About the Initiative
The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is a global celebration of Italian Culinary tradition promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), organized by the Italian Trade Agency Offices abroad together with Embassies, and in collaboration with Consulates and Italian Cultural Institutes. It forms part of Italy’s broader strategy to promote authentic Italian food and wine as a pillar of national culture and global sustainability.
Launched in 2016, the initiative showcases Italy’s culinary excellence and its agri-food heritage as key elements of Made in Italy identity. Each year, thousands of events take place across more than 100 countries—dinners, tastings, cooking classes, conferences, and cultural programs—highlighting the values of quality, sustainability, and tradition.
Now in its 10th edition (2025), the event continues to honor the Mediterranean Diet and the deep connection between food, health, and culture.
In Canada, the celebration brings together some of the country’s finest Italian restaurants, offering exclusive menus that reflect Italy’s regional roots and creative spirit.
TORONTO
NOVEMBER 13-22, 2025
VANCOUVER
NOVEMBER 18-27, 2025
MONTREAL
NOVEMBER 18-26, 2025
Participating Restaurants
TORONTO
LOCALE
12981 Keele St
King City, ON
905-833-2500
| 16-22 Novembre |
Nestled in the heart of York Region, Locale offers an Italian-focused dining experience anchored by scratch-kitchen craftsmanship. The King City flagship (12981 Keele St.) occupies a charming 160-year-old building, and the Aurora sister location brings the same energy to 14845 Yonge St.
Locale positions itself as a neighbourhood gathering place: a chef-led kitchen serving quality-driven Italian fare, complemented by handcrafted cocktails, a curated wine list, and a vibrant yet approachable atmosphere.
With indoor and patio seating, live entertainment on select evenings (especially in King City), and capacity for private events, Locale balances elegance with conviviality
CONTRADA
537 College St
Toronto, ON
416-519-3455
| 13-19 Novembre |
Restaurant Bio
Located at 537 College St. in Toronto’s Little Italy, Contrada is a modern Italian-Canadian restaurant that celebrates both Italian tradition and Toronto’s dynamic food scene.
The name “Contrada” (Italian for “district” or “ward”) signals the restaurant’s dual homage: to the lively Little Italy neighbourhood and to Sicilian wine-culture where a “contrada” denotes a single-vineyard plot of elevated quality. Inside, vintage and up-cycled design elements meet warm lighting and intimate dining rooms (plus a patio), creating a relaxed but refined ambiance.
The menu leverages seasonal, locally-sourced Ontario ingredients, coupled with Italian technique and a beverage program rich in low-intervention Italian wines and inventive cocktails. Notably, Contrada achieved a ranking as one of the top “Best New Restaurants” in Toronto Life’s list for 2024.
Head Chef / Chef de Cuisine Bio: Mike Vieira
Mike Vieira trained at George Brown College and worked in prominent Toronto kitchens including Lee and Bent before returning to his first culinary love , Italian cooking.
At Contrada, Vieira leads the kitchen with a seasonal, locally-inspired menu that uses Italian techniques with a playful twist. He describes the offering as “Italian-inspired” rather than strictly traditional, combining heritage, innovation and the bounty of Ontario produce. His leadership brings both refined technique and a fresh voice to Toronto’s Italian dining scene.
VANCOUVER
LOCANDA DELL’ORSO
350 W Pender St
Vancouver, BC
604-336-3151
| 21-27 Novembre |
Locanda dell’Orso is inspired by the old legend of the Innkeeper and the Bear.
Here you’ll find the ambiance of a warm Italian home, built on the promise of a welcoming and indulgent culinary experience throughout. Our pasta is made in-house, and every dish is crafted with ingredients sourced from local small farms and imported from the Italian regions that know them best.
Head Chef / Chef de Cuisine Bio: Born and trained in Milan, Italy, Chef Daniele Radassi earned his Diploma in Culinary Arts from Achille Grandi Milano.
Daniele developed his passion for the arte bianca, the white art of bread and pizza making, through years of travel and hands-on experience across Italy and Australia, where he refined his craft and deepened his understanding of fermentation, texture, and balance.
Alongside his culinary journey, Daniele’s background in massage therapy has shaped a unique, holistic approach to the kitchen, one that values rhythm, energy, and the connection between people and their craft.
