
— Internationally acclaimed restaurant only Canadian destination named in top three
as leading dining destination in Canada –
Toronto, ON. Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto – the award-winning,Michelin-starred contemporary Italian fine dining destinationlocated on the 38th floor of Toronto’s celebrated Westin Harbour Castle Hotel at 1 Harbour Square – is once again honoured to announce that it has been named in the top three in the world, in the Best Italian Restaurant in the World 2024 — I Migliori Ristoranti Italiani Nel Mondo 2024 – given by the prestigious 50 Top Italy.
Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto’s chef de cuisine, Davide Ciavattellaand Liberty Entertainment Group’s president and CEO, Nick Di Donato were honoured at a high profile ceremony Gran Galàdella Cucina Italiana – the “Gran Gala of Italian Cuisine” by 50 Top Italy — held at the Teatro San Babila in Milano earlier this week. The event once again celebrated all the hard work involved in creating the annual online guide, which provides information regarding the best of the Made in Italy brand, both within and outside of Italy.
Ne plus ultra
A true global mapping of quality Italian restaurants in the world, 50 Top Italy recognizes the best restaurants, both inside and outside the country’s borders. Each year, more than 350 inspectors travel the world, respecting anonymity and autonomy to compile the influential list. Liberty Entertainment Group’s restaurant was named in the top three, following Il Carpaccio in Paris, France, and Gucci Osteria Tokyo in Japan. Don Alfonso was the only Canadian restaurant to be recognized in the top ten on the world stage.
“This prestigious award is truly the greatest accolade we could receive,” said Mr. Di Donato. To be named in the top three restaurants on the world stage is not only a supreme honour for us, but it is also a testament to the city of Toronto and its maturing dining scene to be recognized as best in class on the international stage.
“We are immensely proud to again be acknowledged and are proud of Chef Ciavattella and his team for their continued commitment to offering an unparalleled, fine-dining experience and destination for our guests.”
Added Chef Ciavattella, “Our many achievements at Don Alfonso continue to fuel my passion and desire to create theconsummate dining experience — and my team and I are eager to continue the tradition of our mentors at Don Alfonso in Amalfi, on our quest for excellence in the next year. We are overjoyed to represent the absolute best of Canada on the international culinary stage.”
According to 50 Top Italy, “…The Don Alfonso of Toronto, a constant presence in our guide, continues to stand out as an Italian point of reference in the suggestive Canadian location. The management of the Iaccarino family has undertaken a path of change with the new chef Davide Ciavattella, without distorting the original concept but introducing a touch of novelty. Breathtaking views of the skyline and Toronto harbor add allure to a dining experience that blends the chefs’ culinary roots with local influences. Pasta and vegetables emerge as strong points, flanked by innovative meat processing, as in the case of the suggestive Bison wrapped in chard with green sauce, buffalo mozzarella and a particular San Marzano reduction red chilli.”
Memorably Michelin and more
Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto’s cuisine is characterized by its modernity, Mediterranean flare and the exceptional quality ofthe raw and locally sourced ingredients used, showcasing the renowned cuisine of Chef Ernesto Iaccarino at Don Alfonso 1890 and the fresh flavors of the Amalfi coast. The Michelin style is reflected in the eight-course tasting menu of uniquely crafted dishes; each dish is created with expert precision using the finest quality ingredients available and plated on one-of-a-kind vessels selected specifically to highlight the food’s characteristics in a stunning presentation. All dishes are perfectly paired with the finest curated wines from the restaurant’s renowned cellar.
Another unforgettable year in review
Marking the end of the restaurant’s best year ever, Don Alfonso 1890 has seen unprecedented success and earned five-star reviews and unmatched global recognition, including its Michelin star for a second year. Since first opening in 2018, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto has been lauded with multiple honours including Best Italian Restaurant outside of Italy – Prosecco DOC Award 2022 – 50 Top Italy, Meal of the Year 2022 Mulino – Caputo Award, for its multi-course prix fixe tasting menu – 50 Top Italy, Best New Restaurant in the World & Tre Forchette (3 Forks) – Gambero Rosso, Best Italian Restaurant in Canada & Top Ten of All Restaurants in Canada – La Liste, International Hotel and Property Awards – Restaurant Design Global,Distinguished Restaurants of North America – DiRoNA, Top 100 Restaurants in Canada – OpenTable, Best of Award of Excellence – Wine Spectator, and Best Restaurants in Canada – Canada’s 100 Best, among others.