Toronto’s dining scene is starting the year strong, and one of the most talked-about openings comes from a familiar name. Michelin-recommended restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan — the force behind Lucie, The Carbon Bar, and The Carbon Snack Bar — is turning his attention to Italian cuisine with the opening of Notte, a new restaurant landing on Church Street this January.
Notte marks the next chapter for the space formerly home to Amano Trattoria and Bar Notte, but this isn’t just a refresh — it’s a full evolution. The concept has been reimagined from the ground up to reflect how people actually want to dine right now: relaxed, social, indulgent, and unhurried.
“Amano was always a place people loved,” says co-owner Adam Teolis, “but we saw an opportunity to let it grow into something more aligned with how guests want to experience a night out — elevated, but not intimidating.”
Chef Michael Angeloni (Photo: Courtesy)
A more relaxed take on Italian nights
Where Amano leaned into a more formal trattoria experience, Notte is designed to feel effortless. Think happy hour that flows seamlessly into dinner, conversations that stretch longer than expected, and a room that hums with energy as the night unfolds.
Chef and co-owner Michael Angeloni — whose résumé includes Amano Trattoria and Berczy Tavern — remains at the helm of the kitchen, ensuring continuity in quality while shifting the overall mood.
“Notte reflects how people want to spend their evenings,” Angeloni explains. “You come in for a drink, order a few things to share, and suddenly you’re staying for dinner. The food is comforting and indulgent, but the atmosphere stays relaxed.”
In true Italian fashion, there’s no pressure to rush. Notte embraces the idea that a great meal isn’t just about what’s on the table — it’s about the company, the conversation, and letting the night unfold naturally.
Photo: Courtesy
The menu: indulgent, shareable, unapologetically Italian
Notte’s menu pulls inspiration from across Italy, blending regional classics with a modern Toronto sensibility. Expect Roman-style pizzas, handmade pastas, and a full salumi bar, alongside generous share plates meant for the centre of the table.
One standout designed for sharing? A 12 oz. bone-in veal parmesan — rich, comforting, and unapologetically indulgent.
The beverage program is equally considered. Guests can explore an extensive amaro selection, a well-curated wine list, and a cocktail menu rooted in refined classics — the kind of drinks that encourage ordering “just one more.”
Photo: Courtesy
A new go-to for nights that linger
With Notte, Bigourdan and his team are betting on something simple but powerful: creating a space people want to return to often. No strict seating limits. No pressure to wrap things up. Just good food, great drinks, and an atmosphere that makes staying longer feel natural. King St or Ossington not your vibe? Well then this might be the answer.
Notte officially opens this Saturday, January 10 at 9 Church Street, adding another strong player to Toronto’s ever-evolving Italian dining landscape — and a new late-night favourite for those who like their dinners long and their nights even longer.
The 411: Notte (Restaurant) on Church St
Photo: Courtesy
Address: 9 Church Street, Toronto
Neighbourhood: Church Street corridor
Opening: January 10, 2026
Cuisine: Italian
Chef: Michael Angelioni
Reservations: Recommended via Opentable
The concept: A relaxed, late-night Italian restaurant from Michelin-recommended Toronto restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan, designed for lingering dinners, sharing plates, and nights that unfold without a clock.
What’s on the menu: Roman-style pizzas, handmade pastas, a full salumi bar, and generous share plates, including a standout 12 oz. bone-in veal parmesan.
The drinks: Refined classic cocktails, an extensive amaro selection, and a thoughtfully curated wine list built for ordering “one more.”
Crowd: Couples, groups of friends, industry regulars, and anyone who prefers long dinners over early exits.
Good to know: No rushed seating limits — Notte leans into a traditional Italian dining philosophy where the food, company, and conversation are equally important.
The VIBE: Elevated but approachable. Social, conversational, and lively — the kind of place you stop into for a drink and end up staying all night.
According to Google Maps (although unconfirmed), the neighbouring space that use to be Bar Notte is soon to launch as Pasta Privato. So stay tuned for details, and don’t forget to join our Instagram TO Scoop channel for all the latest updates.
Dining and Cooking