Vaughan is renowned as a multicultural hub, a vibrant gathering of diverse cultures and traditions. This welcoming community embraces folks from all corners of the world, each contributing their unique heritage and taste of place into their culinary creations! Amidst this vibrant gathering, Italian heritage shines brightly, taking you through Italy’s storied flavours and traditions.
Embark on an Italian Culinary Journey – Andiamo!
Our adventure brought us to five culinary gems that truly captured the essence of the Italian taste of place! From authentic eateries to markets brimming with delicious eats! Let’s dive into the heart of Vaughan’s Italian food scene, starting with its beloved bakeries and markets, before venturing to the renowned Giro D’Italia restaurant.
#1. Cataldi’s Fresh Market
Where: 140 Woodbridge Ave, Vaughan, ON (View Map)
Cataldi’s Fresh Market is truly a hidden treasure in Vaughan. You’ll be greeted with warmth and with the smell of fresh espresso, baked goods, and surrounded by aisles of imported Italian delicacies and products. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone looking to bring a taste of Italy into their kitchen.
At the heart of this family owned destination, is their incredible café. We couldn’t help but get swept away and sit amongst the Nonnos and Nonnas! With the espresso flowing and the pastry display calling our name, we dived into some incredible tiramisu cups, ricotta & Nutella filled Bombe, and, of course, some delicious cannolis!
We had the chance to meet Rosa Cataldi, who, alongside her husband Francesco, embarked on a culinary journey in Calabria, Italy, with “Generi Alimentari Cataldi,” a humble grocery store filled with a rich array of local products. Ten years later, their adventure led them to Canada, where they opened “Lamezia Grocery,” infusing a European touch into the local market.
Fast forward to today, “Cataldi Fresh Market” in the historic Woodbridge area has become a European haven, boasting an extensive selection of meats, cheeses, produce, and an in-store bakery, complemented by an open-kitchen concept and espresso bar. All this to say, we may have found the best new spot for some of the freshest and most delicious Italian cookies, handcrafted with love.
#2. Faema Cafe
Where: 3175 Rutherford Rd building e unit 11, Concord, ON (View Map)
The theme of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thrives among the Italian establishments on this list, notably at Faema Cafe. The story begins in 1958 with Mike Di Donato, the founder of Faema Canada. His passion for coffee and his determination to bring a piece of Italy to Canada led him to introduce Italian espresso machines to Canadians.
The venture expanded over the decades, adding pizza and gelato equipment to its offerings and establishing a flagship store in Toronto in the ’90s.
Today, Faema continues to prioritize quality and customer satisfaction, preserving the legacy that started more than sixty years ago. Faema Cafe is more than a coffee shop; it embodies Italian cafe culture in Vaughan. Known for its rich espresso and tempting pastries, it’s an ideal spot for a midday pause. The cafe’s contemporary design and welcoming vibe have made it a beloved gathering spot in the community.
#3. Nino D’Aversa Bakery
Where: 7960 Kipling Ave, Woodbridge, ON (View Map)
We continue our Italian bakery tour to Nino D’Aversa Bakery! This large yet cozy shop offers you a true taste of Italy from its incredible selections of baked bread, pastries, gelato, and freshly made pizza! Nino D’Aversa Bakery has been a cornerstone of Italian baking in Vaughan. We can sense a strong theme of dedication to Italian heritage throughout many of these spots and we are in awe of the artistry placed in every item on the menu. Especially here, the bakery’s commitment to excellence has made it a beloved institution among locals. Nino D’Aversa Bakery is all about ‘Gusto Galore’, baking up flavors that dance on your palate.
#4. St. Phillip’s Bakery
Where: 5100 Rutherford Rd, Woodbridge, ON (View Map)
Last but not least on our self-proclaimed bakery & market trail is the infamous St. Phillip’s Bakery. This renowned bakery and shop offers a mouthwatering variety of cakes and pastries, blending Italian craftsmanship with creative flair.
Whether you’re looking for a custom cake for a special occasion or a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee, St. Phillip’s offers a taste of Italian indulgence. They also offer some of the tastiest lunch items. From fresh-cooked pasta, pizza, fried zucchini, and stellar steak focaccia! We recommend you visit them more than once to truly enjoy their incredible offerings!
We hope you still have room for dinner – Get ready for some ‘Mangia Bene’ magic at Giro D’Italia!
#5 Giro D’italia Ristorante
Where: 8740 Jane St, Vaughan, ON (View Map)
There’s something magical in the air at Giro D’Italia—perhaps it’s the aroma of fresh pasta wafting through the space, or the sight of pizza dough soaring through their open-concept kitchen. Whatever it is, we’re absolutely here for the magic!
We couldn’t help but feel the elegant yet cozy embrace of this ristorante. We recommend this spot for a date night, or something a little more fancy, perhaps an anniversary!
Their menu is designed to take you on a gastronomic tour of Italy’s regions, inspired by the “Giro D’Italia,” a bicycle marathon that crosses Italy’s 20 Regions! Each dish tells the story of its origin, which means dining here is like taking a quick trip to Italy. So buckle up because your taste buds are about to take flight!
We started our evening with some bubbly and then grazed on the fritto misto di paranza – a collection of deep-fried calamari, shrimp, octopus, and vegetables served with lemon aioli. We followed up these bad boys with a freshly made Pizza – their signature Giro D’Italia pizza. Next up was our delicious main dish!
Ever heard of Blue Spaghetti?
Let’s just say it might be life-changing. Their Spaghetti Blu Mare dish is cooked to perfection, served with shrimp, bisque, and tomato concassé on top of shrimp crudo, shrimp carpaccio, and topped with squid ink caviar. Aka – a heck of a dish, that we will order again!
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Vaughan’s Italian culinary scene is a testament to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, offering an authentic taste of Italy’s diverse regions. From the charm of Giro D’Italia to the fresh offerings of Cataldi’s, Faema Cafe, to the traditional excellence of Nino D’Aversa & St. Phillip’s, there’s a piece of Italy to be found in every corner.
Buon Appetito!
We can’t wait for you to visit Vaughan and explore these delicious hidden gems. Cheers!
