City's most internationally acclaimed restaurant among the first Canadian locations to earn a coveted star.
By: Lisa Naccarato
Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto at Westin Harbour Castle Hotel (photo: AFrame Studios)
Toronto is celebrating its new place in the world-famous MICHELIN restaurant guide. “For the first time in its history, the MICHELIN Guide has landed in Canada,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides. “This selection for Canada's largest city, and our first in the country, represents the local flavors, international inspiration, and distinct creativity that makes Toronto’s dining scene world-class.”
Among the 13 outstanding restaurants to earn Canada's first MICHELIN stars, is Don Alfonso 1890, in its new home at the top of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.
Under the leadership of Executive chef, Daniele Corona, Don Alfonso Toronto showcases the MICHELIN-starred legacy of chefs Alfonso Iaccarino and his son, Ernesto Iaccarino in Sorrento, Italy.
“The history and legacy of Don Alfonso itself — and everything we have worked so hard to achieve, since the very beginning at home. Making our guests happy, exceeding expectations…that is what we do and are committed to doing in all Don Alfonso locations,” said Alfonso Iaccarino.
After training for years under both Iaccarinos, Chef Corona moved from the Amalfi Coast to execute the award-winning details of the original restaurant’s cuisine, and now proudly continues the award-winning legacy with one MICHELIN star for Don Alfonso Toronto.
Don Alfonso Executive Chef Danele Corona. (Photo: A Frame Studios/Liberty Entertainment Group)
“This award confirms that Don Alfonso Toronto is truly on the world stage, standing side by side with the best restaurants and chefs in the world,” said Nick Di Donato, president and CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group. “We’re honoured to follow the footsteps of the Iaccarinos, and proud of Chef Corona, his kitchen and the entire Toronto team for this achievement, which further bolsters our reputation as a global destination for food and cuisine.”
Don Alfonso’s menu is characterized by its modernity and Mediterranean flare showcasing the renowned cuisine of Chef Iaccarino 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 a one-of-a-kind vessel, selected specifically to highlight the food’s characteristics and stunning presentation.
Under the direction of sommeliers James Peden and Julie Garton, the delicate flavors of the Mediterranean-influenced cuisine are paired with curated wines from the restaurant’s renowned collection.
The newly designed space with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, further heightens the dining experience. Globally recognized by the prestigious design-et-al’s International Hotel and Property Awards for Don Alfonso 1890, Liberty Group’s VP and creative director, Nadia Di Donato uses the city as a backdrop to evoke a sense of style and modernity that act as a canvas for the exceptional cuisine.
Since opening in 2018, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto has been recognized with multiple national and international awards and honours, including most recently named Best Italian Restaurant in the World (outside of Italy) and Best Meal, by 50 Top Italy.