Now based in Vancouver, Canada, Daniele focuses on delivering high-quality food made from quality ingredients, while continuing to grow his team management skills. He combines Italian tradition with a mindful, modern perspective to create meaningful culinary experiences rooted in simplicity.
His mission is also to value people and their talents, fostering growth and organization within the restaurant Locanda dell’Orso.
TUTTO
901 Homer St
Vancouver, BC
604-633-8868
| 18-23 novembre |
Tutto: The Essence of Everything Italian
Tutto, meaning “everything” in Italian, embodies our restaurant’s philosophy of delivering a complete, authentic Italian experience. More than just a name, Tutto represents our commitment to bringing you everything that makes Italian cuisine extraordinary – from traditional recipes passed down through generations to the warmest hospitality that defines Italian culture.
At Tutto, we believe dining should encompass everything: exceptional flavours, genuine ingredients, passionate preparation, and memorable moments shared with loved ones. When you choose Tutto, you’re choosing everything Italian – the complete culinary journey that celebrates Italy’s rich heritage in every dish we serve.
“The perfect Italian restaurant is all things to everybody: weekday business lunch, date night destination, vibrant bar and lounge, and a neighbourhood favourite.”
Chef Andrey Durbach Bio:
Chef Andrey Durbach, with over 40 years of culinary experience, is one of Vancouver’s most celebrated chefs. His global career has shaped a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine and a talent for reimagining timeless classics. Educated at UBC and the Culinary Institute of America, he’s led some of the city’s most iconic kitchens, including Il Giardino, La Buca, and Impostori. A champion of authentic flavours, he blends classic Italian techniques with fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and refined.
MONTREAL
GRAZIELLA
116, McGill
Montréal, QC
514 876 0116
| 20-26 novembre |
Restaurant Bio
Located at 116 McGill Street in Old Montréal, Graziella is a celebrated Italian restaurant that marries classical regional Italian flavours with contemporary elegance. Opened in 2007, the venue resides in a historic stone building, offering a refined yet welcoming atmosphere where handmade pastas, osso buco, risottos and seasonal ingredients are the stars. The wine list reflects the restaurant’s commitment to Italian provenance and thoughtful pairings, and the service is calibrated for both business lunches and intimate dinners.
Head Chef / Chef & Owner Bio: Graziella Battista
Graziella Battista draws her inspiration from her Italian heritage (parents from Calabria and Campobasso) and has spent more than two decades refining her craft in Montréal. With a devotion to authenticity, Chef Battista emphasizes handmade pasta, locally sourced produce, and Italian charcuterie and cheeses. “To place authenticity at the heart of a restaurant project is like returning to one’s roots,” she says. Under her leadership, Graziella has become a quiet icon of Italian-gastronomic excellence in Montréal — bringing tradition, finesse and heartfelt hospitality together in every dish.
PAGLIACCIO
365 Av. Laurier O
Montréal, QC
514 276 6999
| 18-23 novembre |
Restaurant Bio
Located at 365 avenue Laurier Ouest in the Plateau–Mont-Royal district of Montréal, Il Pagliaccio is a fine-Italian dining institution that has been operating since around 2010.
The restaurant draws inspiration from Italian culinary traditions—especially pastas, regional dishes and high-quality ingredients—while honouring local Québec artisans and produce.
Il Pagliaccio is praised for its refined yet understated atmosphere: crisp tablecloths, quiet surroundings, and genuine focus on food quality rather than trend-chasing.
The wine list is also a point of pride, featuring Italian classics and a strong provenance ethos.
Head/Executive Chef Bio: the kitchen is led by Manuel Silva, a hospitality veteran who spent 31 years at the renowned Montréal restaurant Le Latini before founding Il Pagliaccio.
Silva is known for his commitment to simplicity, authenticity and ingredient quality. He describes his culinary philosophy as enabling the cooking team to express themselves, fostering a collaborative rather than strictly hierarchical kitchen.
Under his leadership, Il Pagliaccio remains a destination for diners who expect Italian cuisine executed with precision, respect for tradition and a nod to local Québec sourcing.
Reviews and Testimonials from Past Editions
Experience the Italian Taste
Join us in celebrating the excellence of Italian cuisine and the spirit of Mediterranean living. Follow the Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World to discover special menus, events, and stories from participating restaurants across Canada.