York Exhibit
Each region of the GTHA has its own unique story to tell. These exhibits highlight some restaurants within the York region that have serve important roles in their communities.
By clicking a business, you will be taken to that establishment's collected artifacts.
Abruzzo Pizza (est. 1981)
Abruzzo Pizza is opened by two brothers Vince and Sergio in 1981. They emigrated to Canada from Italy wanting to build a restaurant that serves food from a Italian-style home kitchen. The two brothers believe that the kitchen is a vessel of bringing people together and fosters family bonding. The name “Abruzzo Pizza” took its inspiration from the southern region of Italy, known for its wines and views. The restaurant caters lunches to the local businesses. Sourcing authentic, fresh ingredients like cured meats for panzerottis and pies is important. The brothers employ a massive 116 staff members to work in it’s underground kitchen.
Al Fogolar (est. 1975)
Al Fogolar is a restaurant that serves the Islington Avenue neighbourhood of Woodbridge, Ontario and has three dining halls to serve. It is named after the focal point of il fogolar, which means “hearth” in the native language of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, located Northeast of Italy. Their menu carries a variety of traditional pasta as well as their own unique dishes, which blend the old and new worlds. Essentially, they offer such a wide variety it makes it easy to pair your dish and enhance its flavors. Al Fogolar truly tries to cater for its neighborhood patrons as well as its corporate clientele.
Antonino’s Pizzeria and Panini (est. 1967)
Antonino’s Pizzeria and Panini is a family-owned pizzeria that serves sandwiches in Toronto since 1967, then moving to their current location in Vaughan in the latter years. Antonino’s is a family-run restaurant, now headed by Anthony Caloiero. Caloiero was determined to head down the same path as his father in the business. In 2013, Antonino’s Pizzeria and Panini received the title of “Canada’s favourite pizzeria” in Saputo’s inaugural Pizza Hall of Fame contest, issued by Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of the City of Vaughan at the time. Currently, Anthony works with his brother Danny, owner of the Brampton location called “Toninio’s Pizzeria and Panini”, to develop new family recipes. The restaurant serves a wide variety of warm and hearty comfort foods from Stracciatella to their award-winning pizza to steak dinners.
Brettone Catering (est. 1977)
The owner of Woodbridge Catering opened in 1977 from the family home. She offered home cooked meals that reflected the Calabria way of cooking. The owner had a full-time job during the week and offered catering during the weekends. There was a big market for catering as banquet halls were not common and many weddings and baptisms were held in church basements. Around 35 years ago her son became a chef and in the 90s turned Woodbridge Catering into Brettone, that is a restaurant that also offers catering. The owner’s mission has always been to keep it authentically Italian. One of the best-selling items is the lasagna. Many of their ingredients are from Italy such as their tomatoes and olive oil. Dry pastas are imported from Italy and fresh pastas are made in house. The main way Brettone attracted customers when they first opened was by word of mouth, yet recently, social media has been useful to the business. During the pandemic the business’ catering has suffered, yet their frozen meals have boomed as many people are forced to stay home and use their ovens. For the future they hope to continue to become a one stop place for all Italian ingredients and food.
Cotto e Crudo (est. 1988)
If you have information and you wish to contribute to this profile, please contact italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Dante’s Pizzeria (est. 1976)
Dante Paoletti immigrated to Canada with his mother from Abruzzo in 1959. 17 years later, him and his brothers (Marcello, Diego, Tony and Rico) opened “Dante’s Pizza Vino Pasta”. The name changed from “Paoletti’s Pizzeria” to “Dante’s Pizzeria” soon after. Dante and his brothers credit his late mother Loreta for teaching them the value of using fresh ingredients to create traditional Italian comfort food. The pizzeria now serves a variety of “create your own” sandwiches, pizzas and pastas as well as restaurant signatures that can set it apart from its competitors.
Ice Cream Patio (est. 1981)
Ice Cream Patio drives for authenticity, ingenuity, and innovation. It has been a multigenerational business for the last 40 years. The business is led by three individuals: Eric Cannataro, Nicola Carriero, and Nick Lucchese. They create fresh made and hand-pressed dough, with an extensive menu of pastas, salads, and entrees. Ice Cream Patio serves both the individual as well as wholesale. They also provide event services such as party rental services for your home, or for corporate headquarters.
Papa Luigi’s Family Restaurant (est. 1973)
Papa Luigi’s Family Restaurant serves a small town called Sutton West, off Lake Simcoe. They provide fresh and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner on site and takeout to their neighborhood. Papa Luigi’s also includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options to their customers. Moreover, Papa Luigi’s supports other small businesses within their area such as Creative Canvases, where they host art classes in the dining area.
Ricci's Pizzeria and Sandwich Shoppe (est. 1985)
Ricci’s Pizzeria and Sandwich Shoppe has been open for over thirty years, with their first location opening in Malton, Mississauga in 1985. Mike Ricci’s parents immigrated to Canada in the 1960s. Mike’s mother is from Puglia and his father is from San Bartolomeo in Galdo, part of Campania. Like many Italians, Mike’s father had worked in many facets of construction. When his father became sick the family decided to open a restaurant. Mike’s mother was “a typical Italian woman,” yet helped the household by working. She had worked multi-level-marketing jobs and was quite good at it. After that she ended up working at a restaurant, which is where the spark to open a restaurant came from.
Rosa’s Place (1964-2021)
Rosa’s Place offers a full luxury dining experience accompanied with background music from the grand piano. The menu selection includes a variety of homemade pastas, pizzas, meats and daily specials, as well as wines and grappas. Rosa’s frequently hosts dinner parties for special occasions such as weddings, showers, stags and engagements. They provide a variety of seasonal dishes and predetermined meal selections for their guests. Unfortunately, at the time of writing (October 16, 2021) Rosa’s Place has closed.
Sinopoli Foods (est. 1981)
Sinopoli Foods is run by Joe Sinopoli, located at 2223 Jane Street in the heart of North York. The restaurant is best known for their famous Italian sandwiches such as Panini with veal, steak, breaded chicken, grilled chicken, and grilled veggie. Their food attracts customers from Barrie, London, and Oshawa. Sinopoli Foods also provides school lunch programs for elementary school programs.
Tremonti Ristorante (est. 1986)
Ristorante Tremonti opened its doors to serve the Woodbridge community in 1986, with their customers being mainly Italian businessmen working in the areaThe Ristorante’s space can be used to host parties and private functions up to 100 guests. They provide a wide variety of antipasti, soup, and pasta with gluten free and vegetarian options. Ristorante Tremonti is especially well known for their famous Spaghetti alla Chitarra made with home made spaghetti with fresh tomato and basil. The restaurant critic Amy Pataki complimented Ristorante Tremonti saying that their servers can construct a very warm, easy-going atmosphere.
Villa Risi (est. 1989)
Established in 1989, Villa Risi Ristorante in Newmarket, Ontario, has become a local staple for authentic and elaborate fine-dining Italian cuisine. Owners Peter and Francine Risi have worked for over thirty years to craft a little piece of Italy within the region. With live performances frequenting the weekends and a patio and lounge for enjoyable experiences, Villa Risi Ristorante also provides themed evenings such as a “Wine & Dinner Evening” to increase its foot traffic.