Casa Donato

What is Casa Donato? Anchoring Spadina Avenue just north of Harbord Street in the Annex, Casa Donato is the Toronto outpost from Montreal’s Donato Group, the hospitality team behind Westmount staple Ristorante Donato and Spuntino. The expansive space operates as a multifaceted all-day destination, combining an espresso bar and artisanal gelateria up front with a trattoria and cocktail lounge in the main room. Sleek terrazzo surfaces, warm oak millwork, and low amber lighting set the tone across comfortable banquettes, a marble bar counter, and a breezy sidewalk patio.

Casa Donato Menu & What to Order The kitchen leans into classic Italian fundamentals executed with Montreal-honed polish, transitioning smoothly from morning cornetti and pressed paninis to evening plates of handmade pasta. Standout starters include the charred grilled octopus over salsa verde and tender fritto misto, leading directly into mains like the rich lobster spaghetti tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes and classic cacio e pepe. The dessert program is anchored by Donato Group's celebrated small-batch gelato—particularly the Sicilian pistachio—alongside an espresso-soaked amaretto tiramisu and a crisp Negroni Sbagliato. Vegetarians will find plenty of handmade pasta choices and dairy-free fruit sorbetti throughout the menu.

Know Before You Go The morning espresso counter and gelato bar are purely walk-in friendly, but securing an online reservation is advised for prime dinner hours from Thursday through Saturday. Located right along the 510 Spadina streetcar route and a five-minute walk south from Spadina subway station, public transit is the quickest arrival method since street parking along this stretch of the Annex is limited.