Name: The Taste of Little Italy
Start: 2026-06-12
End: 2026-06-14
Location: College St.

Events Description

An opportunity to capture and explore the tastes and sounds of Italy and more right in the middle of Toronto as College Street transforms into a classic Italian piazza.

All weekend you’ll have a chance to taste classic italian food, fuzion restaurants, wine and cocktails on extended patios, authentic Spiducci and more while taking in performances from international and local artists as you explore the authentic culture of Italy on College Street. College St. is much more than just Italian as it has grown to a epic food and drink centre in Toronto with a variety of cultural cuisine, fuzion recipes and speciality cocktail focuses.

From restaurants and street vendors to the myriad of free tastings and samples, you won’t leave unsatisfied. Just make sure to come on an empty stomach — it’s the only way you can properly enjoy all the classics — like authentic Italian pasta, wood-fired pizza, and tradition and non-traditional flavours of gelato. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you won’t be disappointed, as the festival is known for it’s diverse and multicultural food options.

The massive weekend festival will transform the heart of Little Italy into a bustling street festival. Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Little Italy on College St. in Toronto, Ontario. Enjoy live music on multiple street corners and on the main stage, extended patios, multicultural vendors, amazing food, and carnival rides.

From street-side snacks to sit-in meals, College Street favourites are stepping outside their doors with signature dishes, featured cocktails, special collaborations, and festival-only offerings. This year, Radici, Naari Thai BBQ, Ficoa, Tondou, Bar Allegro, Bar Pompette, and Suite 115 are all celebrating the festival each with their own personalized twist.

Who is it for?
all-ages

WHEN & WHERE

Date & Time:

Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026

Friday | 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Saturday | 11:00 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Radici Project
IG. @radici_project
📍588 College Street
Where Italy and Japan meet in Toronto, Radici Project is bringing a festival‑ready Taste of Little Italy activation designed for easy street‑side enjoyment. All weekend long, they’re serving an exclusive festival‑only menu featuring their classic Pizza Pocket and beer combo, plus the choice of a Beef Genovese Gyudon‑style pocket or a comforting Eggplant Parmigiana pocket.
For the weekend, Radici Project is dedicating their entire service to the festival, offering their full Taste of Little Italy menu through the activation only. Everything is available while supplies last, so guests should stop by during festival hours to get a taste before it’s gone.

Radici Project Taste of Little Italy Menu:
Pizza Pocket
Beef Genovese Gyudon-Style OR Eggplant Parmigiana
Pizza Pocket + Beer Combo
Selection of Beers

Hours of Operation:
Friday, June 12: 3:00pm – late (until sold out)
Saturday, June 13: 11:00am – late (until sold out)
Sunday, June 14: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai
📍501 College St
Naari Thai BBQ is going all in for this year’s festival and is an absolute must for festival-goers looking to enjoy a decadent meal with the bold flavours of Thailand. From 12–3pm, guests can enjoy a three‑course lunch for $35, while the $45 dinner menu runs from 4–10pm. Dishes include their aromatic BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay served with a turmeric, soy, and tamarind dipping sauce, a classic Pad Thai, and the standout Scallop Paan, a refined bite of charcoal‑seared chilled sea scallop with Thai bird chilies and betel leaf.
To elevate the experience even further, Naari Thai is featuring three festival cocktails: the Tamarind Honeycomb, a silky blend of Toki Whisky, tamarind purée, and honeycomb; the Lychee Coconut, a bright and creamy mix of vodka, lychee syrup, and coconut milk; and the Mango Chipotle, with Reposado tequila, mango, chipotle, chili, and lime.

Ficoa
IG. @ficoa.to
📍585 College St
Built on a passion for neo-Latin cuisine and the belief that food brings us together, Ficoa is ready to celebrate Taste of Little Italy. Running for all three days, Ficoa is serving a sophisticated and flavour-packed featured menu that highlights the vibrant dishes at the heart of their cooking. Enjoy fresh ceviche, indulge in oysters or share their chicharrón and guac duo, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Raise a glass to the weekend with one of their featured cocktails. Lean into the Italian spirit with a classic Aperol Spritz, or embrace Ficoa’s signature style with their fan‑favourite margarita. It’s the perfect stop for anyone craving bold flavours, good company, and that unmistakable festival energy.

