If you look at Toronto’s biggest restaurant names, most have carved out a particular corner of the city. Jonathan Poon has built his restaurants around Ossington, while Grant van Gameren has become synonymous with some of the city’s coolest west-end spots. Then there’s Janet Zuccarini, who has taken a very different approach.
The founder and CEO of Gusto 54 Hospitality Group has spent the past three decades building restaurants across Toronto, from Yorkville to Little Italy, Queen West to King West. What started with a single yellow house in Yorkville has grown into a collection of restaurants that spans the city — and shows no signs of staying in one lane.
Here’s how Janet Zuccarini and Gusto 54 built an empire across Toronto, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
1. Yorkville: Trattoria Nervosa
Classic Italian + rooftop patio
Opened in 1996 as Café Nervosa, this iconic yellow house on the corner of Yorkville and Bellair is where it all began. Zuccarini bought the building after saving for ten years, creating the foundation that allowed her to take bigger risks. Today, it’s a 30-year staple famous for high-end Italian comfort food, its rooftop patio, and high-profile diners like Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, and Jamie Foxx.
2. King West: Gusto 101
Modern southern Italian in a restored garage
Back in 2012, Zuccarini took a chance on King West before it became the nightlife hub it is today, transforming a 1950s auto body shop on Portland Street into Gusto 101. Known for its wood-fired cooking, all-season rooftop patio and famous $1-a-ounce house wine, it remains one of the area’s busiest gathering spots.
3. King West: Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Michelin-Recommended Caribbean destination
Just steps from Gusto 101 on King Street West, Chubby’s brings vibrant Caribbean energy to a restored heritage building. Helmed by chef Dadrian Coke, the menu showcases island flavours, from jerk chicken and slow-braised oxtail to rum cocktails, all served in a music-filled setting.
4. Corktown: Gusto 501
Four-story architectural dining theatre
Expanding into historic Corktown, Gusto 54 partnered with award-winning architecture firm Partisans to create Gusto 501. The space features glowing terracotta walls and a four-storey glass façade that opens onto multi-level dining, blending modern design with classic Italian cooking.
5. Ossington: Azhar Kitchen & Bar
Fire-cooked Levant + Eastern Mediterranean
Sitting right on Toronto’s trendiest strip, Azhar anchors Ossington with fire-cooked Eastern Mediterranean dishes. The open-flame kitchen turns out shareable mezze, wood-grilled proteins and curated wines inspired by the Levant.
6. East Toronto: Café ZUZU Pizzeria
Cozy East End pizzeria and Italian café
Bringing Italian comfort food to the east end, Café ZUZU is a neighbourhood hangout serving artisanal pizzas, fresh pastas and killer espresso. It’s designed as a warm gathering spot for locals and families alike.
7. Entertainment District: Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Cult-favourite Northern Thai landmark
A collaboration with owners chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, the original Pai on Duncan Street is a Michelin Guide–recommended destination for Northern Thai cuisine. Serving authentic Chiang Mai curries and street food, it’s routinely named one of the most popular restaurants in the entire city and a celeb-magnet.
8. Yonge & Eglinton: Pai Northern Thai Uptown
Midtown regional Thai spot
Bringing chef Nuit Regular’s celebrated dishes north, Pai Uptown gives midtown residents access to the same authentic Northern Thai flavours in a modern, welcoming neighbourhood space — and just like it’s predecessor, celebrities flock to the establishment for the vibe and the food.
9. King West: Kiin
Elegant royal Thai fine dining
Also in partnership with chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, Kiin elevates Thai dining on King West through tasting menus inspired by historic Thai palace recipes and regional traditions.
10. Financial District: Chaiyo by PAI
Fast-casual Thai street food
Located inside the Table Fare + Social food hall at CIBC Square near Union Station, Chaiyo offers quick-service versions of chef Nuit’s signature street food favourites for the downtown work crowd.
11. Entertainment District: Tha Phae Tavern
The Vibe: Late-night Thai cocktail and karaoke bar
Situated on Richmond Street West, this Chiang Mai-inspired lounge features creative cocktails, late-night Thai snacks, private karaoke rooms and even claw machines, giving the Entertainment District a late-night escape.
