What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Donatello Restaurant
Review
About
We are thrilled to have you back! Please reserve your spot on our nice Patio and In Door Dinning ! Hidden among the romantic street lights of ELM street, just off the rush of Yonge and Dundas is a quaint Italian restaurant, Donatello. A family run establishment with an intense focus on providing a high quality fine dining experience. This elegant downtown fine dining restaurant is a treat for fans of authentic Italian cuisine served in a welcoming atmosphere. On warm summer nights, the action at this busy restaurant spills onto a front terrace and romantic rooftop patio.
Features
CUISINES
Italian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Location
Old Toronto
Does this restaurant have tables with seating?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 2:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Thursday
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Friday
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Saturday
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Contribute
4.3
(792)
Excellent
438
Good
228
Average
62
Poor
32
Terrible
32
Mark H
Penrith67 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
We arrived here shortly after arriving into Toronto from the UK, we were tired and hungry. This place was close to our hotel. We sat on the outside tables on the street and soaked up the atmosphere - a Lamborghini drivers poor parking providing some entertainment. The staff were attentive and engaging, the food was delicious and freshly prepared. We arrived late in their service but we weren’t rushed. Decent hospitality, thank you!
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CJTravelerTexas
Texas9276 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Upon the recommendation of the staff at the Marriott at Eaton Centre, who made reservations for us, we had dinner at Donatello, an outstanding Italian restaurant on Elm Street in Toronto. When we arrived - three of us - we were warmly greeted and given an excellent table. The food was delicious and the service friendly and attentive. This was a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kat
Gourock585 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Visited this lovely restaurant several times during our week long stay in Toronto a few times as a couple and once with family .On each occasion the food and the service were great . Ate inside on one occasion when weather was cooler and a chance of rain but on all the other occasions we ate dinner and had drinks outside .
Lovely atmosphere/ambience in this family run restaurant which prides itself on quality .
Had visited this restaurant several years ago when visiting Toronto -on that occasion it was recommended by hotel Concierge .
When we found ourselves back in the city and staying at the Chelsea hotel this time round -we made a bee line for it -just across the road on Elm St .
Will deffinately be back next time we are in the city .
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony B
Leicestershire78 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
Went for a meal yesterday service very slow manager only seems to talk to people that have got young ladies with them. Total has orders as we were old people at the price that they charge. I think they need to get their act together and start looking after all the people and all the guests wouldn’t recommend it if you’re in a rush because it takes so long for them to cook you food which is supposed to be specials.
Written September 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elodie Baudin
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Attention all tourists! I want to share a cautionary message about our recent dining experience at this particular restaurant. The service was extremely overwhelmed and slow, leaving us dissatisfied. Despite arriving before other tables, they were served ahead of us, which was frustrating. Additionally, we ordered the spaghetti seafood dish, but the waiter offered us the special dish of the day without mentioning that it lacked pasta and its price. When the plate arrived, we were disappointed to find a meager portion consisting of only 4 pieces of bread, 5 crabs, and 3 shrimps. Considering the hefty price tag of $45, we felt coerced by the waiter into choosing this dish against our preferences. This behavior was unprofessional and disrespectful. The waiter claimed to have explained the details accurately, disregarding the fact that my brother and I have been bilingual for many years. It was not a mere misunderstanding; he deliberately took advantage of us. Needless to say, I strongly advise against visiting this establishment.
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miho E
Huntington540 contributions
Jun 2022 • friends
It was a busy night for them, on the Wednesday night. The lady who looks like the owner of the restaurant was kind enough to squeeze us (8 people) in to sit down outdoor seating. The waiter was very friendly, trying to do the best he could under the busy circumstances. Two of our members spoke Hungarian, so did our waiter, so nice to ask his opinion to eat Hungarian restaurants in Toronto.