Hours of Operation:
Friday, June 12: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Ficoa Taste of Little Italy Menu and Cocktails:
Ceviche $12.00
Fresh ceviche with classic pico, sweet potato purée, and a trio of chips, tortilla, plantain, and taro for texture in every bite.
Chicharrón & Guac $15.00
Creamy guacamole topped with crispy chicharrón. Rich, crunchy, and full of the bold flavours that define Latin American cooking.
Oyster $20.00
Fresh oysters shucked in-house, served with a classic mignonette and salsa picante for a touch of heat. (half dozen)

Cocktails:
Aperol Spritz $12.00
A refreshing Italian classic featuring Aperol, sparkling wine, and soda, served over ice with a fresh orange garnish. Bright, citrus-forward, and perfect for summer patio dining during Taste of Little Italy.
Michelada $12.00
A bold and savoury beer cocktail prepared with fresh lime juice, house seasoning, and signature spices, delivering a refreshing balance of citrus, spice, and umami flavours.
Margarita $12.00
Ficoa’s famous traditional margarita, combining tequila, fresh lime juice, and citrus notes for a refreshing and festive summer cocktail experience.
Corona Beer

Tondou
IG. @tondoutoronto
📍596 College St
A beloved neighbourhood spot known for its soulful broths and comforting Japanese flavours, Tondou Ramen is joining Taste of Little Italy with a simple but standout festival feature. Their Karaage Bō featuring crispy fried chicken skewers is the star of the weekend at just $10, offering the perfect savoury bite between festival stops.

Open all three days of the festival, Tondou is also offering their full appetizer selection and regular menu for dine‑in, giving guests the option to enjoy a quick snack or settle in for a comforting bowl of ramen. Whether guests are craving something light and crispy or a classic ramen fix, Tondou is a reliable stop to recharge and savour Japanese comfort food in the middle of the festival buzz.

Tondou Taste of Little Italy Menu:
Karaage Bō $10.00

Bar Allegro
IG. @barallegro_to
📍597 College St
In front of Bar Allegro, a Campari‑partnered stand will be pouring bold, bittersweet Negroni Spritzes, bringing a touch of modern aperitivo culture to the festival. Known for its relaxed, European‑inspired approach to cocktails and wine, Bar Allegro is extending that easygoing spirit onto College Street for the weekend. Guests can grab a spritz and keep the festival energy moving as they make their way through Taste of Little Italy.

Bar Allegro Taste of Little Italy Menu:
Negroni Spritz

Bar Pompette
IG. @barpompette_to
📍607 College St
Right outside Bar Pompette, guests will find a dedicated Aperol stand serving refreshing Aperol Spritzes to go, the perfect sip before heading back into the Taste of Little Italy crowds. Recently named No. 2 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars 2026, and No. 8 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, Bar Pompette continues to be one of the city’s most celebrated hot spots. For anyone looking to take a breather from the festival, the bar’s walk‑ins‑only patio offers a welcome break from the action, with a shaded place to sip, snack, and reset between stops.

Bar Pompette Taste of Little Italy Menu:
Aperol Spritz

Suite 115
IG. @suite115.to
📍532 College St
Award winning Suite 115, Ranked No. 74 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended list and No. 13 on Canada’s Best 100 Bars 2026, is joining in for Taste of Little Italy, bringing their signature speakeasy inspired atmosphere to the festival. Throughout the weekend. Suite 115 will run a simple outdoor menu featuring cold beers and light snacks, while keeping its full cocktail list and regular walk-in service available inside for guests looking for the complete experience. Outside, guests will find two tents: one for easy grab‑and‑go orders, and a second tent designed as a relaxed space to recharge, and enjoy a breather from the busy street.

Hours of Operation:
Friday: 3:00pm – 1:00am
Saturday: 12:30pm – 1:00am
Sunday: 12:30pm – 10:00 pm

Venue: College Street West, between Shaw Street and Bathurst Street
(Or if need an address use 662 College Street West, Toronto, ON)

College Street will be closed to traffic from Bathurst Street to Shaw Street for the 2026 Taste of Little Italy Festival. The closure begins Friday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m. and ends Monday, June 15 at 3:00 a.m. No parking or driving will be allowed on College Street during this period.

During the festival, the 506 TTC route will not run on College Street, and nearby side streets will become temporary two-way streets with no College access, regardless of posted signage.

Street Parking, Paid Parking
Public transport accessible