Il Fornello Restaurant

What is Il Fornello Restaurant? Occupying a prominent stretch of Danforth Avenue just west of Pape in the Playter Estates-Danforth neighborhood, Il Fornello is an enduring Toronto Italian fixture known for pioneering wood-fired pizza across the GTA. The inviting dining room features comfortable booth seating, polished wood accents, a casual bar area, and a lively sidewalk patio that fills up quickly in the warmer months. Long celebrated for bridging traditional Italian-Canadian comfort with modern dining habits, it draws a loyal mix of family gatherings, casual date nights, and neighbourhood regulars.

Il Fornello Restaurant Menu & What to Order The kitchen balances classic blistered pizzas and hearty pasta bowls with one of the most comprehensive dedicated plant-based Italian menus in the city. Crowd-pleasers include the crispy Calamari Fritti, the vibrant Avocado Cashew Caesar, and the rich Pappardelle Salsiccia loaded with savory Italian sausage. Pizza devotees should head straight for the spicy Pizza Diavola or the plant-based sausage pie, while the house tiramisu paired with an Italian red or Aperol spritz wraps up the meal on a high note.

Know Before You Go Reservations are available online and recommended for peak Friday and Saturday evenings or weekend brunch, though weeknight walk-ins are usually accommodated with minimal wait times. The restaurant is situated less than a five-minute walk from Pape Station on Line 2, with Green P meter parking readily available along Danforth Avenue. Note that the room opens for dinner only Monday through Wednesday, with all-day lunch and brunch service starting at noon Thursday through Sunday.