The Durham Region has become quite a hotspot for Italian cuisine lately, and we’re here to share our favourite spots in Ajax and Pickering. Whether you’re craving authentic pasta, wood-fired pizza, or some cozy comfort food, these Italian restaurants have really raised the bar. From casual family spots to Pickering fine dining, there’s something for every mood and budget.
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Let’s dive into the details about Amici, a Pickering gem that delivers unforgettable Italian dining experiences. From fresh pasta to authentic Neapolitan pizza, here’s why it’s a must-visit.
Amici: Modern Italian That Hits Different
📍 Restaurant Card:
- Address: 1305 Pickering Pkwy, Pickering, ON L1V 3P2
- Phone: (905) 492-6363
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 4pm-10pm
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Website: amicipickering.com
- Known For: Authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta
- Good For: Family dinners, date nights, special occasions
- Atmosphere: Modern, upscale casual
When it comes to finding an Italian restaurant in Pickering that perfectly balances traditional flavours with modern flair, Amici stands out from the crowd. Located in a busy part of Pickering Parkway, this place has really mastered the art of making everyone feel special. Their Neapolitan pizzas are seriously authentic – they use San Marzano tomatoes, which might sound fancy but trust us, you can taste the difference in every bite.
The pasta menu here is incredible – definitely try their Ravioli di Aragosta (that’s lobster ravioli for those of us who don’t speak Italian). It comes in this amazing butternut squash cream sauce that’ll make you want to ask for extra bread to soak up every last drop. The Fettuccine Pistachio with grilled chicken is another standout – it’s different from what you’d expect but in the best possible way.
Casa Verde Ristorante: Where History Meets Great Food
📍 Restaurant Card:
- Address: 49 Old Kingston Rd, Ajax, Ontario L1T 3A5
- Phone: (905) 428-6243
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Price Range: $$$
- Known For: Classic Italian dishes, intimate atmosphere
- Good For: Date nights, special occasions, intimate dinners
- Atmosphere: Historic, romantic, traditional
- Parking: Free lot parking
Among restaurants in Pickering Village, Casa Verde stands out as something really special. This Italian restaurant in Ajax, Ontario, is housed in a historic building with an amazing story – it used to be a rum runner’s hideout and later became the area’s first hospital. Casa Verde Restaurant has been serving up authentic Italian dishes since 1991, and they’ve only gotten better with time.
The Casa Verde Ristorante menu is a love letter to traditional Italian cooking. While it might be a bit pricier than some other spots ($32-47 for mains), the quality and portion sizes make it worth every penny. Their Linguine alla Pescatora is loaded with fresh seafood, and the veal dishes are some of the best you’ll find in the Durham Region. The Carpaccio starter is a must-try – it’s paper-thin sliced beef that practically melts in your mouth.
Il Fornello Ajax: Modern Vibes and Plant-Based Options
📍 Restaurant Card:
- Address: 95 Kingston Road East, Ajax
- Phone: (905) 427-1110
- Hours: Mon-Tue 4pm-9:30pm, Wed-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-8:30pm
- Price Range: $$
- Website: ilfornello.com
- Known For: Wood-fired pizza, plant-based options
- Good For: Group dining, casual meals, vegans/vegetarians
- Atmosphere: Contemporary, casual chic
- Features: Private dining rooms, catering, takeout program
As far as Italian restaurant Ajax spots go, Il Fornello is really shaking things up. They’re doing something pretty cool by offering a full plant-based menu right alongside their traditional Italian dishes. The wood-fired pizzas here are amazing – you’ve got to try the Fig Pizza with mascarpone, prosciutto, and honey. It’s different from your usual pizza, but trust us, it works.
What makes this place special is how they’ve managed to keep the authentic Italian flavours while creating something for everyone. Their ILFO TO GO program is genius – you can grab restaurant-quality meals to heat up at home. The private dining spaces are perfect for bigger groups, and they’ve even got wine pairings that won’t break the bank. Don’t miss their Butternut Squash Ravioli – it’s become a local favourite for a good reason.
Pizza Pino: Comfort Food Heaven
📍 Restaurant Card:
- Address: Ajax (exact address on website)
- Phone: (905) 683-4946
- Hours: Mon 4-8pm, Tue-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm
- Price Range: $
- Website: pizzapino.ca
- Known For: Loaded pizzas, wings
- Good For: Casual dining, takeout, families
- Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly
- Features: Online ordering, delivery available
When you’re looking for Pickering restaurants that feel like home, Pizza Pino hits the spot perfectly. This family-owned place has been winning hearts with their loaded pizzas and super-friendly service. The Pino’s Pesto Pizza is something special – it’s got this amazing combination of grilled chicken, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers that just works.
Their menu goes beyond just pizza, though. The homemade lasagna tastes like someone’s Italian grandma made it (in the best way possible!), and their wing combos are perfect for game nights. What’s really cool is their build-your-own pizza option – you can get creative with toppings, and they’re always happy to make it just how you like it.
What Makes These Places Special
Each of these restaurants offers something unique to the Ajax and Pickering food scene. Among the restaurants in Pickering, you’ve got Amici bringing that modern twist to traditional dishes. Casa Verde in Pickering keeps the authentic Italian dining experience alive in their historic building. Il Fornello shows how Italian food can be innovative and inclusive, while Pizza Pino proves that great Italian food doesn’t have to be fancy to be delicious.
Cool Facts About Ajax’s Italian Scene
- Did you know Casa Verde’s building has hosted everything from rum runners to the area’s first hospital?
- Il Fornello was one of the pioneers in bringing plant-based Italian options to Durham Region.
- Pizza Pino’s famous Spivak Special pizza was actually created by a regular customer.
- Most of these places try to source ingredients locally when possible.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
- Casa Verde books up fast for weekends – call at least a week ahead.
- Try Il Fornello’s lunch menu (Wed-Sun) for better prices and a quieter atmosphere.
- Pizza Pino’s Friday rush starts around 5 PM – order early to avoid the wait.
- Amici’s outdoor seating in summer is lovely but fills up quickly.
Whether you’re planning a special date night or family dinner or just craving some really good pizza, these spots have got you covered. Each place brings its own special touch to Italian cuisine, and they’re all worth trying for different occasions.
And hey, one last tip – all these places get pretty busy on weekends, so it’s smart to make reservations where possible. Don’t be afraid to try something new on the menu – these chefs really know what they’re doing, and you might just discover your new favourite dish.