Meanwhile we waited our food for two hours. Good thing was that our friendship and conversation kept entertaining us, so when finally the food came, we cheered! I ordered grilled scallops, shrimps and vegetables. It would have been nicer if they gave a little more food for the price of almost $40, or I was too hungry. The waiter was very nice and gave him 20% tip. Maybe try another night to have a better experience.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mario
Brampton1 contribution
Sep 2021 • friends
Had Dinner at Donatella Thursday evening hoping for an enjoyable evening. I ordered 2 appetizers only one arrived an that was last time we saw our server. After 20 minutes waved down anothet server for refills on drinks an to see if our order had been placed. Should have left when dinner finally came the veal marsala was smothered in a thick heavy sugary sauce difficult to even find the veal an the side of pasta had slid into this sauce totally worse presentation i have ever seen let alone eaten. I had to scrap off the horrible sauce an after 2 bites that was it Fellow companions pasta super salty an dried vegetables sides. The worse dinner ever. Only good items were the bread never again.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OttawaCurler
Ottawa212 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Excellent meal. Service was great. We shared an a starter for 2. Would have liked a bit more cheese and less peppers but it was still very good. The wine list was incredible and the wine I ordered was not available the alternative was equally as good. The special was a salmon with pasta and it was absolute cooked to perfection.
The only complaint would be we were close to the front door and every time it was opened a blast of cold air hit us. A heater near the door might help. Still a great dinner and we will definitely go back.
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • family
Recently celebrated our 45 anniversary..We are Italian restaurant fanatics and have enjoyed many over Toronto and especially WOODBRIDGE Ontario
known for great Italian restaurants..
The food,atmosphere,service and hospitality are second to none in Ontario.
Thank you for making our night so special...John&Viv
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellingbene
19 contributions
Aug 2022 • couples
I just live going to this restaurant. Hidden away on Elm St it’s truly a gem. I usually find parking on the street but there’s paid underground parking across the street.
The food is amazing and I my favourite is the lamb chops. I sometimes try the new specials which the chef often creates.
I suggest you reserve the second floor outdoor terrace. The patio a dining room is also nice.
It has a large wine list.
The service is great and I often take the waiters recommendations.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bubeets
Toronto50 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Four of us had the pleasure of dining indoors at Donatello's. The wait staff were most welcoming, friendly and humorous. Food and drinks arrived promptly without feeling rushed. The eggplant appetizer and sea bass entree specials were sumptuous. The tortellini and vitello piccata are highly recommended. We will definitely return at our first opportunity.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna S
Langhorne456 contributions
Jun 2022 • friends
We were recommended this restaurant from our Marriott Hotel : which was about 7 minutes away. There is our side dining (with heaters) and lovely indoor dining that we choose.
We had Vince as our server. He was funny: , knew menu and efficient !
Our selections were all very tasty: sea bass (a special of the night) chicken in vodka sauce, and scallops.
Atmosphere was lively but not loud.
Definitely a wise choice!
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelynne G
Melbourne835 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Two of us went fo dinner and were warmly greeted by staff. Apart from the regular menu there were many specials. We chose to share an eggplant and mozzarella wrap baked. Delicious. Also shared a Tomato Mozzarella and Basil salad which was different but delicious. For Main course we shared a Veal Chop with Pasta and Tomato Sauce. The Pasta which I requested to be Gluten free was absolutely wonderful and authentic. The Veal Chop was a little disappointing as it was very fatty and not tender
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian Mccullagh
4 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
My wife Catriona and daughter Jane joined me tonight in this restaurant for dinner and it was delicious. The food was fabulous and Vince our waiter was great. We have been travelling for two weeks through California, Vancouver and now Toronto and this was our best meal yet. Highly recommend anyone visiting Toronto who likes Italian food to visit this restaurant. Top marks.
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin W
Longueuil29 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
This restaurant had amazing food with amazing service to back it up. The venue is like in an old brownstone house, very cozy. The waiter we had was fun and very knowledgeable about the food and wine. The owner came to see us before we left to check how we were. We were very good’
Written December 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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