Bistro 1888 at The Imperial Toronto: La Dolce Vita in the Heart of the City
Tucked within the opulent walls of a former 19th-century church in Forest Hill, Bistro 1888 is more than a restaurant, it’s a celebration of la dolce vita: the sweet life, lived beautifully. Located inside The Imperial Toronto, this intimate culinary gem captures the romance of old-world Italian elegance while embracing the glamour and indulgence of modern luxury.
Set beneath soaring cathedral ceilings and bathed in the glow of restored stained-glass windows, Bistro 1888 is a sensory experience. Rich velvet drapery, polished gold accents, and heritage stonework evoke a time when life moved a little slower, when long lunches turned into late dinners and every meal was a reason to toast.
Named in homage to the year the building first came to life, Bistro 1888 invites guests to savour more than just exceptional food. It invites them to linger. To live. To lose track of time in the best way possible.
The menu, crafted by a handpicked team of culinary artisans, pays tribute to classic Italian flavours while introducing refined, contemporary twists. From hand-rolled pastas to seasonal plates designed for sharing, every dish speaks to a deep love of tradition, reimagined for today. Think candlelit tables, Negronis stirred just right, and wine that tastes like the Italian countryside.
At the heart of it all is Founder, Rino Perruzza, the creative force behind The Imperial. Equal parts host, designer, and visionary, Rino brings a rare blend of instinct and intention to every detail. His signature is subtle but unmistakable: a perfectly chosen scent in the air, a playlist that matches the mood, a layout that feels both grand and intimate.
For Rino, The Imperial isn’t just a venue, it’s a lifestyle. “We wanted to create a place where every visit feels like a little escape. A reminder to enjoy, indulge, and celebrate, just like they do in Italy.”
Bistro 1888 is more than a restaurant. It’s a love letter to the past, dressed in the glamour of today. A slice of la dolce vita in the heart of Toronto, waiting to be discovered.
