Boccacio Ristorante Italiano

What is Boccacio Ristorante Italiano? Tucked inside the Columbus Centre at 901 Lawrence Avenue West in Yorkdale-Glen Park, Boccacio Ristorante Italiano has anchored authentic dining in this pocket of North York since 1980. Under the direction of Executive Chef Luciano Schipano, the revitalized dining room balances classic white-tablecloth service with relaxed modern warmth, framed by soft ambient lighting, spacious banquet tables, and an inviting private events setting. It functions as both a historic Italian-Canadian cultural landmark and a reliable neighborhood dining destination.

Boccacio Ristorante Italiano Menu & What to Order Chef Schipano highlights regional Italian cooking from Calabria to Tuscany, starting meals with warm house bread and crisp Calabrian zucchini fritters (pittulille). Standout pastas include the house-made ricotta gnocchi and a creamy mushroom risotto that delivers pure comfort. For mains, order the slow-braised lamb shank or the herb-crusted rack of lamb, paired with a glass of robust regional red from the curated Italian wine list and finished with crisp, sweet ricotta cannoli.

Know Before You Go Advance reservations through their website or by phone are highly advised, especially on weekend evenings when family gatherings and community banquets pack the dining room. Drivers will find ample complimentary parking on the Columbus Centre grounds, while transit riders can hop on the 52 Lawrence West bus directly from Lawrence West subway station. Note that the dining room operates Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, reserving Sundays and Mondays for private functions and special regional dinner series.