping sauces! If you are the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Michael’s Back Door Restaurant (est. 1981)
Michael was born in Puglia and immigrated to Canada when he was seventeen years old. Although Michael did not come to Canada with the intention of opening a restaurant, in 1981 he opened Michael’s Back Door Restaurant. With the help of his family Michael was able to successfully run a business with no experience. Michael Morra’s son, Michael Morra Jr. currently manages the restaurant. The original mission as to offer fine dining Italian food to Clarkson neighbourhood in Mississauga. Notably Chef Stephan Waespi joined the restaurant in 1985 until 2015 and created the restaurants most famous dish which is an angel hair pasta with lobster meat in a rosé sauce. The menu has changed over the years as in the 90s there were more fish items and the owners have noticed an influx in a demand for more traditional Italian dishes recently. The ongoing pandemic has made Michael’s Back Door rely solely on take-out orders rather than the fine dining experience they originally set to offer. In 2021 the restaurant in celebrating their 40th anniversary!
Molinaro’s Fine Foods Ltd. (est. 1964)
This family business opened in 1964 and has since been dedicated to providing unmatched service and treating all customers with honesty and quality. The core of their business is Private Label and they are proud to share their family traditions with customers! Molinario’s Fine Italian Food offers a variety of Italian food, from pizzas to pizza kits, flatbreads, dough balls, and crusts. Not to mention their gluten-free and/ or plant-based crusts and fully customized pizza toppings. Find Molinario’s at 2345 Stanfield Road, Unit 50, Mississauga ON. If you are the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Palma Pasta (est. 1985)
Palma Pasta is a taste of homemade, fresh, and quality Italian food. This restaurant offers high-quality service for all guests, creating a cozy atmosphere. Opened in 1985, this restaurant is the place where tradition and passion meet. The menu is extensive, with weekly menus, breakfast, coffee, meals to go, pasta and soups of the day, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more! In addition to takeout, delivery, and dine-in, Palma Pasta has a catering option as well! Choose from various catering options like a buffet, prepared trays, and more. With 3 locations in Mississauga and 1 in Oakville, Palma Pasta is there to share their quality food!
Pasquale’s Trattoria (est. 1966)
Papa Calogero started it all in 1966 with the opening of his first restaurant. Pasquale’s invites guests to a cozy atmosphere to taste classic Italian dishes, and to share in Calogero family traditions! They are a modern spot for Italian traditional Italian cuisine. Pasquale’s menu is full of traditional Italian salads, appetizers, pastas, entrées, and desserts, in addition to a hearty list of alcoholic beverages and wines. In addition to dine-in, Pasquale’s Trattoria offers pickup and is available for private functions on Sundays. Find them at 50 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, ON. If you are the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Piatto (est. 1989)
Since it’s opening in 1989 by long-time friends Tom Skrela and the late Sandro Julita, Piatto has been creating a family with it’s classic and fresh Italian dishes. Most of the staff have been working at Piatto since it’s opening! They describe themselves as a “beloved fine-dining Italian restaurant with a warm, welcoming setting.” (piatto.ca). Piatto offers both lunch and dinner menus, in addition to specific seasonal menus and seasonal prix fixe tasting menus. No matter what guests are there for, they are sure to try appetizers, entrées, and desserts drawing from classic Italian flavors with twist! In addition, Piatto is open to hosting private events for guests! Find them at 1646 Dundas Street West, Mississauga, ON.
Presto (1984-2004)
Presto opened in 1984 and is now permanently closed. If you were the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Roma’s Italian Restaurant (1980-2010s)
Roma’s Italian Restaurant opened in 1980 in Mississauga and is now permanently closed. If you were the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Tonino’s Pizzeria and Panini (est. 1967)
Tonino’s Pizzeria & Panini is an eatery serving authentic Italian fare inspired by the owner’s Italian heritage. Established in 1967, this eatery is serving freshness and quality, with inspiration from Italy. Their menu offers lots of flavours from their pizzas, pastas, paninis, and more! Aside from dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Tonino’s is also available for catering for any event. Tonino’s Pizzeria & Panini also participates in community programs, such as their DIY Pizza Kit for school fundraising. Alternatively, they also sell custom DIY Pizza Sets. Find them at 10088 McLaughlin Road, Brampton, ON.
Vesuvio Ristorante (est. 1963)
Located at 91 George Street South, Brampton ON, Mt. Vesuivo Ristorante has been serving the Brampton community for over 50 years. Their vision was simple, bring authentic italian cuisine to people who love food and wine. Every bite of their authentic food is sure to make customers think of traditional italian culture, cuisine, and the Italian roots that accompany all the dishes served at Mt. Vesuvio’s. This restaurant offers a winter-proof patio for outdoor dining all year-round, in addition to indoor dining, family tray, and takeout options. Look no further than Vesuvio’s menu, which is full of traditional Italian salads, pasta, “primi” and “secondi” dishes, sides, wines and antipasti to be sure. The authenticity and freshness of their dishes is always present!