Corso Italia is a snug little area in Toronto that is dedicated to Italian businesses, cuisine, and culture. Not to be confused with Toronto's Little Italy, this is a smaller version but offers just as much in the way of Italian living.

Toronto's Corso Italia is located along St Clair West between Westmount Ave and Lansdowne Ave. It is a bumping little neighbourhood with a vibrant Italian atmosphere. Corso Italia is slightly west from the centre of downtown Toronto, but easily accessible by car or using Toronto's public transit (TTC). 

History 

The history of Corso Italia is a simpler tale; this strip of neighbourhood is the left half of an older area previously known as Earlscourt. Earlscourt was built in the early 1900s and would soon become part of the City of Toronto. 

It wasn't until the 1950s that Italian immigrants slowly started to move toward this region. Some even travelling down from the other Italian neighbourhood, Little Italy. 

So naturally the culture in Corso Italia is very European; the shops, restaurants, markets, and cafes are designed in the manner of Italy. You get a real sense of community from the residents, which are mostly of Italian descent. 

But there are also huge numbers of Portuguese and Latin Americans moving into this Toronto neighbourhood. Regardless where they originated from, Corso Italia quickly becomes home for all the residents.

Since the area is generally more Italian, it is no surprise that most restaurants in Corso Italia serve delicious Italian cuisine, more Latin American and Portuguese restaurants have popped up over the year though. 

Bistros, pizza parlors, Italian fine dining, and lighter meal cafes are just some of the restaurant varieties offered in Corso Italia. Let's not forget the amazing gelateries as well!

Let's not forget the fresh food markets, grocers, bakeries, and butchers that are available in Corso Italia. The owners and workers of these places know their talents directly from Italy or from their family members. Traditions are passed down through generations here. Visit any of these places and transport yourself to the village in Italy.

Corso Italia is also well known for its shopping. Find all the latest in European fashion at any of the clothing stores. There is also barbers, schools, jewellery stores, laundry cleaners, electronic stores, convenient stores, and anything else the community might need.

The Corso Italia Business Improvement Area (BIA) has helped to support all the businesses owners in this area.  Since 1983, this organization comprised of local Corso Italia residents, has been the backbone of old and new businesses. 

The Corso Italia Business Improvement Area is there to maintain standards and solidify the sense of community. You can learn more about  this BIA at their website, www.torontocorsoitalia.com.

The nightlife in Toronto's Corso Italia is a little lighter then some neighbourhoods, but you can still find a couple clubs as well as bars and pubs in the area. People often head east towards downtown Toronto as well, as Corso Italia is relatively close to Toronto's Entertainment District.

But who needs to party at night when Corso Italia has some great annual festivals! The biggest one has to be the Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta that happens every July. 

This is a time when the whole community shows it stuff through food, music, dancing, and other entertainment. It pulls in a huge number of tourists, local and international, every year. Come and join in the festivities this year and experience Italy like never before.

Real estate is popular in Corso Italia, there is also a main real estate company located in the neighbourhood. For purchasing or leasing business spaces, you can get help with that through the Corso Italia Business Improvement Area website.

Renting is also popular within this Toronto neighbourhood. Apartments, condominiums, and homes are available for rent along and in the surrounding area of Corso Italia. 

Depending on the size, specific location, and number of rooms, it can be as low as $750/month and as high as $4000/month. Search through Totally Toronto for more information on real estate and renting.

To add to the sense of community, the area offers much in the way of services. There is also a main community centre, Casa Do Benfica, who provide games, activities, and much more to the residents of Corso Italia. There is also a couple of churches available, they are geared more towards the Roman Catholic faith, offering services in both Italian and English.  

 

Stepping into Toronto's Corso Italia is like visiting Italy. The authentic cuisine, European fashions, Italian music, and related businesses might be geared towards Italians but everyone is welcome here. 

Corso Italia has some of the best hospitality in all of Toronto, so come experience it first hand! Find out more on this great Toronto neighbourhood through Totally Toronto.